Page 59 of When I Come Back
“No, I don’t think you are,” Seth says and takes a sip. “What the fuck were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t thinking, alright?”
“No,notalright. Not fucking alright. You can’t keep it in your pants for three weeks?” His voice is rising, frustration and anger on Iris’ behalf clear.
“Fuck you, man,” I throw back, my own anger rising. I know what I did was wrong. I know, and I feel like shit about it. I came here hoping for a friend, not a lecture. “You of all people know that isn’t how it went down. I didn’t go to South Carolina intending for any of this to happen. My parents fuckingdied. And Thea… fuck, she’s been perfect throughout this whole thing. You know she’s it for me. She always has been.”
“You made a commitment to Iris.Shewas supposed to be it for you. You promised her forever, and then five minutes with Thea, and Iris doesn’t even exist to you.” A flash of hurt crosses his features, and I’m not sure why. I understand sympathizing with Iris, they’re close. But this feels more personal. Though asquick as the emotion flits over his face, it’s quickly replaced with that same disappointment from before.
“You know I’d never hurt Iris if I could avoid it.” I pause and sigh. I’m not here to fight with another person I consider important in my life. “I know what I did was fucked up, I know. And Iris deserves so much better than that. The woman is a saint. But you also know I never promised her forever. That ring wasn’t for her.”
My words are met with silence, and I imagine he’s thinking back to that day at the jeweler’s. He drops his eyes to the floor, and I continue, “I had no idea Thea still cared for me. Hell, I didn’t even let myself hope that she thought of me on occasion. Everything I shoved down deep—that I tried to get rid of with therapy and work and… Iris—it all came back as soon as I saw her. It felt right—inevitable. The only thing separating us was—is—miles. Everything we had, all the feelings, they’re all still there. Maybe even stronger now because neither of us is afraid to speak the truth or hurt each other’s feelings anymore.”
Another silence stretches between us. Seth takes another pull from his bottle and places it on the kitchen island in front of him. After a few moments, he nods slowly and looks up at me.
“What are you going to do?” he asks.
“I’m leaving. I know that puts a lot on you, and I know you had to miss your trip already, but I just… I have to figure out a way to step back from Carina Cove. I love the restaurant, but I belong wherever Thea is,” I say.
He huffs. “You’re just going to give it up to go back to your small town to… what? Run a restaurant in a seasonal tourist town? You could be huge here. You’re so close,” he pleads with me.
“I know you don’t understand this, but I can’t find happiness in numbers on a spreadsheet. Success here means nothing to me if she’s not part of my life.”
“I think you’re making a mistake,” Seth says, resigned.
“I think this is the first right thing I’ve done in a really long time,” I say with a smile before finishing the rest of my beer.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Thea
11/30 2:22 a.m.
Cary:Fuck, I miss you so much already… I ended things with Iris. I’ll spare you the details, but just know, I’m still coming back. I love you.
Read 2:24 a.m.
11/30 10:03 a.m.
Cary:Good morning. I’m going to figure out how to step away from Carina Cove today.Maybe investors? I’m not sure yet. I love you, Lemon. Please wait for me.
Read 10:04 a.m.
12/1 2:24 p.m.
Cary:If you think not answering will deter me, you’re wrong. I’m not giving up on us,not this time. I’mcounting the days until I can fly back to you. 12/15, let the countdownbegin: 14 days
Read 2:36 p.m.
12/2 4:51 p.m.
Cary:It’s raining for the first time since I got back. The rain never used to bother me, butnow I’m starting to really not like it. Although, rain in SC sounds nice. So maybe it isn’tthe rain and it’s just… Seattle. **heart emoji**13 days
Read 4:59 p.m.
12/3 11:34 a.m.
Cary:Have I said how much I miss you yet? I’m still looking into finding investors. Sethhas been less than helpful since he doesn’t want me to leave. I told him there’s nothingto keep me here anymore. He believed me about as much as you did, but I’m serious. I’llprove you both wrong. I promise. Love you. 12 days
