Page 18 of Memories By the Shore
Me: The perks of knowing everyone in the airline industry.
Piper: Haha, Lina. I’m glad you like the place. Again, I’m sorry that it’s not more private.
Me: It’s fine. I just appreciate you handling it for me.
Bailey: What’s your plan after you get settled?
I take a deep breath, then tap out a response.
Me: I’m going to head to my aunt’s house to see if she knows where Jasper is.
Lina: You’re not wasting any time, are you?
Me: My emotions can’t afford to spend any more time here than is absolutely necessary.
Piper: Good luck! Keep us updated.
Bailey: We’ll try to leave you alone for the next few days, but please check in.
Me: Of course I will. Love you, babes.
After a quick shower, I throw on a sundress and sandals, thenhead out the back door. Walking a short distance down the shore, I quickly eye Helen’s little cottage. My stomach flips with every step I take. The familiar sounds of the surf rolling in and out, the warm breeze, and the low buzz of summer insects bring me right back to that time.
Swallowing hard, I gather my wits, then knock on my aunt’s door.
“Avery!” she exclaims, falling into me with a full hug. “Oh, honey, it’s so good to see you!”
I wrap my arms around her. Our embrace feels good, maybe even strengthening. “It’s good to see you too.”
Clutching my shoulders, she pulls back to look at me. “This is such a wonderful surprise.”
“Can I come in?” I gesture behind her.
“Oh, sorry, yes!” She steps aside. “Of course.”
I walk into the adorably small space. Not much has changed in the years since I’ve been here. I smile to myself with her familiar comfort, but within that same breath, a forced gulp surfaces. These memories are more intense than I thought they’d be.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I sit on the white linen couch while my aunt hurries into the kitchen.
“I’ll grab you some lemonade,” she calls out.
“Thank you,” I say, tucking my sweaty hands underneath my legs.
A brief moment later, she returns with two light blue plastic cups and a pitcher of lemonade. I remove one from the tray while she settles into the spot across from me—her sun-kissed cheeks and tangled, sandy blonde hair warm my heart.I’ve missed her.
“I’m so excited to see you, but your unannounced visit worries me.” Helen sips her drink. “Is everything alright?”
Rubbing my fingers along the condensation of the cup, I avoid eye contact. I have to tell her Jasper and I are still legally married, and then quickly follow it up with the fact that I’m now engaged to another man. I practiced these sentences endless times on the trip out here, but now I can’t find the words.
“I’m okay, and everything is alright—”
She lets out an audible breath. “Oh, thank goodness. How is work?”
I quickly regroup to think about work instead, relieving some of my anxiousness. “Work is really good. I love flying.”
My aunt smiles softly. “That’s great to hear, dear. I’ve always been so proud of you for attending college and making a career for yourself instead of just living off your parents’ inheritance.”
“Thank you.” I nod, then bite my lip. “I’m actually here for a reason, though.” I pause, waiting for her to interrupt, but she doesn’t, so I continue. “You know it was hard for me when Jasper and I broke up.”
