“Hey, don’t be an ass just because you’ve got a boner for your ex-wife and she’s moved on.”
“Wife,” I correct him. But what’s the point? Why do I have to keep correcting everyone? Including the woman holding the title.
“That—that’s your problem right there.” He stabs a finger at me. “She’s not your wife anymore. Dude, she’s engaged to someone else. Face it, she’s moved on.”
“Ya know what? No one asked you to come by.”
“Again, you’re welcome.”
I take a drink of my coffee. He’s right. Though I won’t admit it to him. “Rosie’s leaving in a few days.”
Jack drops his chin and shakes his head. “That sucks, man. I’m sorry.”
“What am I supposed to do? I don’t know how to stop her. She’s going back to Seattle and taking Charlie with her and then when am I gonna see her? Some random weekends I can get over there? Or maybe some holidays?”
He shrugs. “I guess.”
“Well, that’s not good enough.” I pound my fist on the top of the railing.
“Did you tell her to stay?”
“Yep,” I drag out, almost as if I’m afraid to admit it.
“Then there’s nothing more you can do. My advice is?—”
“I didn’t ask for your advice,” I interrupt.
“Tough shit, I’m gonna give it to you anyway. Sign the divorce papers and let her go. And take every opportunity you can to see your daughter.” He slaps my shoulder. “I gotta get back to work. But let’s hang out after they’re gone.”
I push off the railing and tip the cup at Jack. “Sounds good. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Welcome. See ya later.” He lifts his chin in a nod before rounding the house.
Milo peeks his head outside. “Coffee? Where’s mine?”
“At Seashells Bookshop,” I reply with a grunt.
“Smart-ass,” he mumbles. “C’mon, I’m ready for you in the house.”
“Yeah, yeah, coming.” I take in one last look at the beach, inhaling a deep breath.
My mind wanders to the beach near Dottie’s house. It’s a similar view but has the perfect alcove. The one Rosie and I spent countless hours hiding in while we made out. Dry humping on a beach is a lot messier than one might think. Sand goes everywhere, regardless if you’ve got clothes on or not.
Iskip out of work early. Jack was right about one thing: when you’re the boss, there should be no reason why you can’t leave early. Plus, Milo owes me for planning to cut out early Thursday and taking Friday off. My nerves are extra jittery. Probably just anxious to see Charlie, but I can’t help but stress over the conversations Rosie and I need to have.
We came so close last night to either completely ending things between us or confessing our love to one another. I’m not sure which one I fear more. I still love her. God only knows why. The woman broke my heart seven years ago and then showed up here with my child. I should hate her.
But how do you hate your first love? The only person to ever love you who didn’t have to. No blood. But she might as well have been. I’ve never loved anyone else. Not like this. And I fear I never will.
If I let her leave again without telling her how I really feel, I know I will regret it. But the words Jack said to me today playon repeat in my mind as I drive to the beach to meet Rosie and Charlie.Sign the divorce papers and let her go. And take every opportunity you can to see your daughter.
Jack is probably right. I had my chance with Rosie, and I blew it. But she blew it too. And maybe that should be our sign. If we were meant to be, we would’ve stayed together. It wouldn’t have been easy to let her go.
Except it wasn’t easy.
Letting Rosie go was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
My phone chimes as I’m getting out of my Chevy at the beach parking lot.
