Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane Read Free Book Online Page B

didn’t appear to see her, and Daphne couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Who does jumping jacks at all, much less on the beach? She loved how KC simply didn’t care what anyone thought of her.
    “Just with some girlfriends from college. I haven’t seen them in a while.” She pointed in KC’s direction. “I just spotted one of them, actually. I should probably go catch up with her.”
    Clay finished his beer and stood up straight. “I should probably get a move on too, or I’ll never get that shower. I may have to break down a door soon. This really is like living in the Sigma Chi house all over again, minus the beer-soaked floors.”
    Daphne laughed and waved as she turned to go. “It was nice meeting you, Clay. Good luck salvaging that hot water.”
    He tipped his head slightly before stepping toward the glass door. “Have fun with your girlfriends. Don’t get into too much trouble, but speaking of my shower situation, be sure to dip your toe in the figurative hot water, at least a little bit. How often are you on a tropical vacation?”
    She smiled. “I’ll try my best.”
    As she walked away, she felt the smile remain on her face. She knew he was just shooting the breeze, but she was proud of herself for having flirted at all, even if it was just for fun. It was a tiny step, but for her it was an important one in the right direction: forward. That wasn’t so bad, was it?
    On her way toward KC, Daphne was visited by memories of her own housing experience in college. Her first year in the dorms, she and KC had shared a room with two other girls, the four of them essentially existing in Habitrail-like conditions, yet not once had any of them batted an eyelash. Everyone did it, no one thought twice about it, and that was that. It was college! Looking back now , however, she had no idea how she’d managed in such a cramped space. She and Brian had shared a bathroom, but she had her own sink. She’d also had her own closet.
    She looked at KC, who was no longer doing jumping jacks. Now she was chatting energetically with an older couple, all three of them gesturing up at the sky. Daphne’s eyes followed. A cluster of dark clouds had appeared over the mountains from the east, heading their way.
    As Daphne walked up to the threesome, KC held out an arm game-show style. “Here’s one of my pals right now. Daphne, we were just talking about you. I was telling these nice folks about how you and Skylar and I have reunited to ring in our forties .” She made a swirly motion with her finger in the air, then wiggled her hips.
    Daphne smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “I’m Harry Lewis, and this is my wife, Eleanor. Welcome to the best years of your lif e . . . so far,” the man said with a knowing wink. His hair was silver white, as was his wife’s. “We’re from Connecticut and are here celebrating forty years as well, but of marriage , if you can believe it.”
    KC put a hand on Daphne’s shoulder. “Isn’t that awesome? It’s so inspiring.”
    “Forty years is impressive, that’s for sure,” Daphne said. “What’s your secret?”
    “Are you married, dear?” Eleanor asked.
    Daphne shook her head. “I’m divorced.” She didn’t elaborate, suddenly dreading that the conversation might pull her backward again, the tiny swell of optimism she’d felt after her conversation with Clay evaporating before her eyes.
    “What’s the secret to a long and happy union?” KC asked. “I’m happily married, but it’s only been five years. I’d love any tips on how to make it to the Big Four O.”
    Eleanor interlaced her arm around Harry’s. “For m e . . . it’s a romp in the sack with the pool boy every Tuesday afternoon while Harry plays golf. Keeps me feeling playful.”
    Daphne and KC both stared at her, wide-eyed.
    “I’m kidding, kidding!” Eleanor let out a hearty laugh that belied her petite frame, then looked up at her much taller husband. “Look at their faces, Harry. I