“Thank you for the beautiful gifts.”
“They got there?”
“They did.”
“Oh good. I bought the knife months ago, thinking you could use it in Tofino. You kept talking about how much you were looking forward to cooking, and I knew the villa’s wouldn’t be up to par. But I wasn’t sure if I should, after…everything.” He’s nervous, rambling. “I’m sorry they arrived so late. There were some hiccups. Have you met the concierge, Kevin? He wasn’t thrilled about leaving a knife in your room.”
Or maybe Kevin was hesitant because he’s team George, through and through.
“Kevin’s not the concierge. He’s the head of guest experiences, and he did a beautiful job on the ribbon.”
“Oh. Well, good.” Nate hesitates before continuing. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve been checking in with Aurora to see how you’re doing. I wanted to give you space, but I also wanted to know that you’re okay. She says you’re doing well. That you’ve had a good week.”
“It’s been a very good week,” I say, watching a surfer catch a wave before tipping off her board. “It’s been perfect.”
“I’m so glad.” He clears his throat. “I really do want the best for you, Francesca. I’d love to be friends if you can ever stop hating me.”
“I don’t hate you. Not anymore, anyway. But I think friends might be a stretch.”
“I understand,” he says. “But if you change your mind, I’m here.”
“Thank you,” I tell him. But I know this is the last time we’ll ever speak. “Don’t ever break up with someone in a shitty letter again, okay? That really sucked.”
“I know.” I hear him take in a long breath. “I’m sorry I didn’t have the guts to tell you to your face. I knew I’d never be able to follow through if I was looking into your eyes. I know it’s unfair of me to say this, but writing that note was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”
“I still don’t understand what happened,” I say. “In the end, I guess it doesn’t really matter, but I’d like to get some clarity. Was I too much for you? Was it the argument we had?”
Before he answers, I hear the sliding door to the deck open.
“Want to join me in the hot tub for one last dip?”
George is standing in the doorway, wearing his bathing suit. Seeing that I’m on the phone, he whispers, “Sorry.”
It’s fine, I mouth back, holding up a finger.One minute.
“Is that him?” Nate says, his voice a degree colder.
“Is that who?”
“George.”
I open my mouth to answer, but nothing comes out. I feel like I’ve done something wrong, which is absurd, since he’s the one who left me.
“I’m not going to pretend it doesn’t hurt,” Nate says. “But at least now I know I did the right thing.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“It was clear I didn’t really know you and that I was standing in the way.” He sounds weary. “I just didn’t think it would happen so fast.”
“Nate, what are you talking about?”
“George didn’t tell you?”
My stomach drops. “Tell me what?”
I watch as George’s face turns ashen.
Nate’s voice is clipped. “This is exactly what he wanted, so he can do the explaining. Talk to George. He’ll be able to give you the clarity you’re looking for.”
