Page 35 of Memories By the Shore
Avery gasps. “Ohh.”
She’s all mine.
Chapter Eleven
Now
Avery
The moment I saw Jasper, my heart sank. All those unresolved emotions I’ve kept repressed for years shot back to the surface. It was overwhelming and impossible for me to keep a level head during our exchange. I’m not surprised he gave me a hard time about the divorce—that’s what Jasper does. I figured I’d need to stay the weekend.
Despite the low buzz of nervous energy, I did sleep well. There’s something calming about returning here and sleeping to the sound of crashing waves outside my window. It’s what I’d imagine someone going back to their childhood home would be like—the emotions of the good times—and the bad.
I had groceries delivered yesterday, but I’m restless and need to leave the house. I can’t sit around. I need to do something.
As I got up, showered, and dressed, I fought the urge to call Jasper. For more reasons than one, I did not need to initiate contact. Last night, when he called, I played it off as if I was frustrated, but the truth is, it was nice to hear his voice again. The smooth, comforting tone brought me hurdling back to thosewarm summer nights lying under our favorite tree in the sand.
Determined to find a restaurant without connection to me or my past here in Coconut Grove, I scoured through Google and luckily found one just down the street.
I throw on some workout clothes and hop into the car. It only takes me a few minutes to arrive at the quaint little cafe. It’s a small white structure with a traditional thatching roof and outside seating. People are scattered around the entrance, waiting for tables. A familiar breeze whips past me as I pull on the double doors.I should have called ahead.
“Hello, welcome to the Coffee Hut and Cafe.”
“Can I—” I see a guy in my peripheral. Before I get a double take, he pushes open the swing doors and disappears into the back kitchen. I shrug it off. It’s probably just a coincidence. “My apologies. Can I place a to-go order?”
“Avery?” I hear my name said from behind me.
Oh no.I only lived here for a few months, years ago. I’d hoped I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew.
I slowly turned around to see that it was someone I knew who darted into the kitchen just a second earlier.One of Jasper’s best friends.“Easton?”
He jumps over to the low counter at the coffee bar, and before I realize it, I’m pulled into a full-body hug. A little stiff and unsure, I lightly pat his back with a friendly greeting.
“How the hell are you?” He pulls back, moving me to arm’s length away.
I smile but am uncomfortable and don’t know how to act. The last time I saw Easton, he came to my aunt’s house to talk to me before I left for Arizona. “I’m doing well. How are you?”
“Great! This is my cafe.” He gestures around him at the packed tables. “Can I get you anything? It’s on the house.”
I run a nervous hand through my windblown hair. “That’s very kind of you, but it’s unnecessary.”
He leads me to a spot at the end of the coffee bar. “I insist. Please.”
Easton was my favorite of Jasper’s friends—a good guy with a kind heart. I nod, getting comfortable on the stool. “Alright.”
“We can get you anything. Just name it,” he says, waving over a server.
“Scrambled eggs?”
“Carrie, can you get her the wakeboard special with scrambled eggs?” he tells one of the servers.
She smiles in my direction. “Of course.”
When the blonde woman escapes into the kitchen to start my order, Easton turns back to me. “So, what are you in town for?”
“Business,” I say, wary of having this conversation in public.
He scratches his chin, lowering his eyes. “Does Jasper know you’re here?”
