Page 48 of Searching for Sunshine

Desperate to ignore the panic rising in my chest at the thought, I shoot her an ugly look. “Did you bring me here just to stage an intervention?”

“Not quite. I really did want a night out with you. Other than my party earlier this week, I feel like I haven’t seen you outside of work since the hotel took off. But, I also can’t ignore how worried I am about you. I don’t want you to get hurt, Stels.”

I grab her hand from across the table. “I know, Aves, and I really appreciate it. But it’ll be okay. And if it’s not, I know I can count on you to bring the ice cream and the wine, right?”

“Damn right, you can. You know you’re never getting rid of me.”

I smile and look down at my lap to see my phone ringing. “Oh, hold on. My Uncle Allen’s calling me.”

Avery looks back at me in confusion. “The one from Springside? I didn’t think the two of you chatted all that often.”

“We don’t. Let me see what he wants and make sure nothing’s wrong,” I tell her, answering the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Stella. I know it’s late so I won’t keep you long,” he starts, and I look down at the time to see it’s barely seven in the evening.

“It’s fine. What’s going on? Is everything okay?” I ask, wondering if he’s calling to tell me something happened to my dad. Since I don’t have any contact with him, Uncle Allen is about the only one who would think to call me.

“Oh no, nothing like that. I’m actually calling because I know you were looking for a teaching position earlier this summer. Two of my teachers here in Springside just resigned and teacher work days start next week. I know it’s last minute and you’re living in Crestbrook Cove now, but I felt like I need to at least give you the option in case you and your friend still want something in the classroom. And I’m not gonna lie, I’m really in a bind and you’d kinda be helping me out here.”

I blink in surprise, not sure what to say. Earlier in the summer, I would have really had to think about it. But after the last few months of working with the hotel and feeling my anxiety lessen as I spend more time away from the school, there’s not a doubt in my mind I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing here in Crestbrook Cove.

“Uncle Allen, I really appreciate it, but I feel like I’ve found my home in Crestbrook. Plus, if I walk away from the Hideaway, Memaw’s will said that I forfeit the hotel. So I’m sorry, but I can’t do that right now. But if you’re looking for someone, I can send you a few names of people who might be interested.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize. My momma did really have a sense of humor, didn’t she? But no worries. I’d appreciate those names, though, if you have time,” he says.

“Sure thing. Talk to you later,” I say before hanging up and turning to Avery.

“So, in case you’re wondering if the universe has a sense of humor, we just got teaching offers in Springside. I guess I should’ve checked with you before I turned it down,” I chuckle. “These last few months have really thrown us some curveballs, huh?”

“Girl, I just told you, there’s no way I’m leaving you. Plus, the idea of going back to turning in lesson plans and sitting through lunch duty again gives me hives. I promise I’m good.”

“Honestly, same. It’s so weird how that was everything I thought I wanted just two months ago. Maybe one day, I’ll decide to go back into the classroom. But for right now, I’m happy with our life.”

“Me too,” Avery agrees. “You know, I’m pretty sure this is the first thing we’ve said no to all summer.”

I laugh, realizing she’s right. “Oh gosh, I haven’t even thought about that. But you know, I think with everything we’ve accomplished the last few months, we definitely made the best of our summer.”

“Hell yeah we did,” Avery says, holding up her drink, “Cheers to new adventures.”

CHAPTER 22

WYATT

“Hey, do you need anything else tonight?” Trent asks as we finish rinsing off the boats. “I need to run to the parts house before they close for some extra fuel filters.”

“Nope, I’m good. But would you also pick up some spark plugs just in case? TheFin and Tonicseems to be doing much better than she was earlier this summer, but I don’t want to get stranded with all the new tours we’ve been taking on,” I explain, turning off the water hose.

“Sure, no problem. I’ll bring them in with me on Monday. Are we still on for brunch at the pier tomorrow?”

“Damn it. My wife and her best friend really have the ability to plan some shit don’t they,” I groan, remembering Stella and Avery planned a day with our friends tomorrow since we all finally have a day off. I’d been looking forward to having her to myself, but there was a new breakfast restaurant down by the water that our guests have been raving about, and I forgot I promised Stella we could all go together.

My brother chuckles then says, “You know, I’ve gotta admit, it’s pretty fun seeing the way you’re completely wrapped aroundher finger. I never thought I’d see the day where you let yourself be happy, but I’m sure as hell glad you did, man.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say,” I reply, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the serious turn this conversation took.

“Don’t get me wrong you’re still a grumpy ol’ asshole at times,” Trent teases, and I laugh, flipping him off. “In all seriousness, I do think you two are good together. But what’s going to happen at the end of this year? Are you really going to let her go?”

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