We spotted Ramon the moment we entered the lobby. He was cozied up to Stella; they were leaning against a wall. My friend was laughing, her face radiant. I’d never seen her so carefree and in the moment. I wanted to hug him for making her happy. Ramon broke away, greeting us the moment he saw us. “Hola, amigo.” He lifted his chin in an upward nod towards Cruz. “Hey, Summer.” “Hi.” I smiled at both of them. “Somebody has a healthy glow today,” Stella stated. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. Leave it to her to announce what everyone already knew. “I could say the same about you.” I nudged her with my arm. She looked at Ramon, heat in her gaze. Cruz wrapped his arm around my waist. “Let’s go.” CRUZ We found a spot on the beach near a palm tree to set our stuff. Since I wore my swim trunks on underneath, I carefully slid off my cargo shorts and neatly folded them. As I placed them with our things, under the tree, I set my shirt on top to conceal the pockets. I focused on Summer.
