structures they built are on an unstable piece of swampland. Top of the line place.”
“Were you able to talk to your editor? What does she want you to do?” Silke said.
“I didn’t try to call her. It’s almost midnight in New York. I’ll try to morrow morning I guess.” Kirin leaned her head back as she raked her fingers through her hair. “I told her that the Oregon wine country was a better story.”
They all laughed.
“I’m not a journalist, but I can’t help but think that your adventure so far has been pretty exciting. In addition to the storm damage to the islands, I’ll bet there are some fascinating stories about the determined Belizean’s recovery. Not many readers of your magazine have lived through a tropi cal storm.” Diane’s cell phone beeped, and she pulled it from her pocket. “Ex cuse me, I have to take this.” She got up and headed to the kitchen.
“SHE’S RIGHT,” SILKE said. “You could write a very different kind of story, if you were interested.”
Kirin straightened up and looked at Silke. “Wow, I’ve never written anything like that. Do you want a nightcap and maybe we could brain storm?”
They drank rum punch, tossed around a few ideas about the people, the economy, farming, and eventually created an outline for a story. Soon, they were the only ones left in the restaurant.
“This is great,” Kirin said. “I’m really excited about tackling a new story. Maybe I should hire you as a collaborator. Or co-author?”
Silke laughed and shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’m happy to help, considering your dismal first impressions.” She stood and weaved slightly.
Kirin grabbed her arm. “Easy does it, tiger.”
“Thanks, this was fun.” Silke leaned into Kirin as they navigated back to the condo.
“You know,” Kirin stopped and faced Silke, “this really is a great idea. I’m going to shoot Esther an email with a proposal for a radical new take on a travel article.”
“I’m glad.” Silke tilted to the left.
Relaxed, inebriated, and feeling quite satisfied with their bold new idea, they staggered along the moonlit beach arm in arm.
The lights glowed in their first floor condo, which turned out to be a good thing, Kirin thought as she unlocked the door. She remembered Silke’s vision problem. Surprisingly, Silke weaved a fairly straight path to the kitchen.
“Do you want some water?” Silke asked.
“That’s probably a very good idea,” Kirin said, coming out of the ad jacent bathroom. She marveled at how well Silke navigated the condo. Of course, she’d stayed here before. “Thank you.” She took the glass. “I’m pretty excited about the project, I hope Esther likes it. Even if she doesn’t, there’s no reason I can’t sell it to someone else. I can write up a review of the Beach Resort for her.”
“That would be nice. I know Diane and Mark would love it.” Silke came over to the table where Kirin sorted through gear from her bag. “Do you want help with the sofa bed?”
“I think I can manage okay, but thanks,” Kirin said and laid out two spiral notebooks.
Silke paused. “Okay then. I’m going to have a quick shower and turn in.”
Kirin watched her navigate by touching the furniture. She really want ed to ask about what had happened to her sight, but it felt awkward. Still, Silke moved so gracefully and confidently that it wouldn’t be obvious—except for the cane. Kirin knew she had been very fortunate to find this place and this woman.
The large leaf-shaped blades of the ceiling fan made a soft whirring sound overhead as Kirin rearranged her belongings. She put on her soft old Brewer tee shirt along with cotton shorts. The sofa bed pulled out easily and the bright white sheets and white comforter beckoned her. She grabbed pillows from the closet and bumped into Silke coming out the bedroom.
“Excuse me. I wasn’t looking.” She put her hands on her hips.
Silke smiled. “No problem. Looks like you are