At myself.
I weaved my way through the bustle of customers, losing myself in the din of the crowd. I’d fought against a restlessness since Thea and I had been interrupted. I replayed that five minutes over and over again in my brain, wondering what I would have done next. Would I have kissed her? Hell, I’d wanted to, and maybe she would have let me.
The time when I could kiss and touch her whenever I wanted seemed so long ago it was almost as if it never happened.
I was about to help one of the new waiters with a heavy tray when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Thea:Caterina asked me to come out with all of you tonight, but I won’t go if it makes you feel weird.
Dominic:Why would it make me feel weird? I’ve seen you almost every day for a month.
Dominic:Does it make YOU feel weird?
Thea:Honestly, yes and no.
I forgot my job and leaned against the wall, her words slicing something inside of me. This was the first time she’d texted me for a reason not involving paint chips or the hourly rates of contractors, but it wasn’t what I’d call a friendly reason.
We used to go everywhere together, and although we’d bicker at times there was never anyone else I wanted to be with—until I didn’t want to be with anyone.
Dominic:I was happy when I heard you were coming. Whatever you decide, don’t not go because you think I don’t want you there.
Thea:I’ll go. I heard there’s a shrimp stand.
A smile tugged at my lips.
Dominic:Figured as much. You were worried about seeing me, I bet you won’t even realize I’m there.
Thea:That would be pretty impossible.
Scraps of Thea were a double-edged sword. They kept me going, but were painful reminders of the treasure I’d had before I fucked it all up.
* * *
“See, I told you. Fine.”I jutted my chin toward The Beach Pub’s tent at the festival after Joe came over to look. Danny and Aiden had a big crowd but had it all under control. I enjoyed running the tent but it was time Joe and I both delegated, especially since we were expanding. This summer we were busy but finally able to breathe.
I willed my eyes away from where Thea stood with Caterina and Ava, but it was no use. In only a simple tank top and denim shorts, Thea was stunning. I loved when she’d wear shorts in the summer. She’d be embarrassed because her legs were always so pale, but they were long and curvy, and the nerve endings in my palm already tingled with the urge to glide up and down her thigh. Her hair was down and wavy like she’d always worn it during the summer. She looked like my Thea, but she wasn’t.
“If we can pry my husband away from the tent, we could all go explore a little.”
Thea smirked as Caterina shot Joe a scowl.
“He could stay.” I shrugged. “I’m taking a walk. I hear sausage and peppers calling my name.”
“Your first sandwich of like three, right?” Thea cocked her head at me, her smile easy and beautiful. If she was going to look like that and throw memories at me, I was only human and would crack in no time.
“No, have to watch my figure.” I rubbed my stomach. “And there’s too much here to overindulge on one thing. Keep that in mind when we get to the shrimp.”
She laughed and came closer. “What else is here, besides ice cream and a ton of fried food.”
“Other stuff, too. Want to take a walk with me? They’ll catch up.”
She looked back at Joe and Caterina, rocking Ava back and forth as she wailed. Caterina waved a hand at us to keep walking. The baby had been unusually cranky since they’d arrived.
Thea cast me a tentative glance before she nodded. “Sure.”
I offered her my arm. “It’s crowded, so I don’t lose you.”
If only I’d held onto her when I should have.
