Page 107 of Memories By the Shore
“Beats us having to rent a moving truck and drive all the way to Arizona. Besides, I didn’t want to put the miles on my new car anyway,” I say.
She slaps her legs, then rises to her feet. “I’m going to let you finish packing the rest of your things. What do you want for dinner?”
I filter through all the wonderful food I’ve had here, living by the coast, but only one dish comes to mind that I’d like to have on my last night. “Pineapple chicken?”
Helen’s smile is wide. “I would love to make that for you tonight.”
My heart warms. I’m going to miss her so much. I will miss everything about this town, but I won’t miss the pain that also comes with it. “Thank you.”
Helen turns on her heels and walks toward the door but stops short of the hallway. She slowly faces me. “I know you’ve thought about this. You’re such a smart woman,honey, but what are you going to do about your marriage to Jasper?”
I want to tell her nothing. I want to tell her this was all a dream and none of what happened this summer actually occurred, but it would be a lie.
The pit in my stomach grows. “Bill, our family lawyer, who has helped with my parents’ trust and my inheritance payments,” I tell her. My words come out like poison. “I’m sure he can get it taken care of.”
A weak smile appears on my aunt’s face. “That’s good to know. And please let me know if you need anything through that process. I’m here to help you.”
I nod. “I know. I appreciate it.”
Helen has known Jasper for years. She loves and cares about him and Duke. I can’t imagine how hard this is for her as well. This fantasy we were all living in completely blew up in our faces. I never expected to fall for her partner’s son, but it happened. And now I have the emotional scars to prove it.
Jasper made me believe my life could be different. I could have a life of security—one where I wouldn’t have to be lonely anymore. But it was all smoke and mirrors. That life does not exist for Avery Thomas. I have to accept it.
I fold a few more articles of clothing into my suitcase when I hear a rapping sound outside of the window.
Jasper?Oh fuck. I can’t see him. I can’t talk to him. My hands start to sweat with nerves as I walk over to the cracked slats in the window.
“Arizona?” A male’s voice I recognize, but don’t place right away.
“Yes?” I say, unable to see into the dark night.
“It’s Easton. Can I talk to you?” he says.
Oh, Easton.Emotionally drained and barely able to keep myself from crying, I fear talking to Jasper’s best friend won’t help the situation. But Easton is my favorite one of the guys—he’s the most caring.
Against my better judgment, I agree. “Sure. I’ll be right out.”
“Come around the back,” he tells me.
I slip on my shoes, then walk past Helen in the kitchen. “Just stepping outside for a bit. Be right back,” I say, opening the back door.
“Okay,” she calls out.
As soon as my feet hit the sand, I see Easton’s dark figure only a few feet away.
“Hi, Easton.” My voice comes out weathered.
“Hey,” he greets me as I approach him. “Sit with me?” He gestures next to him while he lowers into the sand.
I follow his lead. It feels nice seeing him again. Somehow, sitting beside Easton makes me feel closer to Jasper.
He brushes two rogue hairs away from his eyes. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m alright,” I say. “It fucking sucks. This whole thing, you know?”
Easton rests his arms on bent knees. “I can only imagine.”
I can’t explain what comes over me, but a wave of emotions roll over me. “I love him,” I say, through a spontaneous outbreak of tears. “Easton, I love Jasper so much.”
