He exhales. “I always knew that you were the one for me, Wendy. Life without you isn’t the same, and I’m so fucking sorry for hurting you.”
He reaches for me, and I pull away from him.
“You don’t get to show up and apologize and expect things to go back to where they were, Adam.”
“Who are you?”
“The woman I was before we met.” It’s harsh, but it’s also the truth. When I was with him, parts of me were erased.
My grandmother calls my name, and I walk away from him.
The rest of Saturday bleeds into Sunday, and Adam settles into the B&B like he belongs. He eats breakfast with the Bees and walks with Gran on the beach. He even tries to be friendly with Josie and Mia, who blow him off like he’s an inconvenience.
Gran finds me in the dining room, folding napkins. She pulls the chair out next to mine and sits. I run my thumb along the crease.
“Wendy, Adam regrets letting you go. He said it was the biggest mistake of his life and he’s here to make it right.”
“Of course he did.”
“A man doesn’t fly across the country for nothing. He’s fighting for you.”
“I don’t need anyone to fight for me.” My voice is steady, but I’m annoyed. “I don’t need rescuing, Gran. I left everything in California. My job, my salary, along with him. I wanted to try long distance, and he selfishly said no. He didn’t choose me first. I don’t want to be with someone who isn’t willing to try. It’s too late.”
Gran studies me. “I’m not saying you need rescuing, sweetheart.”
“Sounds like it. He shows up with an apology, and suddenly, everyone is painting this as a love story. It’s not.” My fingers interlock. “Nobody has come to save me. I’m saving myself.”
Her face softens. “I didn’t know the details. You never told me what happened between you two. But five years is a long time to waste.”
“Tell that to him.”
She reaches over and takes my hand. “You know what’s best for you. I’ll respect that.”
“Thank you. For once.”
“But for the record,” she says, smoothing her hand over her blouse, “we are not removing you from our matchmaking list.”
“You’re pissing me off.”
“You gotta live a little, kid.” She looks at me over her reading glasses. “Have fun before you’re an old lady like me. And then have even more.”
Later that night, I sit on my bed, staring at the wall that separates me from Adam’s room. Carter has barely spoken to me in two days. He’s pulled away to give me space, but it’s the last thing I want from him. I grab my phone and text him.
Wendy
Come see me.
I stare at the text message, seeing it’s delivered. I wait for a response, but nothing comes.
Wendy
Please?
A ragged breath releases from me as I lock my phone. Two seconds later, the doorknob twists open. Carter steps inside with his arms crossed. He pulls his phone out and texts me back.
Banks
We can’t talk here.
