“Siobhan has discovered the prawn.”

“Ahhh, yes, an important milestone in any woman’s life.” That made me laugh, and he smiled his shy smile—the one where he’s trying to be funny, but he’s not quite sure if he’s pulling it off.

Siobhan came back with two plates piled high with prawns. I should have told her that I’d had my fill, but she was so keen to get her shucking time down, I let her do all the heavy lifting and ate a few more. Josh had some too, but Siobhan ate the bulk of them.

“These are now my absolute favourite thing to eat in the entire world.” As someone who’s no stranger to hyperbole, I loved her effusiveness. Just then, Paddy arrived holding a tray with three caipirinhas on it. I looked at Siobhan, who looked at me, and then we both looked at Josh.

He just shrugged. “My treat.”

“A man after my own heart,” said Siobhan taking one of the drinks from the tray. I noticed that she winked at Paddy and he smiled back.

When Paddy left, I turned to Siobhan. “He’s cute.” I raised my eyebrows at her.

“Paddy? Oh, I suppose if you like tall, handsome men, he’s okay.” I rolled my eyes. “I asked him out, you know.”

“You did not!” I laughed when she nodded and sipped her drink. “Good for you, Siobhan!”

Josh joined in, “So, when are you seeing him?”

“Tonight. We’re going for burgers and beer.”

“Brilliant!” I declared.

She grinned. “And we may get a chance to do some other stuff too,” she added, then giggled. Josh and I shared a look. I was very happy that our new friend was getting back on the horse, so to speak.

*

An hour or so later, the boat was anchored just off the coast at the primo spot for seeing sea turtles. We all lined up to collect our snorkelling gear, and I was one of the first people off the boat, eager to see a sea turtle for the first time.

I bobbed in the water waiting for Siobhan and Josh to join me, paddling my flippers slowly to keep me afloat. Just then a head popped up out of the water and an ancient-looking face regarded me. I was so gobsmacked to see a turtle up close, I forgot to call out to my friends. The turtle and I watched each other, and then it disappeared below the surface.

I rushed to get my mask and snorkel on, and when I looked below the surface, there were actually five turtles below me! I paddled my flippers gently so I could stay in one place as much as possible while I watched them. They moved so gracefully, their flippers barely moving, almost as if they were swimming in slow motion.

One of the turtles swam too close to another, and the second turtle turned and snapped at the first. It made me laugh, but I stopped as soon as I started. I didn’t want to have to surface again to clear my mask. The turtles were moving away from me, so I started kicking my fins to follow. Josh appeared beside me, tapping me on the shoulder. I waved and he waved back. I held up five fingers and pointed at the turtles and he nodded and gave me a thumbs-up.