“Definitely. See you then.”
“Love you.”
“Love you.”
Erin disconnects the call before I do. I slump back against the sofa. I should get packing, but I could also do with twelve hours’ sleep. I ponder for a few moments before leaping towards my bedroom for a well-needed nap.
Except, I have to force myself to think of anything other than JJ and the way I smelt of him this morning.
CHAPTER 5
IVY THOMPSON
The drive home wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I left at a good time with minimal traffic, and the sun beamed the entire way.
This is it.
This is the fresh start I need in Willows Bay.
A lot of people hate the beach because sand gets absolutely everywhere, but I chose to embrace it from a young age. Even when you find grains of sand in your shoes for days. But that’s the beauty of the beach, it follows you everywhere.
And for a summer of hopeful fun, I will take it any day.
I can’t believe I haven’t been back in over two years.
This time will be different, I’m sure of it.
As I pull up outside my parents’ house—and my childhood home—I sit in my car for a few moments and stare. Nothing has changed, it’s the exact same house I remember.
The arches are still painted white, and the house is still the most perfect shade of sky blue with my favourite wooden bench on the porch.
My heart softens as I take it all in. I could never forget what my first home looked like, but today feels like I’m seeing it againfor the first time. It is, and will always be, the most beautiful house I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I suck in a breath and pop open the car door. Once my feet touch the ground, I smile. All my memories with my parents come flooding back, even my brother—despite how much we’d argue as kids.
My hands pat my pockets as I dig out my keys. Once I press it into the lock and step inside the house with a thumping heart, a waft of linen washing and fresh plants instantly makes me feel at home.
“Ivy?”
My brother’s voice booms through the house at the same time footsteps run across the landing upstairs. Then he’s directly in front of me as he rushes down the stairs.
He doesn’t look different, but he looks grown. Now with stubble growing out across his jaw and his blond hair wet and dripping across his forehead.
“Hey, Finn,” I grin back at him.
He takes me in and then moves across the kitchen like a flash of lightning. His arms wrap around my body as he draws me into the world’s biggest hug. I chuckle into his chest as he pulls me off the floor.
“God,” he mumbles and squeezes me tighter. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too. I missed you.”
Finn pulls back slowly and analyses me. “Missed you more. How have you been?”
I nod and brush back my hair with my fingers. “Yeah, good. Really good. What about you?”
“Happy it’s summer. University is a bummer,” he comments. “But we don’t have to talk about that. I’m just pleased you’re finally here.”
“Pleased to be home,” I confess.
