“He didn’t like my job, plus the fact that I was a workaholic.”
She nodded as she ate one of her french fries. “I’m no brain surgeon, but it’s very clear to me that you have no job, which would make itimpossiblefor you to be a workaholic. Especially with all that reading and napping goin’ on.” She winked. “I wouldn’t give up on him just yet. But if for some reason the stars are not aligned for you and Nicky to be together, that just means there’s someone else out there better suited for you.”
I nodded. “Yeah . . .”
Judy gestured across the pier. “Maybe even someone like that man right over there. Youcertainlyhave caught his attention. He can’t take his eyes off of you.”
I followed the direction of Judy’s hand and froze.
My breath caught in my throat. “That’s Nick.”
Judy squeezed my hand. “Then it looks likethisis my lucky day. I’m going to have a front row seat to your happy ending. If only I had some popcorn.”
I swallowed hard, my eyes starting to burn. “I don’t know what to say to him.”
“Speak from the heart, dear. And remember, he came here to findyou. Hear him out and let him say what he has to say.”
Nick started walking my way and my heart pounded in my chest.
I stood and took a few steps toward him.
He stopped and jammed his hands in his pockets. “Hey.”
“Hey . . .” I could barely get the word out. “How did you know I was here?”
“Dee,” we both said at the same time.
He chuckled. “The all-knowing one.”
“Thatshe is.”
“These birds are voracious!” Judy stood up from the bench and walked toward us. “It’s like I’m in that Alfred Hitchcock movie. I’m taking off or they’ll steal my fries. Sorry to interrupt, I’m Judy, by the way. It’s a real pleasure to meet you, Nick.”
Nick hesitated. “The pleasure is all mine.” He was probably surprised she knew who he was since I hadn’t introduced them.
I gestured to Judy. “We met at the airport the same day I met you, and we’ve become good friends.”
“And I have to go now, dear, but we’ll catch up again soon. And by the way, you did it!” Judy winked at me. “Watch out!” She pointed behind Nick.
A seagull flew right above Nick’s head.
He ducked at the last second, avoiding it. “Whoa. That was a close call.”
“Yeah . . .” I watched the seagull fly away. “That bird almost took your head off.”
He nodded and thought about it. “Kind of like what I did to you in the restaurant, right?”
I sighed. “I deserved it.”
“No. You didn’t.” Nick looked like he was searching for more words.
I wanted to say so much, to tell him how sorry I was, how bad I felt.
Remember, he came here to find you. Hear him out.
Nick ran his fingers through his hair. “What you did was . . .”
“It was wrong,” I blurted out, not having the patience to wait any longer to speak and apologize. “I know. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
