Read Goodbye to You for Free Online

theater. They say it’s too expensive since they’ll miss half the dialog because of me.
    I’m on my own if I want to see any comedy in a theater.
    Despite the burden he’s carrying, Shay shifts the bags to one hand and slings his arm around my shoulder. I wind my arm around his lean waist, my fingers pressing into his side.
    As I suspected, his obliques are tight. I bet he has a six-pack too, with a dark line of hair dipping into the waistband of his pants . . .
    Sparks flare across my skin. Must be this ridiculous heat and humidity. Nothing else.
    We get to the condo, and the ladies are out. Maybe at the pool flirting with the guys staying next door to us. At least Bennie, on a “break” from her boyfriend again, is flirting. Leesh still pines for Dev. They were sweet together, and I’m sad he went home to London. She tries to hide her emotions, but Leesh’s heart is still breaking a few months since their formal split.
    Shay sets the bags on the floor and faces me.
    “Can I get a hint?” I clap my hands together and pretend to beg.
    He shakes his head and chuckles, the low, deep sound in his throat making my stomach flop. “Bring the sunscreen and throw on your bathing suit.”
    He leans to press his forehead to mine. His closeness—his sunscreen mingled with shaving cream—makes my brain go blank. I hope he will kiss me, so I close my eyes and lean into him.
    “No. More. Hints.” His tone is firm, but he pulls away laughing.
    “Gahhhhhhh. You are no fun.”
    “I’m a lot of fun when you get to know me.” He winks. The gesture is old-fashioned and endearing.
    Yet another reason to adore him.
    “Hurry, though, or we’ll miss the boat,” he chides.
    “Oooooh, another boat ride.”
    I run and change into my one-piece, throw on a sundress, slip on my shoes, and grab my floppy hat. Gotta protect the face from sun damage.
    “Okay, ready!” I sound excited, but I’m nervous since I’m clueless about our destination. “What time will we be back?”
    “By five thirty. Geesh, I’m sorry. It was rude of me not to ask if you need to be anywhere later. Does that give you enough time?”
    We’re headed to Bennie’s grandmother’s this evening. She lives on Big Pine Key, and Bennie begged us to go with her. She is not on the best of terms with her family, and she thinks mine and Leesh’s presence will act as a buffer.
    I do the math in my head, and figure I’ll be able to sneak in a quick shower and change of clothes. Hair up, a touch of make-up in the car, and I’ll be good to go.
    I scrunch up my lips, pulling my mouth to the side as though still thinking. “Hmmm. I don’t know.”
    “We shouldn’t go . . .”
    “No, I’m kidding. Let’s go.”
    We leave the condo community and take Fleming to William Street, which leads to the marina. I hadn’t noticed the sign on the small kiosk last night: Kelly’s Key West Adventures.
    “How cool your family runs this business.”
    “Yeah. Da worked for one of these outfits for years and started his own six years ago. It hasn’t been easy, but business has improved. This way.”
    Shay takes my hand and leads me to the end of the pier, toward a large, flat-top boat with multiple decks. It’s impressive. A large group of people gathers on the deck, and as we climb on, a tall black-haired man grabs Shay and puts him in a headlock.
    “‘Bout time ye got here, boy! Had to bribe this crowd with the promise of a round of drinks at Paddy’s afterward ta settle ‘em. Ye don’t think he’ll be mad, do ye?” This man had the same lilting brogue as Shay’s uncle, and I can tell from where Shay gets his irresistible looks.
    “Oh my God, Da, give it a rest!” Shay’s face is bright red as he pulls away and smoothes his mussed hair and clothes.
    His dad turns and flashes a brilliant grin. “This must be the divine Thea! I’m Ed, this scamp’s father.”
    Shay flushes again at his father’s words.
    “Nothing terrible, I hope.” My laugh is thin and