She turns and looks at me, and her eyes are glassy from the rum, or the situation, or both. “Everything.”
I want to touch her. I want to pull her close and tell her I choose her.
“I have to deal with this,” she says, defeated. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” I say.
She walks toward the B&B, and I stay behind. Adam is on the porch, talking to Gale. Her hand is on his arm, and she’s laughing at something he said. Wendy’s stride shortens as she moves closer. If at any point in my life I wish I could read someone’s thoughts, it’s now.
He works Gale and charms her without really trying. “I missed Wendy so much and saw some promotions about the celebration online. Considering the Fourth of July is one of Wendy’s favorite holidays, I thought, why not?”
“Aww,” Gale says. “That’s adorable. You’re adorable.”
Josie steps beside Wendy before they take the stairs up to the deck. Josie’s expression says everything. She’s pissed, but she says something to Wendy, then hugs her.
Wendy takes the stairs to the deck, and the three of them enter the B&B together.
The party winds down, and tourists drift toward the bonfire on the beach. Mia packs up the photo backdrop, and Josie stacks chairs. The string lights glow above the trampled grass,and I stand near the bar alone, pulling out my phone, texting Jameson.
Banks
Happy Fourth!
Jameson
You too, man. How’s the beach?
Banks
Great!
Jameson
Will you still be back on the 3rd?
Banks
That’s still the plan.
I tuck my phone in my pocket and go back to the B&B. I don’t pass Wendy, Gale, or Adam. My room is dark, and I sit on the balcony, replaying the night. The Coconut Crushes wear off, and the clarity that replaces them is worse than any hangover will be. I rub the back of my neck because tension is building at the base of my skull.
I’m the rebound.
The thought sits with me.
I told her I’d stay if she asked, and she refused.
Adam smiled at me, knowing he has the upper hand with their history.
Wendy chose him once, and she could choose him again.
Does he have a chance?
I don’t know.
I lie back and stare at the star-filled sky, wishing I could see into the future.
chapter twenty
