There was a thoughtful expression in George’s brown eyes as she cupped her chin in her hands. “You know that Kevin has to report to Madrid on Sunday, right?”
Nancy nodded.
“Well,” George continued, “his job keeps him on the road a lot. It’s been bugging me for a while. I think we both need to be free to see other people.” She let out a sigh. “I’m nuts about Kevin—you know that. But he’s going to be on assignment in Europe for quite a while. I just think that we both need our freedom right now.”
“How’s Kevin taking it?” Nancy asked gently.
George shrugged. “He’s not crazy about the idea, but he understands.”
Nancy nodded sympathetically. The news of George’s decision reminded Nancy that she faced a huge choice of her own. And suddenly her decision was crystal clear.
“Mail call!” Zoe shouted as she ran down the path to the hotel beach. It was Saturday morning, and Nancy and her friends had decided to spend the day lazing around at the inn. Theo, George, and Kevin were windsurfing just offshore, and Nancy, Mick, and Bess were stretched out on beach towels.
“Two letters from the States,” Zoe said, handing envelopes to Nancy and Bess.
“News from the homefront,” Bess said, tearing open a letter from her mother.
When Nancy saw the return address on her letter, she decided to read it later. She tucked it into her tote bag.
It was from Ned. No matter what the letter said, Nancy knew that Ned was only part of the reason for her decision not to marry Mick. Her adventures in Europe had taught her one important thing about herself: She thrived on independence. Marriage involved a commitment—a giant step that she wasn’t ready to take. Right now she needed to be free to explore everything life had to offer.
The only bad part was that she had really fallen for Mick.
Nancy looked up as Zoe and Bess jumped up and ran into the water. Now that she and Mick were alone, she knew it was time to tell him what was on her mind.
“We need to talk,” she told him, sitting up.
“Fire away,” Mick said. He propped himself up on his elbows and faced her.
“About getting married,” Nancy began, then paused when a rush of emotion nearly overwhelmed her. Tears stung her eyes as she looked over at Mick. “I—I’m just not ready, Mick. I’m crazy about you, but I’m not ready to make that kind of commitment, and leave my friends and father and—”
“Shhh,” Mick whispered, gently placing a finger over Nancy’s lips. “You don’t have to explain. I understand.”
He stared into Nancy’s eyes for a moment, stroking her cheek. “I have to admit, I wish it weren’t so. The door is always open, Nancy. Remember that. I’ll never forget you.” He reached into his knapsack and pulled out his wallet. Opening it, he showed Nancy a picture. “See?”
It was the photo Dimitri had taken of them the day they had arrived on Mykonos.
“It’s a picture of us—and not a very good one,” Nancy teased.
“What do you mean?” Mick said, taking a closer look at the photo. “I look spectacular!”
Just then everyone charged onto the beach and dragged Nancy and Mick into the water. A water battle ensued. Finally Nancy, Bess, and George managed to untangle themselves and head for the beach, leaving the others in the water.
“We noticed some heavy conversation going on,” Bess said as she toweled off. “Did you decide about getting married?”
Nancy took a deep breath, then told her best friends about her decision.
“Wow,” George said. “I mean, I’m glad you’re not moving to the other side of the planet, but are you sure you’re all right?”
“Don’t feel bad, you two,” Bess said, throwing her arms around Nancy and George.
Nancy smiled weakly. “Even though I know it’s the right choice, it will still be hard to say goodbye,” she said.
“I know what you mean,” George agreed.
“But soon we’ll be back in the States,” Bess pointed out. “And there’s just something irresistible about All-American guys. . . .”