“I don’t have to make the decision until after the trip. Can we give some time?”

“Of course we can.”

“I’m sorry I asked you to move Cole and Angelica to San Diego, I guess I just got too excited.”

“Don’t say sorry. I understand. And it is why I can’t let you choose me over this offer.”

“Let me just have sometime to think, then I’ll make my decision.”

—

Days later.

__

“I can’t believe we leave tomorrow.” Rachel says helping me as I pack my suitcase.

“You seem to be just as excited as the kids!” I laugh.

“I love the beach, I spent a full 5 months in Jamaica once.”

“Does this mean you won’t be returning with me?” I chuckle again as I watch her pull out my bathing suit from my top drawer.

“Maybe?” She says. “But by the looks of this, I’m not gonna be able to resist to follow you back here to LA.”

I grab the bikini from her and wink.

“I should get going, I have to finish packing as well! And I have some papers to fill out for work.”

“I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.” I say.

She steps towards me and presses her lips against mine.

“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I watch as she leaves the room and I turn to continue packing my suitcase.

I realize this trip will be one big tease. I’ll be seeing Tina with nothing but a two piece. I’ll just keep being reminded that she isn’t mine to look at or touch anymore.

I feel my mind being taken off course of thoughts of Tina and I stop myself before going further.

No matter what I do, Tina always knows how to weaken me.

—-

“It is flight day!!” I say with excitement in my voice as the kids munch into their breakfast food.

“Sand castles and swimming!” Cole says barely sitting on his bum in his chair.

“Yes, lots and lots of sand castles and swimming!” I smile.

“Danielle do you still promise to build a big one with me!?” Cole asks with concern in his voice.

“Of course I do!” Danielle says glancing at me before looking at Cole. “I will forever keep my promise!”