You see, those who really care about you just want to see you happy. My mother not only got over the fact that l broke up with Emilio, but she accepts the fact that my goals in life aren’t the same as hers. Emilio found someone else and is happily married with a couple of kids. “I’ll tell you what didn’t happen, chica. Maddie turned and put her feet on the seat of the bench, drawing her knees to her chest. Asked my parents and everything.” Sunny chuckled, remembering the disappointment reflected in her mother’s eyes when she told her they’d broken up. We met in college and he wanted to get married after graduation. But, yes, since Emilio I’ve only been with women. I’m attracted to the person, you know, what’s inside. “I don’t really think of it as liking one sex versus another. “I spent much time down here dealing with the same situation. Sunny leaned on the back of the bench, supporting her weight with arms. Maddie took the glass from her, and the brush of her fingertips along the back of Sunny’s hand sent her nerve endings on overdrive. “Here, I brought you some more of the sweet tea you liked earlier.” There’s something about the sunset that puts things into perspective.” Sunny stared at the glowing orange sun disappearing into the wide expanse of sea. I come down here a lot to think, or when I have a decision to make.

“I never get tired of watching Key West sunsets. “It’s stunning, isn’t it?” She nodded at the horizon when Maddie looked up. An overwhelming feeling of desire to wrap her arms around the woman, guide her head to her shoulder and stroke her hair while she whispered ‘everything will work out’ ran through her head. Sunny’s fingers itched to smooth a wisp of hair blowing in the early evening breeze. The reds and oranges of the sunset played off Maddie’s golden hair. Sunny walked toward the slim form sitting on a bench facing the water. But can Maddie throw her hangups to the wind and go with her heart? The magic of Bella Key teaches her that passion cannot be placed neatly into boxes labeled right and wrong, because love knows no boundaries. The arrival of a fierce storm forces the women’s emotional journey to a head and leads them into each other’s arms.

Still reeling from a breakup with her longtime partner, Sunny is thankful for the diversion from her own broken heart. She almost gives up on weekend retreat when the Bed & Breakfast is closed for repairs until Sunny Rojas, the inn owner, extends an offer of friendship, sweet tea and a room. In need of an escape, Maddie flees to Key West’s most southern island, Bella Key, to rest and recharge at Casa Bonita. Not even a marriage proposal from a man who adores her can quell her search for something more. Professionally, she’s confident and secure personally, she’s a hot mess.

Bella Key by Scarlet Chastain