Page 82 of Summer Escape
"I've thought about getting a condo near you, so that I can be there for school events," Marshall said.
Hayden glanced up at him, her eyes wide. "Are you serious?"
"My work will be here, but I want to see you too." Marshall shrugged. "It makes the most sense."
I didn't even know he'd been thinking about getting a condo in Naples. It sounded like he intended to live in both places. But it was possible he couldn't live without Hayden. I wouldn't blame him if he made the move permanent.
I ate slowly, the pancakes settling like bricks in my stomach.
Marshall wrapped up the leftovers in tinfoil and placed them next to me. "There's more pancakes and bacon for your drive."
"Thank you." That was thoughtful of him. But I wanted more than just food. I wanted a lifetime of pancake breakfasts. The pain was so sharp; I rubbed my chest to alleviate the ache.
"We have to get going," Marshall said to Hayden. "I'll put your bags in the car."
When he left, Hayden turned to me. "Are you going to tell him how you feel?"
"How do you know I didn't?" I asked, unsure I should be talking to her about this and not him.
She pouted. "I don't understand why you're leaving."
"I have a job in Jacksonville."
Hayden sighed. "I know, but I thought you would be here with my dad."
I reached over and touched her hand. "You don't have to worry about your dad. He's a strong man."
Hayden smiled at me. "I'd feel better if he had someone like you."
I didn't know how to respond, but Marshall reappeared, his expression stoic. "Truck's packed. You ready to go?"
Hayden hugged me tight.
"Keep in touch," I said to her as she stood, grabbing her book bag.
"Will do," Hayden said with a smile, then disappeared down the hallway to the front door.
"Are you heading out soon?" Marshall asked, his unaffected tone was off-putting.
I stood, dumping the dregs of my coffee down the drain. "I have a long drive ahead of me."
"Drive safe. Text me when you arrive." His voice was gruff.
"Will do," I said, wondering why he still stood across the room.
He threw a thumb over his shoulder, but he didn't move. "Hayden's waiting for me."
I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my cheek on his chest. His body was hard and warm under mine. I'd miss this closeness when I was alone. When I pulled back, I said, "Thanks for a great summer."
He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Then he turned on his heel, his heavy footsteps pounding in rhythm with my heart. Was he going to turn around and declare his love for me? Should I have said something to him?
I felt like I had things to resolve in Jacksonville before I could offer Marshall anything. And I wasn't sure he felt the same way I did, so I was stuck in this strange place. I had no choice but to move forward with my life.
My grandmother could take care of herself. Hayden would be back with her mother soon, and then it would just be Marshall. He didn't know where he would land either. This wasn't our time.
My stomach sunk when I heard the rev of his truck engine. I made myself wait until I couldn't hear the engine anymore. He wasn't coming back.
He was moving on with his life, and I needed to do the same. I couldn't be here when he got back. If he loved me, surely, he would have said something.
