The scene is all too familiar and feels like a continuation of our high school days. A party on the beach. Tiki torches scattered at random in the sand. Axl blasting Sam Hunt from his truck. But the biggest issue of all? The love of my life stands in front of the fire, dancing like she hasn’t shed a single tear over us.
I swipe my hand over my forehead, trying to dull the pressure. What was I thinking, offering my parents’ beach house for the joint bachelor-bachelorette party? At the time, it had seemed like a good idea. Jackson had mentioned they’d considered a Vegas trip, but with Kaci having Bella, she didn’t want to leave the state. This neighboring beach house arrangement seemed like the perfect solution since Kaci could have Bella with her mom the whole time, and the wedding reception is just up the road at the lake resort.
I wasn’t prepared to feel all of this. My chest quakes. I’m in a constant state of cold sweats despite the ninety-degree heat. I assumed Koren would be back for the wedding, but I neverimagined we’d be forced to relive some of our best memories, especially my favorite bonfires on the beach.
This was our sacred place.
One thing is for sure: I’m keeping my distance. I walk past the circle of friends and head out to the water alone. I barely notice Koren laughing at something Jackson says. I absolutely don’t notice her hair blowing in the breeze or the way her cheeks flush, the way they used to after we kissed.
Kaci comes up behind me and jabs a fist playfully into my side. “Are you going to stew over here all night by yourself?”
“What are you talking about?” I cross my arms over my chest and glare at her.
“Don’t play dumb.” She wags a playful finger. Maybe it’s not playful. I stare at it as she whirling it around, looking like she’s going to jab me. “Just go talk to her.”
Gulping, I’m about to argue, but Kaci doesn’t give me the chance. She levels her crazy glare, spins on her heel, and runs back to rejoin the group. I’m left staring as she walks straight to Koren. I can’t help wondering if she’ll say something to her too.
I almost move a toe.
If I close my eyes, it’s easy to pretend we’re back in that place when I can sneak up behind Koren, wrap my arms around her waist, and kiss the top of her head. I swear I can smell the lavender in her hair.
I always smell it.
Yet, I miss it so much.
There’s no doubt in the world if I did that now, she’d slug me.
Then she’d turn around and slap me again.
I really can’t blame her.
We were last year’s summer romance, and that summer is over.
I’d give anything to go back. I’d give away my first Stanley Cup—well—I suck in a sharp breath. That’s a big ask. Maybe not theStanley Cup. I tilt my head, weighing it. The Cup is amazing, but Koren is everything. Yeah. I’d absolutely give it away if it meant us getting back together.
I’d give it all away for one more moment of holding her like she’s mine. My favorite spot was right here on the beach, barefoot, staring at the stars, full of hopes and dreams.
“I don’t care what happens after this summer,” she whispered. “I’ll love you forever.”
Balling my hands into fists, I resist the urge to shake them toward the heavens. Instead, I stare out to the water and breathe, “Forever was over too soon.”
I don’t know how long I stand there, just staring out over the water. When I finally come back to myself, everyone’s gone inside for the night. Apparently, we aren’t as wild as we used to be, but tomorrow is a huge day. I drag my feet through the sand, taking the long way back to my porch so I can check the bonfire first.
It’s just smoking logs now. I kick each one with my sneaker until they are buried in the sand. Then I turn for one last look at the water.
My breath catches.
It’s like a scene from a movie.
Koren is standing on her back porch, still wearing the shorts and sweatshirt from earlier. Her arms are crossed, hair blowing in the breeze as she stares at me. “What are you doing out here all alone?”
It’s funny how her presence, even when it’s a surprise, doesn’t startle me. Tonight, under the dark sky, everything feels like one of my dreams. The good ones, when we were still in love and blissfully naïve. I jerk my thumb toward the pit. “The logs were still smoking, but I, uh, got it out.”
“No, what are youreallydoing out here all alone?” She exhales slowly, as if breathing takes all her energy. Her mouth opens, then closes. After another long pause, I get it and speak for her.
“You mean this.” I point to her, and then back to me.
She nods, which hits me like a body check. I never thought we’d talk about us again—if you can call this a conversation. My body is so attuned to her, I can’t help but step closer before my brain catches up.
