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)
“This isn’t so bad,” June says as the boat sways gently. “I forgot how pretty the view is out here.”
“I hoped it would help you focus on the good memories.”
“It does.” She glances at our brother, who’s busy finishing the last of his wine. “How about you, Jack?”
“I’ll admit this was a good compromise. Not sure I’ll ever be ready to go for a ride…”
“I’m not there yet either,” I reply. “And I know how ridiculous that sounds, but step by step.”
Jack nods. “It’s just that every time I think about them being out there…”
June grips his arm. “I know, me too.”
“Me three.” I stare beyond the break wall. “But in a way, it also makes me feel closer to them. Is that strange?”
“No.” June’s eyes fill with unshed tears. “I understand what you mean.”
Jack sighs. “Not a bad way to look at it.”
We sip and eat and make small talk, and it ends up being a pleasant evening with my siblings that I will always treasure.
As I dish out the pie slices, Jack says, “I think we figured out what to do with the space in town.”
“What?” June asks around a bite.
He waves his fork. “Sort of like a lifestyle shop with my framed photos and the furniture Aaron restores, and maybe local artists’ wares.”
“I love that idea,” June exclaims.
I grin. “Like the Pottery Barn of small towns.”
June flutters her eyelashes. “Does that mean you’re going to put me to work at the shop?”
Jack winks. “You are the go-to employee when we all need you.”
“I’d be happy to help.”
“Me too,” I add.
As dusk sets in, we hug and say our goodbyes.
“You’re not coming?” June asks.
“Turns out I like watching the sunset from the boat.”
Jack thumps my shoulder. “Maybe next time.”
“Sounds like a plan. Thanks for joining me.”
I watch them walk off hand in hand before turning back to the horizon. As the sky grows darker, I lift my phone to snap a photo. I finally understand Micah’s draw to this place. I consider sending him the pic but change my mind. Soon. First, I need to get my boating license and learn how to dock and drive this thing beyond the break wall.
My plan is to eventually tell him. Maybe after he moves out of his apartment and buys something of his own. I would offer to haul the boat to him—no chance in hell I’d be brave or experienced enough to cruise there. Christ, just the idea of it scares the shit out of me.
I pour myself the last of the wine and head to the bow for the best view. I sit with my legs crossed, sipping and watching as the sky transforms into an impressive array of watercolors.
I’m startled by a gasp from behind me. I turn and nearly drop my wine.
“Micah?” It feels like I’m dreaming, and for a split second, I wonder if I’ve fallen asleep. “What are you doing here?”
“I…came back to tie up loose ends and had the sudden urge to see her. I know she doesn’t belong to me anymore, but I thought a chance meeting with the owner might help reassure me she’ll be well cared for.” He lifts a foot to the gangway. “Why are you on my grandfather’s boat?”
I hold out my hand. “Hi, I’m the new owner of the boat, and I’ll absolutely take good care of her.”
“You…what?” He grips his chest and inhales sharply. “Why would you do that?”
“Dunno, exactly. Just felt like something I needed to do.” I watch as he plants his feet on the deck. “It felt…right.”
His eyes are wide and searching as he grips the handrail and maneuvers to the bow. “But you don’t even like—”
“You helped me appreciate being out here again. I don’t have my license yet, so I’ve only been showing up to watch the sunset and sometimes the sunrise.”
He blinks as if he can’t make sense of anything I’ve just admitted.
I set the plastic wineglass beside me. “The truth is, being here makes me feel closer to you—and them.”
“Them?” Micah sets down his bag and squats to eye level.
“My family. Maybe that’s macabre, but—”
“It’s beautiful.” Our gazes catch and hold. “You’re beautiful.”
I screw my eyes shut as the ache in my chest intensifies.
“I still don’t understand why you’re here.” My voice is ragged as I try to control the emotions bombarding me. “Is this about the divorce? I haven’t been served yet, so I wasn’t sure—”
“Looks like you might have something to add to the financial disclosure form,” he teases.
That hadn’t even occurred to me. “Suppose I just thought this was me holding on to the boat—for you. So, technically, she still belongs to…us.”
“Fuck, John.” He shifts to his knees, his expression filling with anguish. “You don’t know how much this means to me. I’m afraid I made an absolute mess of everything.”