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She was alive!
    Sophie breathed a huge sigh of relief. The ten seat turbo-prop plane taxied to a stop in the middle of the island's air field. Her fingers unfurled their death-like grip on her carry-on and she worked them in and out to get the blood flowing again. The plane looked to be made out of tin — old tin — and the ripped upholstery of the seats testified to its age.
    She exited down the wobbly stairs, along with her fellow passengers, none of whom seemed as worried as she. Once her feet touched solid ground, she felt infinitely better.
    The warm, humid breeze felt like heaven as it rushed to envelope her. Palm trees, over to the right of the runway, swayed and bent in a welcoming motion. The sun nearly blinded her as it reflected off the white open-air building which purported to be the airport. Employees, who moved the baggage from the plane to the floor inside the airport, wore shorts and Hawaiian shirts.
    Sophie retrieved her luggage, with not a checker in sight. Apparently, no one here was worried about security.
    A line of pastel-colored taxis stood in front of the building; all driverless. Sophie looked around and saw a group of men, chatting amiably, sitting on folding chairs around a cardboard box playing cards.
    "Excuse me," she called to the group at large. "May I get a ride, please?"
    No one answered. They kept on playing.
    A young man who appeared from nowhere said, "I'll take you. Where would you like to go?"
    He didn't look like a taxi driver, but neither did any of the other men. As a matter of fact, this young man didn't even look old enough to have a driver's license. But, as she'd already seen, things were different around here. This was Sunrise Island; a small key off Key West, but it could have been in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
    "I'm going to The Sunrise Island School. Do you know how to get there?"
    "Of course," said the teenager. A bright smile showed perfect white teeth against his mocha face. "Are you one of the new teachers?"
    "Yes. How did you know?"
    He grinned sheepishly. "You don't look like one of the students."
    A laugh escaped Sophie's mouth. She hadn't laughed in what seemed like a very long time. It felt good. As a matter of fact, this island felt good; calming, breezy. Warm.
    A far cry from what she had just left behind.
    Had it only been a week since she'd been at the Board meeting feeling vindicated? An investigation was to ensue, a statement issued to the school community at large about the "doctored" photograph, and a promise to act with swift justice once the villain was found. But then Headmaster Ryan had come up with his brilliant idea. Wouldn't it be better to keep things under wraps — make it look to the Valen community as if Sophie had been terminated — so the wrongdoer would be lulled into a false sense of security? Wouldn't it be so much easier to catch the culprit?
    So the offer was made. A sabbatical, with pay, of course, until their work was done. But Sophie could never sit idly by, while the wheels of justice turned ever so slowly. So she gave her old friend and former colleague from Valen, Andy Dalton, a call.
    And Andy had been only too happy to accommodate her. As a matter of fact, he had been asking her for the past two years to take a sabbatical and come down for a semester to teach Literature at his environmental school. What a coup to be able to land at a place off the beaten path to catch her breath while waiting for the axe to fall on the slug who did this to her.
    "I'm Manny," said the taxi driver, who broke into her thoughts as he picked up Sophie's two suitcases and stashed them in the trunk. "The school's about fifteen minutes away. On the other side of the island. Have you ever been here before?"
    His easy conversation, punctuated with island history and points of interest, was the perfect antidote to her incessant second guessing about this sabbatical. As if she'd had a choice.
    And the island was glorious. Within a mile or two, the anxiety of the last week melted away with the hot air that blew through the windows of the cab. Sophie held her long hair with one hand, attempting to keep it out of her face, as she followed Manny's tour. To the left sat the Atlantic Ocean, with its shades of deep blue green, much calmer than it was up north. The white masts of sail boats, which dotted its surface intermittently, attested to its stillness. The shallow beach seemed extraordinarily empty for a beautiful day in the Keys.
    "Where is everyone?" she asked. "Why isn't anyone on the beach?"
    "This beach is made up of stones and pebbles," he explained. "It's not very comfortable. Further on, sand was brought in to make it more of a resort."
    Before long Manny pointed out the sand beach. Dozens of umbrellas staked out their owners little patch of earth, and palm trees aided those without artificial shade. A row of food trucks had parked nose-to-trunk along the sidewalk hawking everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to souvalaki and water ice. Speed boats pulled parasailers and water skiers alike. If it hadn't been September, she would have sworn she'd just stepped into spring break.
    The car turned right, away from the ocean and wound through narrow streets of small, but well-maintained houses. Everyone seemed to have a flower garden of brilliant, tropical blooms winding along white picket fences or trellises. Picture perfect.
    The houses soon led to a small town complete with a grocery store, several restaurants, tee shirt shops, an art gallery here and there and a hotel — painted pink. Sophie felt a smile curl her lips.
    People milled through town, meandering at a snail's pace. No one seemed to be in a hurry to get anywhere.
    "Manny, today's Monday right?" Sophie needed to confirm the day; maybe she'd miscalculated, given the turmoil of last week.
    "Yes, ma'am."
    "Everyone seems so laid back here. What do the islander's do for jobs?"
    "Tourism is our number one industry. People here work for hotels or restaurants or on fishing boats or adventure type tours. Like kayaking or snorkeling."
    "Don't you ever get bored living on this island?"
    He chuckled before answering. "No ma'am. I was born here. I love it. But most people who live here now come from somewhere else. The northeast, the mid-west. California. Texas. But they found a better way of life. No one ever wants to leave once they arrive. You'll see."
    Sophie doubted that. How could a person, who was used to a faster pace of life, ever get used to living like you were on a permanent vacation?
    "It is beautiful here, but I can't see living like this for any extended period of time." Besides, there were no big cities within a hundred mile radius and she hadn't seen a library since they left the airport.
    "What do you do for entertainment?" she asked.
    "We go into town and listen to music at Smokey Joe's or Red Beard's."
    Just as she'd thought. Some guy strumming a guitar and singing about the trials and tribulations of love was not her idea of entertainment.
    Manny was true to his word. Within a quarter of an hour, Sophie was being driven on a gravel and sand driveway which opened up into a panorama of one story buildings with the aqua blue Gulf of Mexico as its backdrop. Absolutely breathtaking!
    Sophie felt herself being drawn from the cab by her surroundings, and she breathed in the warm, salty air as she lifted her face to the sun. Her eyes closed against its brilliance and her sense of sight was replaced by sound. Palm fronds brushed against each other in the breeze, birds chirped and sang from their perches, and the sea lapped softly against the beach in the distance.
    Sophie couldn't remember the last time she had been to a beach. Probably the Fire Island photo shoot, she thought glumly. Most of her days were spent in her office or the library preparing for lectures or researching the topics of her many published papers. She had traded in any and all free time to work with the students, prepare for classes and study for her PhD. Valen had given her opportunities she'd never dreamed of. She was just months away from becoming Chair of the English Department and she ran a Summer Teaching Institute at the school for teachers around the country, as a venue for sharing exciting new ideas.
    That had been her baby. She had gotten the grant for it. She had combed the nation's schools for the best teachers to sit on panels and share their success stories with others. But now, all the planning for next summer would fall to someone else. All her hard work and effort in building it up would be usurped by a replacement who would get the glory.
    She shook her head. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You'll only be gone for a semester. If the investigation goes smoothly, you'll be back before you know it, and no one will have the chance to take over.
    "Sophie Kearns," said a familiar, male voice pulling her out of her reverie.
    She turned and saw Andy, the stereotypical, nerdy biologist who had worked with her at Valen for two years. A warm smile reached his eyes and his arms were outstretched in a stiff welcome.
    She moved easily into his embrace, as if she had just seen him yesterday. "Andy, it's so good to see you again."
    His once pale, northeastern skin had been bronzed by the sun and his pressed chinos and button-down shirts had been replaced by shorts and a tee shirt.
    "You look wonderful," she said. "Island life certainly agrees with you. And it's so beautiful here. It must be nice to work in paradise."
    "It is beautiful," he beamed. "But don't let your surroundings fool you into believing you're on vacation. Every semester we have twenty-five new students from all over the country come down to learn about ways to protect the environment. It's an exhausting job; six days a week, sixteen hours a day. When you're not teaching or helping students with their school work, you're going on marine trips with them, or camping in the pines." The same old Andy; so serious, so driven. He continued, "Everyone contributes by doing daily chores. Teachers included. We're a combination of educators, parents and mentors." He took a breath. "I hope you're up for it."
    "Of course," she answered, her smile dimming. Was he out of his mind?
    "Why don't you pay your driver, grab your suitcases and I'll show you around."
    Sophie did as she was told, feeling an odd tingle of anxiety creep through her veins. Had she made a huge mistake by reaching out to him for this job? Was this really boot camp and he'd forgotten to tell her? Had she really been hired to cook and clean toilet bowls?
    Andy took off without picking up one of her suitcases; so like him in his mono-focused way. So, she struggled behind him with both, trying to keep up.
    "Andy, wait," she called after him. "Where can I put this luggage while you're showing me around?"
    Her effort had her huffing and puffing. It had become clear in about two seconds that she would have to beat herself into shape while living on this island, if she were to fit in.
    "I'll take you to your cabin first so you can get rid of them," he said over his shoulder. "I hope you brought more functional clothes than what you have on."
    She looked down at her clothing; black knit comfortable pants for her trip here, paired with a long sleeved button-down white blouse — so practical for the air-conditioned plane. Beads of sweat trickled down her back and all at once she felt sticky and overheated. She should have worn a tank top underneath.
    Finally arriving at a cabin at the end of a row of similar abodes, Andy opened the door and stood back for her to enter. She pulled the suitcases up the two steps into the hut and dropped them at the threshold with a thump. Inhaling to catch her breath, she instinctively pulled her hair back into a ponytail with the ever present elastic band around her wrist, and surveyed her domain.
    "This is adorable!" She walked through the tiny living room, sparsely furnished with a couch, coffee table, rocking chair and desk, into the bedroom. A full sized bed took up most of the room and she'd have to squeeze past it in order to get to the three drawer dresser and small closet on the other side. On the night table stood a lamp and clock.
    A tiny bathroom with sink, toilet and stall shower stood next to the bedroom and an area off the living room held a microwave, half refrigerator and kitchen table with two chairs. End of tour.
    Sophie turned to Andy smiling. "I don't have to share this with anyone, do I?"
    This elicited a genuine chuckle from serious Andy. "No. It's all yours." He gave her an evaluative look. "I'll wait outside while you change into something more appropriate. Then I'll take you on the tour."
    Giving her no choice in the matter, he stepped outside and closed the door.
    Sophie dragged a suitcase into the bedroom and unsnapped the clasps. She dug out one of her new pairs of shorts — khaki — and a white sleeveless top and quickly changed. She slipped her feet into a pair of sandals and looked at her naked legs. "Ugh." Ivory, dry skin had been uncovered. Hurriedly, she spread some sunscreen on them, more to make the dryness go away then with the thought of protecting her sensitive skin. Then she took a fortifying breath and went to meet Andy.
    The first building they came to housed the classrooms. Andy walked into a tenth grade geometry class in full swing and turned to Sophie. "This is Ben Knightly, our math teacher. Sophie Kearns, our new literature teacher."
    Sophie shook hands with Ben, who gave her a warm smile. "Welcome to Sunrise Island." His smile reached his eyes and he winked at her in a clear show of support.
    "Thanks, Ben."
    His light brown shaggy hair and unshaven face did nothing to mask his boyish charm and handsome looks. He was dressed in shorts and a golf shirt, and was definitely adorable.
    "This is my class," he continued, and the students stood and said hello. "Mike, Jenny, Stacey, Cooper and Reed."
    "I'll try to remember your names, but please give me a few days," she laughed, knowing there were twenty other students on the island whose names she would also hear today.
    "Let's go," Andy said abruptly, as he turned and walked out.
    Ben gave her a compassionate look, which she appreciated immensely, even though she knew Andy's personality. Apparently, so did everyone else.
    Andy made his way into the next classroom. "This is our art class with Maddie O'Hara."
    Again the students stood and acknowledged her.
    Sophie would have shaken Maddie's hand but it was covered with clay as she sat before a pottery wheel, molding her work of art.
    As Maddie greeted her, her eyes looked her up and down, appraisingly. It was so like women to assess each other.
    And while Maddie did her thing, Sophie noticed Maddie's traits as well. Her hair was the color of spun gold, and her long, lean legs and toned arms looked fabulous in white shorts and a tank top. Sophie felt like an ugly duckling standing next to her, her skin close to the hue of Maddie's clothing. The ten students standing before her must have noticed the differences immediately and Sophie backed toward the classroom door, dying to terminate the comparison.
    "I'll meet all of you soon," said Sophie, attempting a smile through her discomfort. The art teacher at Valen looked nothing like the goddess teaching this class. The male students must be dying of unrequited lust.
    "Classes just started last week," said Andy, "so you won't be too far behind." They passed a few empty classrooms and then barged into another classroom, this one lacking students.
    "This is Kristin Sandler. She teaches Social Studies."
    Kristin walked over to her and smiled brightly. "Sophie Kearns. I've heard great things about you. You're an icon in your field. I've also heard about your amazing Summer Institute."
    Sophie felt a rush of pride at Kristin's wonderful words. "Thank you." She held out her hand and Kristin shook it with warmth.
    "It's nice to have another woman here. The men are taking over." She elbowed Andy, who actually blushed at her jibe.
    "Now, Kristin. You know we love you," he said, teasing her back.
    Sophie could see that Kristin must be the person who brought out the best in everyone. And if she could make Andy laugh and let down his guard for a few minutes, she must be very special at that.
    "I'll see you at dinner tonight, Sophie, and give you the scoop." She gave her a knowing look. "I'll teach you all about these characters so you know what you're getting into."
    "Kristin, don't you have a camping trip planned for tonight with some of the students?" asked Andy, his eyebrow arched a bit menacingly.
    "Nice try, Andy. But not tonight. I'm totally free to give up all your secrets."
    Andy actually laughed again as he exited Kristin's classroom. "We'll see about that," he called over his shoulder. They moved out of the building into the bright sunshine. "The rest of the teachers are working with some of the students off site," he said, losing the sparkle and camaraderie he had so easily displayed while in Kristin's company. Silence encompassed them as they approached the administration building. "I told everyone here about our years together at Valen and how you helped me get the grant to start this school. But I didn't tell them why you're taking a sabbatical. I'm sure they'll ask."
    "Thanks for the heads up. I guess I'll just tell them I needed a little break before taking over as the Chair of the Literature Department."
    She shook her head at Headmaster Ryan's persistence in forcing this sabbatical. She would have much preferred to stay while waiting on the investigation. Then she could have assured that her reputation remained in tact. She could have also kept a closer eye on the progress of the investigation. From down here, it would be impossible to keep the pressure on and make things happen quickly. But there was no point in thinking about that now, so she switched gears.
    "I was surprised when you said you needed a Literature teacher this semester."
    "Sara, the woman you're replacing, is going on maternity leave. You gave her the opportunity to take a little more time than she had initially planned. She was thrilled."
    They walked along in awkward silence. She had forgotten how difficult it had been to carry on a conversation with Andy.
    "I should warn you," he finally said, glancing her way. "All the teachers I hire have some background in environmental studies. And they all have experience in outdoor activities and water sports, including scuba diving certifications."
    Sophie practically choked on his words. "You're kidding. You mean I'm not really qualified to teach here?" She'd known Andy was doing her a favor, but she didn't realize how much of one.
    "It's not that. Of course you have excellent credentials — but so does everyone else here. Teaching the subject you were hired for is a small part of the school experience. We're about much more than that. We teach the kids how to live and work in the environment while preserving it."
    "I don't know anything about that!"
    "So, I guess we'll be teaching you, too." He must have seen the glum look on her face, for he clapped her on the back and chuckled. "Don't worry, Sophie. It'll be fun. A totally different experience than you're used to. You may even learn to love it here, and beg me to stay on at the end of the semester."
    That was the second time today someone had suggested she may not want to leave the island.
    "Andy, I really appreciate you're doing this for me. But I assure you, my sole goal in coming here is to work my way through my sabbatical so I don't go crazy. I won't be asking you to accommodate me for more than one semester. "
    "Well, just know that I'd do anything for you. You helped me get the funding for this school. You helped me realize my dream." He paused. "When you called last week to tell me what had happened, I knew I could finally repay you."
    Sophie's heart swelled with warmth. Andy could be so focused when it came to his school, yet he'd really come through for her when she'd needed his help. He obviously knew she wouldn't fit in with the other teachers — that she didn't even meet his standards. Yet, he'd hired her anyway.
    She reached out and touched his arm, but quickly removed it when she saw him blush.
    "If I were you," he continued, "I'd do everything possible to learn the ropes around here or you're not going to be well liked."
    Almost afraid to ask, she ventured, "What ropes?"
    "You're going to have to learn how to snorkel and kayak so you can participate in our adventures."
    She nodded emphatically. "I can do that."
    "You'd better learn how to swim first." The beginning of a grin crossed his lips. "And eventually you're going to have to go camping."
    Visions of creepy night crawlers covering her body as she lay immobile on the hard ground flashed though her brain. She swallowed her impulse to beg off. The favor he'd granted her was huge. She couldn't repay him by asking for more — at least not yet.
    "No problem," she said, her voice wavering.
    But she did have one favor to ask. "Could you keep the whole mess about the calendar to yourself. I just don't want to have to explain it or be reminded about it for another second."
    "Sure, Sophie. There's no reason for the others to know."
    She breathed a sigh of relief, but she knew it would be short lived. This adventure she had embarked on was way out of her league.
    As she headed back to her cabin to unpack, she thought about Andy's time at Valen. He was a brilliant teacher but he'd wanted to be so much more. His goal had been to start an environmental school. Once he'd gotten the grant, there was no doubt his school would be his mistress. And if anyone did anything to jeopardize the vision he had for Sunrise Island School, she was sure he'd have them quartered and skewered.
    How had she mistakenly thought this was going to be a walk in paradise?

    Dinner in the dining hall happened at five every evening. Sophie found her way to the teachers' table and sat next to Kristin, who had saved her a seat between her and Ben.
    "So, how'd your day go?" Kristin asked, oblivious to the anxiety Sophie felt inching through her blood.
    "Just great," said Sophie, forcing a smile on her face as well as false happiness in her voice.
    Kristin looked at her and shook her head.
    "I remember my first few days here. They were daunting. Everything's new and Andy can be a little intimidating. But just give yourself some time. Things will start to fall into place."
    Her cheerful attitude was infectious, and even though Sophie didn't believe a word Kristin had said when it came to her fitting in, she felt a little of her warmth work itself into her being and settle her nerves.
    "So, you must be the new Lit teacher," came a deep voice from behind her, as Sophie felt a hand land on her shoulder.
    She turned to see a classic Greek profile on the hard, muscled body of a handsome, long-haired twenty-something. His blue eyes sparkled and he stuck out his hand to shake Sophie's, introducing himself as Dan Myers, the Program Director.
    "I'm the guy who tortures the teachers into signing up for kayaking, scuba diving and camping with the kids."
    His brilliant smile gave testament to the glee he encountered in doing his job.
    "I'm afraid I don't know how to kayak or scuba dive. And I've never been camping."
    A groan from the other side of the table caught her attention. It came from a man sitting across from her whom she hadn't yet met.
    "Andy wouldn't have hired a prima donna," stated the stranger across from her in a none too friendly voice.
    "I am not a prima donna," she said, glaring at her aggressor.
    "If you can't pull your weight around here, then the title fits."
    "What makes you think I can't pull my weight? I have a masters degree in English Literature from Harvard and I won the Chasten Award for my thesis on women's emerging roles in Twentieth Century Classics."
    "Well, that should help us all out when it's your turn to pitch a tent or fish for food."
    The look of disgust on his face and the sarcasm dripping from his mouth had the effect of slapping her in the face. No one had ever discredited her credentials. Yet, in this atmosphere, they seemed to have little merit. Worse yet, he was making it sound like a girl scout would have been a far superior candidate for the job. And why the hell was he talking about her fishing for food anyway? Was he out of his mind?
    "Why would I have to go fish-"
    Kristin jumped in. "Max, maybe you could be a little less skeptical and give Sophie a chance. She just got here today and is trying to settle in." Kristin gave Sophie a reassuring pat on the arm, as if she were her mother standing up to the bully in the playground.
    "Thanks, Kristin, but I can handle him myself."
    "I'd like to see that," broke in Max, a smirk crossing his lips. There was no mistaking his meaning and Sophie felt a blush rise from her cheeks to her forehead.
    "Max, is it? I realize I'm the new kid on the block, and it may not seem at first blush that I fit in with all of you...." She glanced around the table and inwardly groaned at that understatement. Every teacher here was toned, tan and gorgeous. And she looked like she had drenched herself in white paste and then tried to cover it up with preppy clothes. She plowed on. "But I'm an excellent teacher and a fast learner. If I have to pitch in and go kayaking, or scuba diving or camping with the students, I'll do my best to get up to speed and help out. I don't intend to be a drain on this community. I would just hope that you would be so kind as to give me some time to pick up the basics."
    "I'll help you, Sophie," said Ben, playfully elbowing her and giving her a grin.
    "Me too," chimed in Kristin, who gave Max an evil eye just in case he tried to walk all over her new friend again.
    "That's great," said Max. "Because she's going to need all the help she can get."
    He scraped his chair against the floor as he pushed back and got up. "See you guys around."
    Sophie watched his back as he headed in the direction of the beach. The brooding surfer-boy must be an unhappy guy, she thought, wondering why her presence had put him in such a foul mood.
    "What's his problem?" she asked.
    "Oh, don't worry about Max," Kristin said kindly. "He didn't really mean to be such a jerk. He just can't help it sometimes." Sophie noticed that Kristin looked past her and exchanged a look with Ben, before continuing. "He got divorced last year and has a hard time dealing with women."
    So that explained Max's bizarre behavior.
    "He doesn't have a hard time with all women," added Maddie, in a low, sexy voice. She followed up her statement with a sly smile.
    Sophie guessed that Max and Maddie must be an item, but didn't feel the need to have it confirmed.
    Dan stood up and clapped his hands, getting all the students' attention in the dining room.
    "Whoever is on clean-up duty, get to it. The rest of you hit the books. I understand there's a math quiz tomorrow and a social studies quiz on Thursday."
    A combined groan moved through the dining hall, as students brought their trays to the kitchen area and exited the pavilion toward their dorm rooms. A certain few were left behind to clean up.
    "How'd you all like to gather round the camp fire and tell scary stories?" Dan asked the teachers, rubbing his hands together.
    "I'm fresh out of scary stories," said Maddie. "But I wouldn't mind listening to Ben play his guitar."
    "Me neither," said Kristin. "We do this a few nights a week, Sophie. It's fun."
    "And a good bonding experience," added Ben.
    Kristin rolled her eyes and slapped Ben on the back. "Come on, Garth. We could use some upbeat music tonight. Your friend Max, put a damper on things."
    "I'll meet you there in a few minutes. After I grab my guitar." His genuine smile helped lift the negative attitude Max had dumped on Sophie and she followed Kristin to the beach.
    Before long everyone had assembled and took their spots around a blazing campfire. Even Max had returned to the clan, looking infinitely happier than he had at dinner. Sophie felt the family-like atmosphere surround her, but couldn't help the penetrating feeling that she didn't belong.
    Would she ever?
    For at least the dozenth time since last week, she felt the air leak from her system and suck her spirit from her soul. She couldn't let it happen now, here. She knew what she had to do to fit in. And while it wouldn't be easy, she could do it. She had to. For her own sake. She had to pull herself together and weather through.
    At nine-thirty, the small band of troubadours tossed sand onto the fire and headed to their respective cabins. Apparently breakfast was at eight a.m. and the first class at eight-thirty. If she wanted to learn how to kayak, scuba dive, snorkel and swim, she had better be up by six. She pushed from her mind any further thought that taking this job may have been a big mistake.
    "Hey, Kearns!" She heard her name called by a deep male voice coming up behind her.
    It was Max.
    "Yes?" she questioned suspiciously.
    "Where'd you get those clothes?"
    She looked down at her Bermuda shorts and button down blouse, scouring her brain for the source of her attire. "Brooks Brothers."
    "No wonder," he nodded, although his words weren't as insulting as she'd expected. As a matter of fact they came with an amazing smile showing perfectly straight, white teeth and sparkling brown eyes.
    "What's wrong with Brooks Brothers?"
    "Nothing if you're taking a jaunt through New York City with some stuffy bankers or lawyers on your day off. Is that who you're used to hanging around with?"
    "No, of course not. I'm not from the City. I'm from Princeton. New Jersey."
    "Well, that clears it up. Those stuffy lawyers and bankers who work in the City all live in those mini-mansions in the suburbs. And of course they dress in their conservative long shorts and button down shirts on their days off."
    Despite his criticism of her apparel, she felt a smile creeping across her mouth. "And how would you know how Princetonians dress?"
    "Oh, God. They're called Princetonians?" His brown eyes danced and his smile did funny things to her stomach. "Their title sounds even stuffier than I picture them to be."
    Sophie crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her head, watching him. He was right. She pictured Gregg in his starched white shirt, blue striped tie and pressed khaki pants. The epitome of a Princetonian.
    And she began to laugh, too. A guttural, belly laugh that came from deep within.
    And it felt so good to be standing in the warm sea breeze, with palm trees waving overhead the meandering pathway at the end of the Florida Keys - laughing with a manic-depressive stranger.