Page 100 of Fish Out of Water

“What’s this about?” Robbie asked.

“Thanks for coming.” Jake almost held his hand out to shake Robbie’s before realizing how utterly ridiculous that would have been.

“You knew I would. So, what is this? Am I here for you to chastise me? Are you leaving tomorrow? Come on, Jake, don’t keep me in the dark.”

The moon came out from behind a collection of clouds, casting an eerie, cool glow over the beach. Robbie looked pale, and his mouth formed a thin, tight line. Jake wondered if he hadn’t been sleeping well either.

“Your parents made an offer on my aunt’s house.”

The moonlight gave Jake the opportunity to watch Robbie’s face. His brows dropped slightly, shadowing his dull eyes. Confusion was replaced by dawning horror as his lips parted and he exhaled a breath akin to a death rattle.

“No,” he said. “Tell me you’re joking.”

Jake shook his head. “I wish I were. Did you…”

“No.” That single word was so firm, so resolute, Jake knew Robbie was telling the truth. “I had no idea. We haven’t been speaking much, my parents and I—even less than usual. I’m so sorry, Jake. I would’ve warned you and Isabel if I’d known.”

“It’s okay. She’s not selling to them, obviously. It was just a punch to the gut to hear their names in that context. Aunt Isabel was the one who wanted me to ask you, actually. I hope you don’t mind.”

“You know I don’t.” Robbie’s eyes brightened, and he took a step forward. “How have you been? Besides this business with my parents, I mean.”

“Good,” Jake lied. “I’m leaving soon.”

“I suspected as much. Where are you going? You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, of course.”

“Nah, it’s all good.” Jake waved his hand, hoping Robbie wouldn’t catch how stiff the movement was. “I’m moving into my sister’s apartment for a little bit while I look for a new job. Actually, Isabel’s going to be joining us when the house eventually sells. It’ll be just like it is now.”

“Fun. I’m sure Alex is looking forward to that.”

“She is. I’m sure she’ll already have a ton planned for us to do by the time I actually get there. What, uh, what about you? You been good?” The sky rumbled above them, and they both glanced up. “That sounds ominous.”

“I saw your car in the parking lot. Maybe we should…”

“I don’t know, Robbie. I don’t think you want to be trapped in a car with me at this point.”

“Right. Forget I said anything and just pray it doesn’t start pouring on us.”

Jake took a deep breath. He didn’t want to keep being angry at Robbie. The poor man was barely squeaking by in life as it was. “So, when is the cafe supposed to open? I saw thecoming soonbanner out front, but there’s no date.”

“By Christmas,” Robbie said.

“That’s a tall order.”

“Yeah, well, that’s their favorite thing: simultaneously beating and falling short of everyone’s expectations.

“And you’re still gonna be running the place?”

Robbie shifted uncomfortably. “That’s the plan.”

“You must be looking forward to getting back to work.”

“I suppose so. It will occupy my mind, at least.”

“If you’re lucky, you won’t even miss me.” Jake tried to chuckle, but the sound died out before it could even escape his mouth.

“Let’s hope so.” The sky rumbled again, and Robbie sighed. “I’ll see you around, Jake. Or not. We did a pretty good job of avoiding each other the past month.”

“And it was fucking exhausting, wasn’t it?” They began to walk back to Jake’s car, the wet sand dragging them down the faster they tried to move. “I’m not upset, truly. Not anymore.”