Page 127 of Memories By the Shore
“This is a beautiful ring,” he mumbles, slipping it off my finger.
I smile. “It really is.”
A bit of sadness moves through me as Dave takes his ring back. It’s a bittersweet feeling. The possibility of a loveless, secure future is still difficult to pass on. I’m sure for other women, it would be a clear decision, but a broken heart changes the way a person thinks and acts—especially how they view the world.
Society places this invisible barrier on kids in love. We’re taught to believe it can’t be real until you’ve reached some ambiguous number and are deemed ready to be in love.
I know without a doubt that what I experienced with Jasper that summer on the beach was love. We made memories by the shore that changed who I was.
I loved him then as I do now.
Chapter Forty
Now
Jasper
When I signed the papers in front of Avery that morning in my kitchen, I quickly noticed her address on the upper right-hand side of the document. I wasn’t sure at the time why I slid one of the extra copies into my drawer, but I’m glad I did because now I have the address for her penthouse.
I caught the first flight out this evening. I’ve waited eight years. I could have waited until tomorrow, and it would have saved me from having the last seat on the flight, which, of course, was in the middle. I knew I’d get nervous and change my mind if I delayed this any longer.
Now, four hours later, I’m in Phoenix, Arizona, on the way to her place. I’m not sure if she’sactuallyhome, and my decision to leave abruptly was purely rash, but I had to do it.
“Here, sir?” the driver asks, pulling to the curb outside a tall residential building in a bustling part of downtown Scottsdale.
I’m trying not to think of the outcome and only live in the moment because that’s precisely what I did the summer I met Avery. She changed my life.
I did book a hotel room nearby in case she’s not home on my first attempt. I plan to come by every day until she is.
“This is it,” I say, glancing up at the nine stories before us.
“Love this part of town,” he comments as I pay through the app.
I nod, climbing out of his SUV. “Looks nice.”
“All the rich finance guys live down here.”
That’s nice.I purse my lips together in a tight smile. “Okay, well, thanks for that.”
I give the driver my back as he peels away, and then I turn my sights on the locked glass doors in front of me. It looks like I will need a key card to get in. But to my luck, I only have to wait a few minutes before a group of people chatting loudly walks up the entrance. I’m able to sneak into the building behind them. The lobby is wide open and looks expensive. A stark contrast from the simple life of Coconut Grove.
I hop into the elevator and stare at the endless buttons. I find a set of six at the top, each with a number and a capital “P” at the top. I know Avery’s is Penthouse 3 based on the divorce papers. With confidence, I hit P3 and watch nervously as the doors close.
My breath halts until the chime alerts me that I’ve reached her floor. The automatic doors open, and I face a short hallway with a large window on the left. I step out and walk toward two black double doors with a small camera on the right side.She’ll know it’s me.Flipping up my hoodie, I attempt to hide my face even though this might appear creepy. I’ll give it a shot.
I knock on the door a few times, then ring the bell—no answer.I switch between knocking and tapping the bell. Not ready to give up for the day, I continue for an ambiguous amountof time.
After repeatedly knocking and ringing, I decide to give up for the day.Maybe she’s traveling?Suddenly, the elevator opens behind me. Heart pounding, I whip my head around, half expecting it to be her.
“Whoops,” she says. “Wrong floor.”
“Actually, I’m headed down,” I tell the woman, slipping into the elevator. She’s young and looks about our age.Maybe she’ll know Avery?
“Do you live in this building?” I ask.
She gives me the side-eye. “I’m not going to tell you if I live here. You’re a stranger.” I sense a playful tone to her voice.
“Sorry, let me introduce myself,” I offer, extending my hand. “I’m Jasper. I know the tenant in P3.”
