Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
“No, and don’t you tell them either. Mom has enough to worry about with the restaurant and Dad’s health. I’ve got it under control. I’m pretty sure they know he’s back in town anyway. It is Seaside, after all.”
Palmer didn’t say anything, and when I looked at her, she gave me a sympathetic smile. “Sutton, I know you never told anyone how bad it was with him, especially toward the end. But I don’t think you should try to handle this alone. Jack was… he was unhinged. I saw it with my own eyes. He was livid that you filed for divorce, even after you caught him with another woman.”
I brought the beer to my lips and took a long drink.
“What were you and Brody arguing about the other day when I walked into the storage room?” she asked.
My body stiffened. “Nothing.”
“You’re such a terrible liar.”
Turning to face her, I drew in a deep breath. “What if they find out he’s been coming to the shop and write about it?”
Palmer’s brows drew in. “The gossip columnist?”
I nodded. “I mean, they’ve been so occupied with Gannon and Addie lately, but what if…”
“Don’t ‘what if,’ Sutton. You know what Mom says about that. Besides, would it really be that bad? Who cares if they write that Jack is back in town? Maybe it’ll light a fire under his ass to sell you his half of the shop.”
Dropping my head back against the chair, I let out a frustrated groan. “You’re right, I know you are. I feel so lost and confused.”
She reached for my hand. “Talk to me, Sutton. Please. If you would open up, maybe I could help.”
I wiped a tear away as I looked out over the water.
“Does this have anything to do with how you feel about Brody?”
A bitter laugh slipped free.
She nodded. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
It was time to change the subject. “Hey, didn’t Addie go in for her job interview with the hot new doctor?”
Palmer grinned. “Way to change the subject. And yes. She texted that he offered her the job. Gannon is taking her out tonight to celebrate.”
I smiled. “I’m so glad they found their way back to each other. They were meant to be.”
She nodded. “Soul mates.”
My heart dropped, and I fought to hold back tears. “Do you think we’ll ever be that happy, Palmer?”
After taking a sip of beer, she thought about her answer for a few moments. “I sure hope so. I look at how Addie beams when she sees Gannon, or when anyone even mentions him. I want that so much…but sometimes I wonder if not all of us are lucky enough to get a love like that.”
All I could do was nod. After a few moments of silence, I asked, “You believe in soul mates?”
My little sister grinned. “I do. I mean, look at Mom and Dad. Addie and Gannon. Maybe the journey for some simply has more tears and hurt than for others. I can’t imagine all that heartbreak leads you to nothing.” She let out a soft laugh. “Maybe they come into our lives when we least expect it.”
“So you have hope that you’ll find your soul mate some day?”
Her eyes met mine. “My head tells me not to have hope, but my heart is telling me he’s on his way. I just hope his ass shows up soon.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“What about you?” she asked.
Shrugging, I said, “I used to. But it’s hard to believe in love when you’ve given your heart to someone and they simply tossed it aside.”
She took my hand in hers. “Jack wasn’t your soul mate, Sutton.”
“I wasn’t talking about Jack.”
Squeezing my hand, she said, “Do you know that song ‘One More Try,’ by George Michael?”
“Yeah, what about it?”
Palmer stood. “Maybe you should listen to it and give it one more try.” Leaning down, she kissed the top of my head and then headed down the steps and into the house.
By the time I managed to make it back downstairs, my parents were home.
“Sutton, what are you doing here?” Mom asked as she walked over and pulled me into a hug.
“I missed the widow’s walk.”
Dad laughed. “You always did love it up there.”
Mom gave me an assessing look. “Is everything okay?”
Nodding, I forced myself to smile. “Yes. Everything’s perfect. Why are you two home so early?”
“You didn’t get a text from Gannon?”
Confused, I said, “No. My phone has been in my purse down here.”
A wide smile erupted on my mother’s face. “Well, we knew it was coming, but Gannon is going to ask Adelaide to marry him tonight. He wants everyone to be there.”
“Oh my gosh! That’s amazing!” I said.
Dad grinned, and I could see the happiness all over his face. “I always did like that boy.”
My mother laughed. “You’re just glad he came and asked for her hand in marriage first.”