“What about all the distractions? I assure you the construction next door is ongoing.”
As she thought of the ghostly distractions around here, her eyes stung with tears. “The ones here are so much worse.”
Caroline reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry this is so hard. I promise it’ll get better. And you know what? You don’t have to drive home alone. I’ll go with you.”
“But you bought a plane ticket.”
“So what? I’d rather keep you company. Besides, what’s better than a road trip with your best friend?”
“I’m not sure I’m the best company right now.”
“All the more reason for me to come along.”
Thirty-Eight
Just as in real life, the old adage “No pain, no gain” applies to your protagonist. If she is to learn something vital about herself, suffering will likely be involved.
—Romance Writing 101
Caroline had been right: the construction next door to Sadie’s apartment was still in full swing. But since she didn’t arrive home until almost nine o’clock, it was at least shut down for the night. Just as she had the thought, a jet streaked by, making the windows rattle.
At least Julie was out—likely at work. Sadie didn’t feel like answering questions about her trip or explaining why she’d decided to return early. The text Sadie had sent her yesterday was purposefully vague.
While Rio gave the apartment a thorough sniffing, Sadie dragged her suitcases into her room and collapsed onto the bed. It had been a long day in the car. They started before daybreakand stopped as few times as Rio’s bladder would allow. She and Caroline were both eager to get home.
The rest of the weekend on the island had passed quickly. Yesterday they attended a church service on the beach and followed it up with a consume-the-groceries lunch. Sadie spent the afternoon cleaning the apartment and doing laundry. She shoved Caroline out the back door with a beach towel and book and strict orders not to return for at least three hours. When Sadie finished cleaning she straightened the books in the Little Library one last time and said a quiet goodbye.
Keisha had found out Caroline was in town and invited them over for dinner. Her husband was working and she seemed eager for adult conversation. Chatter, good food, and baby snuggles ensued. It was as if the three of them had been friends for years. They didn’t leave until after ten. Sadie would sorely miss Keisha and baby Marcel. And the sound of the waves crashing the shoreline. She’d miss the glitter of the sun on the sea’s surface, the briny breezes, and the feel of sand between her toes.
And Sam. She’d miss Sam.
Tears swelled and burned her eyes. She blinked them back and sat up in bed. “No, you’re not going to do this. You’re not going to lie here and feel sorry for yourself. You have things to do. You have a book to write.”
But there was one order of business she needed to clear off her desk. She still needed to tell Hayley she’d left the island. She’d been putting it off, not wanting to think of Sam, much less talk about him with his sister. He’d surely told her about the breakup by now.
Still, she owed the girl a brief explanation at least—they’d talked about doing a back-to-school shopping spree. Plus shecould find out how Mr. Ford’s anniversary surprise had gone over with his wife.
Sadie pulled her phone from her pocket and tapped on Hayley’s name.
The girl answered on the second ring. “Hey, Sadie. I just got home from my softball game. We won!”
“Yay. Did you get to pitch?”
“Just two innings, but I only allowed one on base.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
“The batter only got a single and she never scored. We’re second in our league now because we won Saturday, too, and Coach says she’s starting me on Thursday. I’ve never started a game before.”
“Oh, that’s great news. I’m so happy for you.”
“Mom and Dad were there—they always come to my games. Mom was flashing her new ring around like it was ten carats.”
“I take it your dad’s big surprise went over well?”
“It must’ve. She got all teary when she told me about it, and now they can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s disgusting.”
Sadie chuckled. “You have to admit, it was very romantic of your dad.”
