Page 20 of Memories By the Shore
“Yeah, I think so.” I shrug, assuming she’s right because Piper had booked it for me. “It’s a cute spot.”
“Are you planning on seeing Jasper today?”
Her question is typical in nature, and yes, that was the plan the whole time, but it still hits me at the core like I’m just realizing it. I need to shut the fucking door on this chapter of my life. I’m ready to be done. This hold he’s had on me for years must be broken. I’m desperate to be free of it.
I clear my throat. “Yes, I’d love to handle it as soon as possible.”
“I understand,” she says, nodding vigorously.
A text comes through from Dave.
“One moment.” I glance down and can’t help but laugh that I still have him saved in my phone asDave the Dentist.If the girls knew, they’d never let me live it down.
Dave the Dentist: I have back-to-back appointments for the rest of the day, so I won’t be able to answer if you call me.
Me: Okay. I made it here safely.
Dave the Dentist: I figured. Remind me why you needed to go to that small town anyway.
Me: There are just a few things I have to take care of, and that’s all. And I wanted to tell my aunt in person about our engagement.
Dave the Dentist: You’re probably miserable. I hate little towns like that. Good luck.
Irritation zips up my spine. Despite the heartache this town caused, I created the best memories of my life here. It’s a cozy little beach town, and it would make for an unforgettable vacation under different circumstances.
Glancing back up at my aunt, she has a puzzled look on her face. “Your fiancé?”
“Yes. Dave.” I rub my lips together, then set the phone back on the glass table.
“You don’t sparkle like a woman newly engaged,” she mumbles under her breath.
“I need a divorce, Aunt Helen.”
Her lungs suck in an audible breath like she can feel the weight on my chest. “I know, dear.”
Rolling my shoulders back, I straighten my posture. “Where can I find him?”
“His office is downtown. It’s a weekday, so I’msure he’ll still be there.”
I chug the last bit of bourbon before rising to my feet. “Thank you. I’ll come back to visit before I leave town,” I reassure her. With a silent smile, I grab my purse and head toward the front door.
“I’ll be here.” Her words are upbeat, but the slight frown tells me she’s either worried or sad. Neither of which I can think about right now. As I close the door behind me, I promise myself to do a better job at keeping my aunt in my life.
The warm sand sprays the back of my legs as I trudge through it toward my rented beach house. I take the steps two at a time, going in through the patio door. With determination and adrenaline pumping through my veins, I swipe the manilla envelope from my bag, tuck it under my arm, and leave through the front door this time.
My mind is blank, driving down the small streets of this coastal town. Even with the subtle changes in town, I can still spot most of the original surf shops and restaurants here. It doesn’t take me long to reach City Hall.
A small one-story building with a white exterior and light blue trim around the edges, it could not be more quaint and fucking adorable. As I pull into the parking lot, my heart hammers, and my palms sweat.Can I do this?With shaky hands, I pull into a parking space next to a sign that says “Mayor.”
To my side sits a black BMW sedan with dark-tinted windows.
Oh my god, he’s here.
“You can do this, Avery. Be strong,” I mutter, taking a few weighted breaths. I grab my bag from the passenger seat and exit the car. I consider leaving at least two more times on the walk upthe short rose-bush-lined walkway. Two antique surfboards don both sides of the entrance.
I can fucking do this. I yank on the door, and a gust of cool air hits me when I take my first step inside. An older lady with tortoiseshell glasses tips her head from beyond her desk.
“Can I help you?” she drawls.
