Page 26 of Hearts on the Line

“I don’t know,” Annie says diplomatically. “My brother might surprise you.”

I can’t quite hear what someone says a few seats down, but I know it’s not exactly nice by the way Annie’s shoulders tense.

Her hand grips the table, and she leans forward. “What did you say about my brother?”

I quickly reach out and place my hand on hers, pushing my sunglasses up to the top of my head with my other hand. I smile, putting on the full charm offense at the young waiter to help calm everything. “We’ll start with a few pitchers of sangria, please.”

Annie glances over, then quickly removes her hand from beneath mine. “Oh, and chips and guacamole.”

As soon as he leaves, she leans over and whispers, “I hate when they talk shit about Ethan.”

Guilt twists in my stomach. I can’t help but feel like I’m to blame for how the rest of Merritt Point views Ethan. I don’t say anything though and decide instead to make an even bigger mistake and check my phone.

Jason is calling, and maybe it’s the fact I’m feeling more than a little lost, or maybe it’s the vodka, but I tell Annie I’ll be right back and answer. I just need to get this conversation over with.

“Hello?”

“You know it’s me, Sloane. Don’t pretend you’re surprised.”

I flatten myself against the entrance of the restaurant to allow another large group to pass, nearly knocking down the stack of brochures of the local attractions.

“What is it then, Jason? I’m busy.”

Finally, I wiggle out and am standing on the sidewalk before a stroller forces me down into the street, only to have someone ring their bicycle bell at me.

Jesus, can’t a girl have a breakdown in peace?

“You’re busy.” It’s not a question. Jason’s voice is bored. At least we agree on something.

“I’m—” Wait, I don’t owe him an explanation. “What do you need?”

There’s a loud exhale, and… is he crying?

“You were never around. Always traveling.” He’s slurring his words. So drunk. Great.

“I don’t know what you want me⁠—”

“I was lonely.”

Oh, so we’re playing that game? I walk a little farther into a small alley tucked between the Oyster and Pearl restaurant and the taffy shop. From here, I can see the harbor.

My fingers play with the short hem of my dress, brushing against my thighs. I have a terrible stomachache suddenly, and my mouth is dry.

“How long, Jason?”

“My parents thought it would be a great idea to marry you. I think everyone did, considering you’re Jimmy Arden’s daughter. Can’t write that shit. But they never liked you. Never thought…” He hiccups. “I met her in college.”

I lean against the wall, feeling suddenly like the ground beneath me is melting away. Maybe it is. It’s not easy hearing you wasted seven years of your life.

“You graduated eleven years ago.”

“It feels like yesterday.”

I bite back the snarky remark that he was probably with her yesterday. That’s not going to help anyone.

“I saw you at that party on the rooftop, remember? You were laughing and holding this ridiculous drink with too many paper umbrellas. I made an ass out of myself, falling all over you. It took you three weeks to agree to go out with me. And then you left for New Zealand to see a cave of worms.”

For the record, they were glow worms. And it was beautiful. I had just finished covering the giant earthquake in Kaikōura.