I nod. “That makes sense. Therapy for past trauma can really be beneficial. It’s not for everyone, of course.”
“I wonder if I should look into it.” He shrugs. “The very idea of going to a shrink is so far out of my comfort zone. The people I hang with in Lucky Bay think the way to get over trauma is a night at the local bar. Everyone knows your name there, and we all look out for each other.”
“That sounds nice,” I say.
“It is. But it can keep you stuck if you’re not careful. I needed to come here, to Montana. To see that there are other ways to live besides the short walk between the dock, the bar, and my apartment.”
“I get it.” I do. And now that I have no job holding me here, I wonder if I need to get out of Montana for a while andspread my wings. “It will be surreal to go to Lynn’s together tomorrow.”
He nods. “She’s the only living person who represents the tie between us.”
“The invisible string,” I say quietly as we stare out at the shimmering blue lake together.
“Right.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Michael
Emery and I fall asleep wrapped up in each other’s arms.
Before her, I’d never slept with a woman overnight. If I had a fling going on, I’d wait till the woman was asleep and then move to the couch for some space.
But with Emery, I’m not only spooning with her—I’m actually sleeping. And sleeping well.
I’ve had a lot of sweat-filled nights since my boat’s near-accident. Dreams no one should have.
And yet something about being with Emery makes my nights better.
But demons have a way of coming out, no matter how hard we try to keep them locked away.
“No! Dad, come home! Please!”
“No!” I punch at the fishermen on the pier trying to talk me down. “Leave me alone!”
“Michael!”
Who’s that voice? She sounds so familiar. So safe.
“Michael, honey.”
I pull back from the men trying to get a hold of me and make me leave the pier.
One last jerk of my arm, and I’m free.
Oof.
I land on my ass.
When I open my eyes, I’m not on the pier. I’m on the floor of a room I don’t recognize.
And peering over the bed next to me is…
Emery.
Her eyes are filled with worry. Even in the darkened room, I can see her worry.
Exactly what I didn’t want to do to her. Make her scared like she is right now.
