“I do care. I wish you the best. Really, I do. I just...”
“Don’t love me anymore.” Her plush lips turned down in a pout.
“No, I don’t. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh, but I believe our relationship has run its course. And for what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re in love with me either. Maybe you’re just at loose ends and looking for something or someone to make you happy. But we’ve been down this road before, and it didn’t end well.”
She blinked away the tears that had gathered in her eyes.
“I’d like to just take the good memories we had and leave the rest behind.”
She dashed away a tear. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I’m sure you have good things going on in your life. You said your job’s going well.” She was a residential interior designer with a prominent group.
A light shimmered in her eyes. “I’m up for a promotion soon. I’m pretty excited about that...”
“There you go. I bet you’ll get it.”
“I think I will. Yeah. That’ll feel pretty good, being head of all the other designers.”
“You’re very good at what you do.”
Britt finished her drink and offered him a hopeful smile. “Thanks, Tyson. You always know just what to say.” She checked the time. “I should probably go. Mom and Dad are expecting me.”
As they scooted from the booth, she tossed him a wink. “But if you ever change your mind...”
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Take care, Britt.”
At the door she gave him a brief hug. “See ya, Ty.” Without a backward glance she sashayed from the shop, her little skirt swishing behind her.
Ty shook his head as he headed toward the restroom. He was glad to have that conversation over with. Just needed to splash some cold water on his face. Was it eighty degrees in here or was it just him?
When he left the restroom he exited the building and headed down the gravel lane to the parking lot in the back. He was glad there was no sign of Britt. He hoped he wouldn’t run into her again while she was on the island. But if he did, maybe they could just be casual. Exchange a friendly hello and let it go at that. Maybe today’s conversation had offered her some closure.
The thought had no sooner occurred than Marissa stepped around her car on her way to the coffee shop’s entrance. It was impossible to miss her as their cars were the only two in the lot. She wore her paramedic uniform as she’d just come off shift.
Must be his lucky day. “Afternoon.”
Something flashed in her eyes. “What, are you stalking me now?”
“I was here before you, Marissa.”
“Yeah, but I come here every Sunday afternoon...”
She was deluded. “Well, enjoy your drink.” He moved toward his truck.
“Wait. What were you doing here then?”
He spoke slowly. “Getting coffee.”
“Where is it?”
Something was seriously wrong with this woman. “I drank it inside. Have a nice afternoon.” He turned back toward his truck, trying to shake off the encounter.
“You probably think you’re hot stuff, don’t you? Being written up in the paper like you’re some kind of hero.”
He was done with this. He shook his head as he slipped inside his truck and closed the door.
Chapter 44
