“You knew?” Jack asks Stella.
“No,” she blurts. “Not until today. And don’t give me that look. It wasn’t my place to say anything. This is their drama.”
“We don’t have drama. It’s just this one thing. And then after the memorial, I’ll be gone.”
Leaning in closer, I narrow my eyes at her. “Is that a promise?”
“But I thought you were going to stay in Golden Harbor for a while. Dottie had Beck remodel the cottage,” Stella interjects.
I swing my gaze to Stella. “Are you kidding me? Is that why Dottie hired me? To get the cottage ready for Rosie? She told me it was to get it ready to go on the market.”
“I’m sure that’s why. Dottie never said anything to me about coming to Golden Harbor to stay,” Rosie assures us. “I have a life back in Seattle.”
I groan. “Yeah, so you keep reminding us. Ya know what, Rosie? Why don’t you do everyone a favor and get back to it already. Get back to your perfect life in Seattle. And leave us the hell alone.” I take a swig of my beer. “None of us need your pity or reminders that you moved on without us.”
“What? No.” She bites on her lower lip and her fingers fidget with the label on her beer bottle. When she opens her mouth to speak again, she looks at Stella. “I never said that. I never said my life was perfect, or whatever it is he’s insinuating.”
“Yeah? And how often did you come back to see Dottie? How often have you come back to see Stella? Your so-called best friend.”
Rosie sniffs and her eyes water even while she’s trying to glare at me. “That’s not fair.”
“Hey, okay you two. That’s enough. We’re done taking this guilt trip down memory lane.” Stella gives Rosie a pool stick. “Let’s all play some pool and get another beer.”
“You expect me to stay and hang out with her?” I stab a finger at Rosie.
“I do. Because we all used to be friends. We should be able to hang out together.”
“Just like old times.” Jack hooks his arm around my neck.
I can appreciate the sentiment, but it doesn’t help. I shrug out of his hold. “Fine,” I grunt.
Screwing her lips up to one side, Rosie’s glare is hard and purposeful. “Fine,” she says, looking right at me.
“Great,” Stella says with forced enthusiasm. “Maybe you wanna get us some more drinks?”
I swing a cold gaze to Rosie. “Sure. Why not? Doesmy wifewant another beer?”
She rolls her eyes, flipping her dark auburn hair off her shoulder. “Don’t call me that.”
“Oh, yeah, you’re right, Stella. This night is gonna be fun,” I mutter, then stalk off to the bar.
5
ROSIE
When Charlotte was born, I started only drinking socially. And I don’t drink more than a glass or two of wine. Especially since West and I began dating. He splurges on the expensive stuff and one glass is all it takes for me to get a little tipsy.
But something about being back in Golden Harbor, at the Sandbar, and surrounded by my old friends has me loving the taste of cheap beer and losing track of how many I’ve had. Stella reassures me Jack is only having one and will get me and Charlie back to Dottie’s safely. It’s a good thing because every time I see Beck’s stupidly handsome face, I have another drink.
It’s more stupid than handsome. But even still. It’s his face. Here, right before me and no longer only haunting my dreams.
Since Beck’s date ditched him, Stella thought it would be a great idea to invite him to play a game of pool with us. But one game led to two, and now three. The entire time, Beck and I have managed to only exchange a few words. But the tension in the air is as thick as early morning fog blanketing the ocean.
“Your turn,” I call to Beck while he’s propped on a stool grimacing with his arms crossed.
He stands and shuffles past me. “Yeah, yeah, chill. Don’t get your panties in a wad,” he grumbles, his gaze moving over my face with distaste.
“Too bad that’s not possible. Because I’m not wearing any panties,” I taunt, not backing down. The alcohol is doing its purpose and not only taking the edge off the pain radiating in my low back, but also giving me a sense of bravery.
