“Yeah? And I’m going to be her stepfather. And the one who will be taking care of her when all this goes to shit and you girls are back home with me.”
I glare at him, my gut twisting. “I don’t think you’ve listened to anything I’ve said. Not now, and not back in Seattle.”
My phone buzzes repeatedly in my back pocket as it finally comes to life again. I hurry and tug it free while my chest flutters. All of this is my fault. I didn’t tell Stella that I broke things off with West. If I had, she never would’ve let Charlie go with him.
Stella
Take your time. I’m making crepes for breakfast. Charlie says she’s never had them
Call me as soon as you have service again
Hello??
West is here! In Golden Harbor! He just picked up Charlie. He said he wants to surprise you at the dock. Please tell me you didn’t spend the night with Beck on the island!
I reply to her so she doesn’t worry.
I’m off the ferry. West just picked me up
Hannah
Just bought a one-way ticket! Coming to see you next week bestie!
Beck
I signed the papers
We’re done. You’re no longer my wife
32
BECK
Checking my phone a million times does nothing to help my anxiety. But it’s been half a day since I said goodbye to Rosie on the ferry. And since I signed the papers and sent her that text.
My brain is buzzing with all the scenarios where Rosie and I don’t end up together. But despite how bruised and battered my heart is, it’s still holding on to a shred of hope that our love is enough.
My head is too fuzzy I can’t go home. I go to Milo’s and sit in during rehearsal with his band. It’s only somewhat of a distraction. I head to Seashell Bookshop next and grab a coffee. Consuming caffeine isn’t the best idea when my anxiety is at an all-time high. Now I’m not just pacing the streets distressed, but I’m jittery as well.
I debate texting Dr. Sam. My heart feels as if it’s cracking in half and my limbs are heavy. But as I walk by Peace of Cake, I see Daisy through the window where she’s standing behind the counter. The weathered door sticks and rubs as I yank it open and step inside. It’s been a while since I was here. Daisy and Ihave always been friends, but after we went on that date a few years back, things have been awkward between us.
“Beck?” Daisy calls and I spin, for some reason feeling caught.
“Hey, Daisy. How’s it going?”
She frowns, her brows pinching together as her blue eyes rake over me.
My gaze drops to the display case, and I peruse the specialty cupcakes and small cakes, each one intricately decorated. “I’m just…I’m…” I don’t even know what I’m doing here. “I’m looking for a cupcake,” I lie.
Her lips tip to one side as she considers this. “You haven’t stepped foot in here for what—three years?”
Has it been that long since that godawful date? We were such good friends; we never should’ve agreed to it in the first place. But Stella and Jack had us convinced we’d be perfect for each other. Except we weren’t. Far from it.
Because my soulmate is currently contemplating spending the rest of her life with another man. And Daisy’s soulmate up and ditched her and this town before the ink was dry on his high school diploma. Christian never wanted the small-town life. Always had dreams of something bigger.
“Has it been that long?” I scratch at the scruff on my chin. When my finger slips into the indent of my dimple, Charlie springs to my mind.
“Yep. Do you need me to refresh your memory? Because I can show you the spot where we made out in the back after our date and you left my ass with floured handprints?”
