There were moments after I left my home, the site wrapped in yellow tape, when my resolve wavered. When Cecil’s offer tugged at me, tempting. But they were fleeting thoughts.
Until Adam showed up at my brother’s door.
Now, if he stays any longer, I’m not sure I won’t break.
“I don’t mind a backyard wedding,” Carter says, sitting on the edge of the dock. “Maybe we can do a wedding and achristeningat the same time.”
The late June sun sits high in the sky, unbothered by clouds, warming up the pines framing the mirror-still lake. It brings out the sweet smell of resin and fresh-cut grass drifting from the lawn.
I’ve practically melted into the sun lounger, pretending I don’t hear the buzzing of dragonflies skimming the water line. Astray breeze cools my shoulders, enough to make me forget I’m exposed to all of nature’s little biting critters.
“I’m not even pregnant,” Eliza tuts, swinging her feet over the clear lake, soaking up the golden rays.
The boards creak as Carter scoots closer, whispering in her ear. “We can fix that,” he murmurs softly, but it carries to where I’m sitting. “Right now.”
Alright. That’s my cue.
“I’m getting more lemonade.” I spring up, feeling like I’m invading a private moment. “Whatever this is…wrap it up before I return.”
“That would defeat the purpose,” my brother fires back, grinning.
Eliza shrieks, half-horrified, half-laughing, “Carter!”
I shoot him an exasperated glance. “When did you turn into such a jokester? Don’t worry, Eliza, I know how babies are made. No need to sit me down for the birds-bees-and-condom talk.”
I pull a flimsy beach cover-up over my swimsuit and head up the path, grateful for the cool shadows cast by the old trees peppering the property.
My mind can’t stop noticing the contrast between mine and my brother’s love life. I shouldn’t. It’s not fair to him. After all he went through to get his happily ever after.
But, inevitably, his bliss forces me to admit I’ve been … lonely. Since I’ve been back from London, I’ve tried. But the specter of a certain someone keeps casting its net over me, dragging me back. Every time I strain to break free, it only tugs harder.
And being stuck in this house with him doesn’t help. At all.
Having Will in Silver Lake Falls, strolling the boardwalk, ticking off the places on the list Eliza gave me, is so easy. Like taking a peek through a window at sharing a normal life with someone that didn’t come with baggage.
But the ease only lasted until he had to leave. I can’t help feeling it was just a Band-Aid stretched thin over a deeper loneliness. One I’ve been carrying far longer than I care to admit.
By the time I reach the back door, I reconsider my timing. Probably better for everyone, and extra beneficial for my mental health, if I give them an extra ten minutes.
Inside, my skin prickles with the sudden change of temperature.
My tablet is upstairs. I could grab it, go over Michelle’s summary for yesterday’s—
“Jesus!” I yelp, colliding with the freakingghost of loves past. Can’t I just have a moment of peace?! “Are you doing this on purpose?”
I press my palm over my racing heart to steady my breath.
“I wasn’t the one mumbling to themself like a maniac,” he says, but his voice lacks the usual teasing undertone. It’s heavier, threaded with heat, landing low.
I make the mistake of meeting his eyes. Darker green than usual in the dim light, tracking down my throat, catching on the edge of my exposed bikini top, lingering on what the too-short cover-up doesn’t hide.
His throat bobs, jaw flexing, and I feel like I might as well be naked.
“You could’ve given me a heart attack,” I croak between short, uneven breaths, leaning against the wooden wall.
Adam bends closer, enough to smell the minty scent of his toothpaste. I freeze.
Then the absolute worst thing in the world happens.
