Page 113 of Memories By the Shore
“As long as there’s no other guy getting time withmyfiancé, especially when she should be here supporting me, I can give you the space.”
“It’s not that I need space fromyou,” I begin. But then I quickly realize it doesn’t matter how I explain things to him. He won’t fully understand. No one can. I need to get this wrapped up with Jasper to leave this place and return to my secure, controlled life. “Thank you, Dave. I’m sorry I’ve been distant. I’ll try to catch a flight out tomorrow.”
“I don’t want you to leave sooner than you need to. Besides, tomorrow isn’t even our day together anyway. I’d like you to finish whatever you need to do, so it doesn’t come into our marriage.”
His comment makes my skin crawl, but I shake it off. “That’s fine.”
“Good, I’m glad we’re both back in agreement.” His voice is stern. It catches me off guard, but I get it. I’d be annoyed ifI were him.
“We are.”
Dave and I say a quick goodbye, and then I toss my phone onto the bed. A quick glance at the ocean behind me, I reassure myself this is for the best. I must close this chapter for good. My little escape from reality is over.
I stand in the window, enjoying the sea breeze for some time before I hear Jasper’s footsteps on the wood staircase. My stomach twists with what I must talk to him about—playtime is over.
I need my fucking divorce.
“Look at you,” he says, holding a take-out bag. “Found my closet?”
I fight back a blush. “Can we talk?”
“It might be difficult while you’re wearing that.” He smirks.
My eyes flick down at my bare legs. “I’ll change and then meet you downstairs?”
Jasper’s expression changes slightly, sensing my distance. “Sure.”
As soon as he’s downstairs, I grab my clothes and dress as fast as possible. An urgency takes over my nerves. If I don’t get a hold of my fantasies now, I’ll be free-falling down the same bottomless hole that got me eight years ago.
I take the steps two at a time and round the corner into Jasper’s kitchen to find him standing behind the island, where our breakfast takeout awaits.
“Check out this spread.” He extends his arms like he’s presenting a meal he cooked himself.It’s fucking adorable.
Keeping my head down, I approach one of the high-topchairs. I grip the leather’s back to release some tension but fail miserably. I suck in a breath and blurt out the next four words, “I need a divorce.”
Jasper’s head drops. He leans over the side of the counter without responding. A beat passes, causing bile to creep up my throat.Don’t throw up. I need to let him speak first. He deserves to respond.
“You still want a divorce?” he asks, but it comes out as an accusation.
I squeeze my eyes shut. “Yes, that’s why I came back to Coconut Grove.”
Suddenly, Jasper slams his hand into the granite countertop. “Did this weekend not mean anything to you?!”
“Of course it did.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, holding back tears. “But it was also irresponsible.”
“Irresponsible?” he repeats. “What the fuck do you mean?”
“I’m engaged, Jasper.”
“No shit,Avery.” He pushes off the counter. “I’m reminded of it every time I see that god-awful ring on your finger.” He sneers. “Which is not even your taste.”
I hate that he’s right.“I’m sorry.” I hear the sadness in my voice as it cracks under the dense pressure of my emotions.
“Why can’t it be us?” he begs, pain woven into his words.
I pause, mustering up the courage to spill everything I’ve felt for years—the reasons why it couldn’t be all those years ago, the reasons why it can’t be now. “Please, just sign the papers so we both can officially move on with our lives.”
“No.” Jasper quickly rounds the corner of the island, stopping only a few feet away from me. “My life has been onhold since I showed up at Helen’s house that morning looking for you, only to discover you werereallygone.”
