Finn returns to his seat, his sad blue eyes don’t leave mine. It’s comforting, but at the same time, I’m drowning in them. All the hurt from before comes to the surface as waves of emotion crash over me.
I count to three in my head and inhale a deep breath while I set my slide show going. The screen lights up with my PowerPoint presentation and I begin.
“Thank you again for allowing me to attend a hearing to address my reasons for the appeal to the coastal development put forward by Dream Developments and Construction.” I relax and breathe a little easier now Finn isn’t so close, but with his eyes on me, my skin itches.
I smooth a hand over my hair, half up and half down in a claw clip. “Coastal development impacts the life cycle of sea turtles in several ways.” I tap my laptop, moving to the next slide. “Number one. Development on beaches encroaches turtle nesting areas.
I tap the laptop again. “Number two. Pollution from construction sites contaminates the waters where sea turtles mate.” I’m in my groove now. If I keep my eyes on the screen and not on Finn, I can get through this. “Three. Debris from construction and changes to the landscape can make it difficult for female turtles to find a sufficient spot for their nest, not to mention vulnerable hatchlings navigating their way back to the ocean.”
“And last but not least is light pollution from construction sites or buildings close to nesting areas, which will confuse hatchlings who use the moonlight to navigatetheir way to the ocean.” I breathe out a sigh of relief at getting through the first part of my talk. “Any questions before I continue?”
I make the mistake of looking around the table and catching Finn’s heated gaze. For years, I’ve talked to tourists, students, kids, and volunteers, but this is by far the hardest speech I’ve ever done. I shouldn’t care that Finn’s here. He shouldn’t have an effect on me, but he does. I’ve tried to forget him and move on, but seeing him again reminds me of all the kisses we shared, all the smiles, laughs and special moments together.
“Miss?”
I look around the table, finding everyone’s eyes on me. “I’m sorry. What was that?”
“Mr. Kilmore here just said there are plenty of beaches. Won’t the turtles just move farther along?”
“The area in question is the quietest part of the beach. Farther along is much busier and getting close to the Hayes Resort and the marina.”
“Why can’t they go to the nature reserve at the other side of the bay?” Finn’s father says.
“Are you going to tell them? Maybe we could put a few signs up for the females when they come ashore.” I snort as I laugh. My hand flies to my mouth as my cheeks flush. The only other person laughing is Finn.
Our eyes lock, and he smiles at me. It’s reassuring, but it makes my heart ache for him. It’s still sore from when he ripped my chest wide open. I miss him. I miss his friendship, but above all, I miss feeling like the most beautiful and intelligent woman in Magnolia Point because of him.
I navigate my way back to the task at hand, steering myself away from his ocean eyes. I have to remind myself why we’re not together. He lied to me. Despite making mefeel respected, he disrespected me through his initial dishonesty.
“Let’s discuss the ecosystem and the significance of turtle nesting on our beach.” I skip to the next part of the presentation, but I’m drawn back to mesmerising blue eyes, like the sea on a calm day, inviting me in to its warm waters.
After gazing for a beat too long, someone says, “Please continue, Miss Myrtle.”
I shake myself and try to remember where I was. Accidentally, I tap the laptop, skipping ahead on my presentation. My teeth sink into my bottom lip as I fumble to find the right slide. “Just bear with me a second.”
Finn stands from his seat and walks in front of the large windows towards me. “I think what Miss Myrtle is going to talk about is how the beach at Magnolia Point provides an ecosystem for many species. It’s not just turtles we’re talking about here, but a nourished beach is crucial for many wildlife habitats.”
He eases my fingers away from the laptop, clicking backwards on the slideshow to where I left off. An image of various creatures appears on screen and he talks through the various birds, sea life, and mammals that development could affect.
His father stares at him with thin slits for eyes and a tight lip, but Finn doesn’t seem phased at all and continues to take over my presentation as if he’s done his research. What I can’t figure out is why.
Finn points to the screen on the next slide. “Nesting turtles provides important ecosystem benefits…”
I watch in awe as he takes the lead. I’m no longer hearing what he’s saying, but reliving all the moments we shared. Why is this so painful? We weren’t dating that long, but it feels like I’ve lost a part of myself.
Before I know it, he’s done the entire presentation. “Questions?” he says, opening his palms out to the group.
“I thought you were in favour of the development. Isn’t this your project, Jones? I’m confused,” Mr. Kilmore senior says.
Finn glances at me, then the group. His father is sitting with his arms crossed, practically spitting feathers. “Gentlemen, I only want what’s best for Magnolia Point. I trust whatever conclusion you come to will be the best outcome. I’m simply ensuring you have all the facts.”
“Did you have any more to add, Miss Myrtle?” another man says.
“No, Fi—” I clear my throat. “Mr. Jones has explained everything perfectly, thank you.” I close my laptop and unplug it from the big screen. “Thank you again for listening to my appeal. I hope you make the right decision.” I scurry out of the room as quick as I can, needing to breathe. It’s as if they sucked the life right out of me, or was it just Finn?
The door shuts behind me, and I take a moment to fill my lungs. My heels click against the tiles as I slink away down the corridor, desperate to be out of here and change into something that’s more me.
Just as I’m about to press the button on the elevator, Finn calls out my name.
