“Do I wanna come along and deal with your moody ass for longer than I already have?No, thanks.But come over to our place later if you want.I don’t know what we’re having, but Autumn and Carly made an apple caramel cake for dessert.”
The idea lifted his mood slightly.“Sounds good.See you later.”He hesitated.“Thanks, man.”
Gavin shot a grin over his shoulder.“See how emotionally supportive I can be?”
“Scary.Barely even recognize you right now.”He was smiling as he stepped out of the building into the cool, damp air.The deciduous trees planted on the grounds were all drenched in fall color, their damp leaves glistening in the light.
Gavin was right.He needed to burn off some frustration.He started down the hill, heading for the waterfront.A long, hard walk along the beach, listening to the waves pound the shore felt like a good idea.
Chapter Ten
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As he reached FrontStreet, he spotted Bristol stepping out of Whale’s Tale with a bag in her hand.She stopped, smiled at him.“Hi there.”She held up the bag.“Just popped down to grab a couple copies of this month’s book club pick for Cass and me.”
“I didn’t know she’d joined.”
“I made her.But I think she secretly enjoys it.And I thought a new book would be a good idea for her going into this weekend.Give her something to take her mind off everything.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets.“How is she?”
“She’s...coping the best she can.But you know her—she doesn’t say much.”
It made him feel slightly better that she was like that with her family too.
“I basically barged into her place and forced myself on her when I found out what happened,” Bristol said.“Because you know how she is.She’s all about taking care of everyone else, but God forbid someone tries to return the favor.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed that.”
Bristol’s expression sobered, empathy filling her blue-gray eyes.“You offered to help, and she shut you down,” she guessed.
“Pretty much.”
“Ugh, Cass, why are you the way you are?”She sighed.Glanced behind her at the café and then back at him.“Got time for a coffee and a pastry?”
If she was going to talk about Cassie, he’d stay as long as she wanted and eat an entire tray of whatever Poppy and her team had in the display case.“Sure.”
