Page 58 of Until He Confesses

"Nothing, it's just that you've never really slowed down. I thought you would eventually when we were younger, but you didn't, and I guess it's not a bad thing because I'm the one lobbying to be on your boat now. By the way, has my request been granted?” she asked.

I frowned slightly.

“No, not happening,” I said, and I lifted my hand to call the waiter because I was ready to order us a meal.

“No, not yet,” she said. “The sun hasn't set.”

“Trust me, by the time the food’s ready, it will have,” I replied.

She nodded in agreement, and we went silent again as we watched all the activity down at the beach. Although it was comfortable, there was still so much uncertainty ahead of us, and I wanted to use this chance to talk to her about it.

“So,” she said as she set her glass down. “Regardless of my current career path, is there a way I can become wealthy?”

I was slightly surprised by this question, but after I fully processed it, I couldn't help but be amused. However, she didn't seem to be, so she frowned slightly.

“I'm not kidding,” she said. “I mean it. If I had a sizable sum of money, how could I invest it to yield returns?”

“What's the range of the amount you have? That will determine what I could recommend.” I said after giving it some thought.

She thought about this.

“What's the minimum?”

“One hundred thousand.” I replied.

I didn't miss her eyes slightly widening, but then she quickly recovered and picked up her glass of wine again.

“Well, I think I'm going to hold off on that for now,” she said, and I smiled.

“Were you teasing me?” she asked, and I shook my head.

“I wasn’t. You should start a business though, if you've ever thought about it. It'll be tough the first couple of years, but you'll make it through. I'm sure.”

She nodded and continued to eat, with a lowered gaze.

27

CALLIE

Inow truly felt like we were on vacation, and it had a lot to do with the man by my side and walking down the steps. The sun had long set and been replaced by darkness, but the city was still lit and warm, so we were able to enjoy the environment in a different light. I stopped by a fruit stand I had seen earlier and bought some strawberries, grapes, and mangoes.

“Do you want me to call the car?” he asked. “They'll pick us up by the main road.”

I considered this and then shook my head.

“No, it's advisable that we walk off all the food we ate today, but you can leave if you're tired.”

“I’m fine,” he said and we continued on our way.

I got lost, which wasn't surprising at all, but eventually, we arrived at my bed and breakfast, though much later than expected. The night had been great, but like most good things, it had to come to an end. I couldn't help but silently lament this fact.

I also realized as I turned to look at him that I didn't want him to leave, but then I came to my senses and realized what we were, what we had been, and what we could never be.

So, I nodded and held out my hand for a handshake.

"Thank you for the day and your help," I said. "I hope you were able to rest as well."

He looked at my hand, then nodded, but didn't accept it.