The Choice

Stephanie, Travis’s sister, introduces Gabby to Travis’s circle of friends. Initially, Stephanie teases Gabby with a skinny-dipping joke, creating an awkward moment for Gabby as she reflects on Travis’s physique and the underlying attraction between them. However, Stephanie quickly dispels any tension, and the two women start bonding over shared experiences and personal details.

Stephanie shares anecdotes about Travis’s travels, personality, and the dynamics of their group. Gradually, Gabby begins to feel a sense of connection with Stephanie and gains insight into Travis’s multifaceted character. In a friendly and humorous manner, Stephanie provides Gabby with tricks to remember the names of Travis’s friends and their children.

As the boat trip progresses, Gabby’s interactions with Travis’s friends create a playful and welcoming atmosphere. Allison, one of the wives, acknowledges the close relationship between Travis and Stephanie. Gabby’s initial uncertainty about remembering names is pleasantly overcome with Stephanie’s help.

Under Stephanie’s influence, Travis joins Gabby in lighthearted and playful banter among the friends. Travis takes the opportunity to share his views on travel, emphasizing the uniqueness of each experience and expressing a romantic perspective. Gabby, captivated by Travis’s explanation, begins to see a different side of him.

The chapter concludes with the anticipation of parasailing, a new experience for Gabby. With his characteristic charm, Travis reassures her about its safety and playfully suggests that being with him could make it even better. Intrigued by the idea, Gabby looks forward to this adventure.

Gabby experiences the exhilarating adventure of parasailing with Travis. As they lift off, she initially feels nervous, especially about taking off her shirt in front of Travis. However, once she is in the air, her anxiety dissipates as she enjoys the breathtaking views and the unique perspective of the town from above. Travis’s guidance and the shared experience create a sense of connection between them.

Gabby agrees to be dipped into the water, further heightening the excitement. The other couples join in the fun, creating a joyous atmosphere in the sky. Afterward, as they set up camp on the beach, Stephanie playfully reassures Gabby that it’s okay to do nothing and enjoy the moment.

A more intimate conversation unfolds between Gabby and Stephanie during their sunbathing session. Stephanie, seemingly able to read Gabby’s thoughts and insecurities, hints at her awareness of Gabby’s growing interest in Travis. Despite Gabby’s denials and the mention of her boyfriend, Stephanie insists that there’s a mutual attraction between Gabby and Travis, leading to a humorous and revealing exchange.

In this chapter, Gabby immerses herself in the lively atmosphere of the beach gathering, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells around her. Stephanie’s earlier revelations about Gabby and Travis’s potential attraction create a comfortable silence between the two women. Gabby observes Travis playing with the kids, and her warmth toward him grows.

The hunger Gabby feels is not just for food but for a sense of community and familial connection that the gathering represents. Travis playfully teases Gabby about children, sharing the idea that if you show love to others’ kids, they reciprocate, hinting at a deeper connection between them. They distance themselves from Travis’s friends, finding a quiet spot to delve into conversation.

As they talk, Travis shares stories from his youth, assuming Gabby has had similar experiences. When she reveals she hasn’t, Travis notes her independence, and they discuss Gabby’s family background. Travis expresses confidence that Gabby’s parents are proud of her, evoking a warm response from her. The conversation turns to Gabby’s past, her journey to becoming the person she wants to be, and her reflections on her relationship with Kevin.

The discussion remains lighthearted, and Gabby appreciates that Travis doesn't offer unsolicited advice about her family matters. They find common ground in their professions, with Gabby sharing details about her job, excluding any mention of the flirtatious doctor. Their conversation is interrupted by a frisbee, giving Travis another opportunity to playfully interact with the kids.

As Travis entertains the children, Gabby reflects on the authenticity of moments like these compared to the stilted dynamic in her relationship with Kevin. The chapter concludes with a fleeting touch between Gabby and Travis, sparking a brief vision of a future where they may share similar moments for countless weekends to come.

After a day of parasailing and socializing, Stephanie hints at a potential romantic interest between Gabby and Travis, encouraging Travis to cook dinner for Gabby. Gabby, initially hesitant, eventually agrees.

As Gabby prepares for the evening, she contemplates whether she should wear makeup and grapples with a small voice telling her that having dinner with Travis is a bad idea. Despite knowing the day has been harmless, she acknowledges a subtle change in the atmosphere between them.

During the dinner on Travis’s patio, their conversation ranges from Travis’s plans for the next day to discussions about family, relationships, and adventures. The tone becomes flirtatious as they share beers and talk about romantic love. Gabby attempts to keep the conversation grounded, bringing up her boyfriend, but Travis seems confused by her sudden mention of Kevin.

As they move to the hot tub, the atmosphere becomes more charged. Gabby, using the astronomy book she had initially bought for Kevin, engages in stargazing with Travis. Their gazes intensify, and a moment of mutual attraction leads to an unexpected kiss. Caught off guard, Gabby questions Travis, who, while not apologetic, expresses regret for making her uncomfortable. Despite her stern reminder that it should never happen again, Gabby finds herself walking home, conflicted by the realization that Travis finds her desirable.

The chapter ends with Travis inviting Gabby to join him on his motorcycle the next day, a decision Gabby agrees to, surprising herself. However, as they say their goodbyes, Travis impulsively kisses Gabby, leaving her conflicted and contemplating the unexpected turn of events.

Gabby’s phone call with Kevin reveals a disconnect in their relationship, with Gabby entertaining thoughts of travel and a desire for more spontaneity. Meanwhile, Travis, awakened by Stephanie’s early-morning call, reflects on the uniqueness of his interactions with Gabby and the potential for a different kind of connection.

The motorcycle adventure features moments of vulnerability and playful banter. The conversation becomes more intimate as Gabby and Travis discuss past and present relationships, and Travis expresses his feelings for Gabby, predicting the challenges that may lie ahead. Gabby grapples with the idea of enjoying the present without overthinking the future. The chapter concludes with an unexpected dinner invitation from Gabby to Travis, leaving Gabby contemplating the unfolding complexities of her emotions and choices.

The next day, Travis engages in mundane tasks such as bathing Moby and mowing the lawn, using physical exertion to clear his mind. Throughout these activities, he finds himself unable to shake thoughts of Gabby and contemplates the profound enjoyment he experiences when spending time with her. Travis also reflects on his father’s advice about finding a woman with a shared sense of humor, pondering Gabby’s mysterious boyfriend and wondering what makes him stand out.

On the other hand, Gabby prepares for a dinner date with Travis, choosing food and wine that she believes he would enjoy. She grapples with her growing attraction to Travis, acknowledging that it goes beyond mere physical appearance. Despite trying to forget their kiss, she finds herself unable to ignore the undeniable connection and familiarity she feels with him.

The dinner setting is carefully arranged as the evening unfolds, and playful banter ensues. Travis and Gabby share stories of their childhood, bringing them closer together. The atmosphere becomes more intimate, leading to a confession from Travis about his feelings for Gabby. This revelation adds a layer of complexity when Kevin calls, causing Gabby to grapple with her emotions. 

In the following days, despite their work commitments, Gabby and Travis immerse themselves in each other’s company, seizing every free moment to deepen their connection. Their routine includes intimate mornings, shared lunches at a quaint family-owned restaurant, evening walks with their dogs, and collaborative dinner preparations. As they navigate these ordinary yet meaningful moments, Travis develops a profound understanding of Gabby’s past, empathizing with her struggles and harboring resentment toward her mother for failing to recognize Gabby’s remarkable qualities.

On a Tuesday morning, Travis surprises Gabby with a thoughtful gesture—a fresh cinnamon roll and hot coffee from downtown, coupled with an invitation to shower together. However, after work that day, Travis senses Gabby’s unspoken turmoil and decides to address the elephant in the room. Out on the boat, surrounded by a contemplative silence, Travis broaches the topic, seeking clarity on their future. Gabby confesses her uncertainty, prompting Travis to suggest talking to Kevin. However, Gabby expresses the complexity of her situation, leaving Travis anxious about the impending conversation.

Gabby acknowledges the intensity of desire and connection Travis has brought into her life. She professes love for him but grapples with the importance of Kevin in her life. Travis, aware of the disparities in their choices, declares his love for Gabby and vows not to let her slip away without a fight. In a poignant exchange, Gabby reveals her fondness for Travis, expressing appreciation for his genuine and endearing qualities. Yet she poses a request—to make love to her without expectations about where their relationship will lead.