32

Elise

AFTER A BURP and a sigh, I settled back in my chair, smiling. We had dinner on the balcony of the beach house that evening, at a long table filled with our favorite recipes cooked by Itay Jess. I was surrounded by soft conversation and laughter, and the atmosphere was relaxed. The smell of barbecue from the grill lingered in the air. The soft music of 2Cellos played from the speakers by the side of the house. The best part, though, was the steady white noise of waves lapping on the beach. I planned to get out there to walk or swim tonight, so I was wearing a bikini under my top and shorts.

Right now, I felt so lazy.

And happy.

And without a care in the world.

I heard the sound of a chair being pulled and looked up. Inay was standing up with the help of Itay Jess, who pulled her chair away from the table.

“Look, guys. We need to scram.”

Anna was all smiles. “Enjoy!”

“Whe