She really didn’t want to do anything but get to the restaurant and wait, but maybe a distraction would help her nerves, so she followed Maggie’s directions for parking and pulled into the last available space in sight.

They jumped out and trailed a beachwear-clad trio down a long staircase that led to a crescent-shaped beach bordered by lots of palm trees. A woman and her dog went jogging by, the dog in perfect step with his owner and looking deliriously happy to be out there.

Just as Quinn and Maggie took off their shoes and stepped out into the sand, they saw a group of sunbathers gathered at the water’s edge looking out toward a dark spot, which was most likely a reef.

Maggie ran out to see what was happening. Quinn was right behind her and heard a tall golden-boy type near them say it was turtles.

“Wow, I see them, Quinn!” Maggie pointed and grabbed Quinn’s arm, squeezing the life out of her.

“Where?” Her question sent about three fingers in the air from people pointing where to look until Quinn also zoned in on them.

“I didn’t realize sea turtles were so big,” Maggie said.

Her eyes were huge with excitement, and Quinn thought of her experience in the water with Liam. The sea turtle that had calmed her and then guided her up. Quinn was sure of it. However, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to share that with even Maggie.

The turtles ducked back under the water, and Quinn watched as Maggie waded in deeper, laughing as the water swirled around her feet.

“This is making me dizzy,” Maggie called out.

“Don’t look down.” Quinn gave her another minute or so, then called for her to hurry. The anticipation of the meeting made it hard for her to concentrate on anything else, and she wanted to get it over with.

Maggie joined her, and they left the beach, coming back up onto the street.

“I saw the sign for the Sea House. It’s practically across the street,” Maggie said, pulling Quinn along.

They both heard a catcall and turned to see two guys some yards behind them. One of them waved, and Quinn returned the gesture.

“Better not encourage your admirers if you don’t know them,” Maggie said nervously.

“Oh, sorry, Maggie,” Quinn said, realizing that strangers now made Maggie nervous. “But they were just kids. I mean, come on. And obviously they were looking at you.”

Maggie laughed. “We need to get your self-esteem up, girl. That tall guy was all googly eyes at you. Are you blind?”

Quinn didn’t believe it for a minute. Yes, she could put herself together pretty well, but there was no camouflaging the extra pounds she needed to lose or the fact that she was over thirty. Maggie was different. With her long, gorgeous hair and lithe body, she could pass for twenty.