Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“Very,” I admit.
The corners of her mouth turn down. “Sorry to hear that.”
Dennis’s tone is tentative as he asks, “Why do you think?”
I blow out a breath, right on the edge of blubbering again.
“None of our business,” Keira says when I don’t respond right away.
“It’s okay. Just been working through it.” I’ve been a sounding board for them—mostly Dennis—for as long as we’ve been roommates, regarding anything from work to his overbearing parents, so I don’t mind sharing. “Grandpa’s house sold, and soon enough, his boat will too, so it feels like I’ve cut all my ties to the place.”
“Makes sense,” Keira replies. “Bet it was hard saying goodbye. But no one can take away your memories.”
Dennis nods. “And you still have John—whom I enjoyed meeting, by the way. It’s clear the two of you have a strong bond.”
“We do and will always be friends.” That thought lands like a thud in my stomach. “But we finally filled out the divorce papers, and I’m supposed to file them.”
Keira grips my hand. “I’m sorry.”
“That’s heavy, man,” Dennis adds. “Maybe that’s also the reason you’re feeling out of sorts.”
“No doubt.” Heaviness settles in my chest. We’ve been through the reasons so many times, but I still voice them. “But what other solution is there? His business and family are there. There’s no acting community in Aqua Vista. Unless you count the high school.”
Keira shoots Dennis a glance. “What do you mean?”
“Somehow, my old drama club teacher recruited me to help her with the spring production before I left town.” I make my tone ominous. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
“Sounds cool. But isn’t that more of a Halloween thing?”
“Welcome to the quirkiness of Aqua Vista.” I smile. “Nobody seems to mind.”
“I love that.” Dennis gets comfortable against the couch cushions. “How was the experience?”
I can’t help smiling at the memory of it. Of the kids’ enthusiasm. Their need for affirmation from an adult. Never imagined that adult would be me, so go figure. “It felt good, actually. Really fucking good.”
Keira smiles. “Your face brightened just now, so you must’ve really enjoyed it.”
My heart stutters because it reminds me of what John told me.
“Your whole face lit up. I’ve only ever seen that expression when you’re fishing.”
“It obviously solidifies how much you love acting,” Dennis points out. “Maybe the key is putting that energy into your role in Cold Blade.”
“Absolutely.” I decide I need to snap the hell out of it. “Thanks for the support. See you in the morning.”
Dennis holds out his fist to bump mine. “That’s the spirit.”
33
JOHN
I’m restless, so when dawn hits, I decide to get dressed and join Jack and Aaron for a hike in the foothills. Despite my good intentions, my car has a mind of its own and heads in the opposite direction toward the docks. Micah has only been gone a few days, we haven’t spoken since, and though I’m dying to hear from him, I also think it’s a good idea to keep our distance and lick our own wounds for now. Besides, I’m sure he’s busy getting back into the swing of life in LA, from work to the upcoming casting call and maybe even filing our divorce papers at the courthouse.
My heart throbs with such a deep ache that the only way I can figure to momentarily alleviate it is to be nearer the place he loves. Maybe the peace he finds with the ocean will rub off on me. I’m actually grateful he got me on that boat and in the water because my siblings and I have been avoiding it like the plague ever since the accident. Or at least the boats. The beach has seemed like a good compromise.
I walk down the dock and step inside the bait shop to buy some gum. Cap is sitting behind the counter, his cane propped beside him. His granddaughter is stocking a shelf and wriggling her nose at the smell of something in a bucket nearby. Probably worms or grubs. I snicker to myself because I’d feel the same.
“Wh…what…brings…you…in?” Cap asks, struggling with the words. I feel bad for the man, but I can tell how much he’s missed being around these parts. Why else would he show up for work like this? Unless it’s to keep an eye on his family members. Wouldn’t put it past him. I’m the same with my bar.
“Just this.” I randomly select gum and place the pack on the counter. Then, my gaze travels toward the bulletin board, where the sales flyer hangs for the boat. “But I also wondered if you’ve heard…if there’s been any interest in the Malone boat.”
“Not that I’m…aware of.” He scowls. “But…you know what somebody…d…did have an interest in?”
I straighten at the question. “What’s that?”
“To buy this…sh…shop.” I can see all over his expression how much that irks him, and maybe it’s more about pride than anything else.