Heino lifts a shoulder. “You’ve all been doing my job. I have nothing to do but watch, and I saw how she looked at you. You looked at her like that, too. I know what love looks like.”
Through tears, I laugh, shaking my head.
Even this man, someone I only know professionally, can see what Evie is to me. He can see without knowing how much we care about each other. It doesn’t matter. I could have done something before, but it’s too late now.
I accept my fate. It’s the same fate I’ve always known—being alone. My work is my greatest love, and it feels worth it when I’m in the forest. I only question my priorities when I’m alone again.
I’m leavingtwo days early—just two days.
That’s how I reason with myself as I hop off the plane. It’s too late to take it back. Christine can take care of everything in thewoods. It’s the least she can do for me after the shit show she put me through.
This is the first time I’ve ended the annual retreat early. Others come and go, depending on their work schedule, but I usually stay the whole time. It’s for me as much as it is for the planet and company.
There’s one thing I love more than being in nature—one person—and it’s time to make it right.
There’s more I could have done to protect my relationship with Evie, but sometimes, it’s easier to blame Christine. When I’m jet-lagged, exhausted, and badly need a shave… it’s especially easy. The last thing I want to do is look in the mirror, metaphorical or otherwise.
My body is begging for a bed, but it’s a plea I ignore as I slide into my ride.
“You’re going to Evergreen Surf Shop?” the driver asks.
I nod.
“Huh. You got business there?”
“Something like that.”
“Kind of weird to be heading there fresh off the plane, but I get it. Surfers are passionate about their craft. I once knew a guy…”
The driver is the chatty type, and usually, I would be happy to talk to him. It makes the shift pass quicker for him. The words don’t come today. All I can think of is the next conversation—the one I’ll be having with Everett.
His surf shop isn’t the only one in the area, not by far, but there’s no denying it’s a popular spot. Bodies bustle about, looking at the branded T-shirts, wetsuits, and boards. They’re all brightly colored, just like Everett tends to be, but none of them capture my attention.
That’s not the kind of business I have here.
I drag my weary feet to the man behind the desk, ignoring the people in line. “We have to talk.”
Everett lifts a brow. “I didn’t think I’d be seeing you so soon. Did you come to my workplace, so I don’t punch you in the face?”
“You wouldn’t.” Even if I deserve it. “You’ve had plenty of opportunities in the past and never did.”
“My sister wasn’t the one you were hurting back then.” He smiles at the customer as if they aren’t hearing a gruesome conversation and passes him his change. “Have a good day. See you next week for your first lesson.”
It’s clear Everett doesn’t care about losing business, and his demographic doesn’t care any more than he does. The customer takes his change, looking impressed, brows lifted as he turns to leave. I almost envy it, not having to worry about his reputation, but I know that wasn’t always the case. He was an athlete at one point, and that life is never lived without scandal.
“This is bad for business,” I say.
“You’re telling me.” He sighs and walks away, looking back at his employee. “I’ll be back. This should only take five minutes.”
“Don’t slug him too hard!” The employee—a vibrant young woman—calls after us.
My shoulders slump. I follow Everett to his office—tidier than his bedroom, if only because he doesn’t spend much time here. I’ve heard him call the world his office before and seen him take his laptop onto the beach.
I can’t imagine how much sand there is in his keyboard.
“What are you doing here, Theo?” Once we’re alone, he looks at me with a somber expression. “I didn’t think you would want to talk to me?—”
“I need your blessing.” The words fall from my lips gracelessly, and my face flushes. It’s not exactly what I meant to say, but it works.
