And I know about Ava. I’ve known about her for quite a while now. I hoped you’d tell me so many times. I’ll never understand why you kept it a secret from me and didn’t introduce us right away, but there’s so much about you I don’t understand. And I finally know that I never will.
And then I message Ava. I called her last night after Dad left, and she can’t believe he’s so awful.
I’ve told Dad not to contact me. I also told him I knew about you. I’m sorry—I should’ve talked to you before saying that. I just…it came out.
She texts right back.
Ava
I’m glad you told him. I’m going to tell him the same thing. This is just too toxic.
We should probably go to therapy ASAP. Lol
Seriously though.
Ava
You’re not wrong.
By the time we pull into Windy Harbor, my shoulders finally start to loosen. Everything with my dad is still sitting inside me like a bruise, but driving into the cozy little town lifts my spirits. The vast expanse of water feels like I’m going on vacation. Like I’m catching my breath.
We’ve barely set our bags down in the cabin when Dylan’s phone buzzes.
He glances at the screen and grins. “It’s Camden.”
“Hey, man. You’re on speaker.”
Camden’s deep, confident voice fills the room. “Tell me you two are coming to dinner tonight. Elm & Echo. Seven o’clock.”
I can hear laughter in the background.
Dylan looks at me with a raised eyebrow. “You up for it?”
“Of course,” I say, excited at the thought of seeing everyone.
“Good,” Camden says. “See you then.”
“We’ll be there,” Dylan says.
“I’ve never been to Elm & Echo. I’m excited to finally experience Camden’s cooking. Is it really that incredible?”
Dylan kisses my forehead. “You’ll see.”
By the time seven rolls around, I’m wearing a black dress that makes me feel put together for the first time in days. Dylan’s in a crisp button-down and dark jeans, sleeves rolled up just enough to show his sexy forearms. Chloe is in a cute little dress too, babbling excitedly about seeing Everett, Noah, and “Go-yee” and “Tu-yeeeee,” whose name she always drags out.
We walk into Elm & Echo and—yeah. Okay. Wow.
It’s stunning.
Warm wood, huge windows that look out over the water, twinkle lights floating like little stars. It’s elegant but not pretentious, the kind of place that feels curated without being cold. People talk about high-end restaurants feeling sterile. This one feels like someone has poured their soul into every corner.
A teenage boy at the host stand looks up, sees Dylan, and lights up.
“Dude!” he practically shouts. “You’re back!”
Dylan laughs and pulls him into a one-armed hug over the counter. “What’s up, Joey?”
Joey beams at me, then at Chloe, who waves like she’sgreeting royalty. “I was excited when Camden said you guys were coming. Everyone’s back here.”
