Page 18 of Pour Timing

We sit back as the waitress approaches and brings our food. Chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream for me and eggs benedict for her.

“Two more mimosas, please.”

“Mrs. Byrne!”

She waves her hand. “It’s girls’ day and neither of us are driving. Drink up.”

We fall into comfortable chitchat while we eat. I fill her in on my newest freelance writing job and she gushes over how great it is to have her grandson so close. I feel completely at ease, and for the first time in quite a while, I’m not afraid of what the future may hold because I’m the one who holds it. My thoughts are confirmed. I’m going to end it with Patrick and enjoy being me again.

“Can I say something?”

I laugh as I finish chewing and use my napkin to wipe my mouth. “You always do, so I'm ready for it.”

She waggles her eyebrows but then cocks her head slightly to the side. “Your relationships failed because they weren't right. You both chose wrong because you didn't choose each other.” I start to protest but she puts her hand up. “And I know most of the blame lies with Matt. He always was stubborn and I think he didn't want to admit that he actually made a wrong choice in following one of his dreams. Even though his first dream was waiting for him at home, he saw coming back as a failure.”

I whisper, “I was waiting for him.”

She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I know you were.”

“I didn’t care that he didn’t go pro. He just loved the game, so whether he was playing professionally, playing for a pickup league, or coaching, I just wanted him happy.”

“He looks pretty happy now.”

I scoff. “Does he? I think he’s still in shock about being back here.”

She shrugs. “Maybe. But I think he’ll ease right into where he’s supposed to be sooner than he thinks. And sooner than you think too.”

I sit back and finish my mimosa. It would be very easy to fall back into a routine with Matt. Our friendship was always easy; it wouldn’t take long at all. And maybe a couple of hours spent together could lead us right back to where we left off.

“There’s actually one more thing I want to talk to you about for the event. I have an idea.”

Chapter9

Kylie

Ileft brunch and went home to take a nap. Day drinking is not for me anymore. I wake to the ringing of my phone. I don't answer it in time but see the missed call is from Patrick. I let the voicemail come through and listen.

“Sorry, Kylie. I’m stuck here for a few more days.”

Story of my life. And I get a vision of ten years from now, getting this same call on a birthday, an anniversary, Christmas. Mrs. Byrne’s words run through my head and I know what I have to do.

It’s now or never, Kylie.

I get up from my bed and walk out onto my deck, which overlooks the water. The sun is just about to set and something about this scene gives me the peace I need to make this call. He picks up after three rings. Again, I'm not a priority.

“Hey, Ky. I'm really tired. Did you get my message?”

There’s no affection in his tone. No real concern. Just the dull sound of someone who checked out a long time ago. I feel it like a cold splash of water to the face.

“I did. And that's why I'm calling you right back.” I take a breath. “Patrick, this isn’t working.” He’s silent and I give him a minute to process.

“What do you mean, Ky?” he asks after a moment, but it's more of a resolved statement than a question.

“You know what I mean. I’m always in Starlight Bay. You're not. I’m planning this wedding. You’re not.”

“I'm trying to get things set up for us.”

“Are you? Or are you setting things up for you?” He doesn’t respond. There's only silence. And that’s the biggest answer of all.

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