Page 49 of Tell It To The Waves

“Just a glass,” he replies, now moving into the kitchen.

I keep my distance, sliding his glass to the end of the counter before going back to the stove.

“If she knew you came here, there would be hell,” I tell him as I flip the chicken.

He lets out a laugh, nothing funny about it. “There is always hell, August.”

The way he says my name makes me close my eyes; it rolls off his tongue so right. Picking up my glass, I down half of it.

“What are you doing here, Bohdi?” I finally turn around to look at him. He’s using the side of the counter to prop himself up, wineglass in hand. Shaking my head, “Why?” because I really want to know. Is this part of their game plan? Because I don’t trust him or them.

“I got your email, and I needed you to know I knew nothing about them wanting to buy your land. I just found out about it myself. I didn’t know when we started the process of selling what they really wanted, August. And that I promise you.” His hand goes to his forehead, scratching it. I look at him, trying to see any underlying lie.

“It doesn't matter now because no one is getting it. I don’t care if I leave this place; I’m not selling it.” I raise my eyebrows before taking another sip of my wine. The strawberry flavor explodes in my mouth before I turn back around, placing the noodles in the now-boiling water. “I’d let the cottage fall into the sea before I let them take it and turn it into something for them to profit from.”

“I just needed you to know that I didn’t know.” His voice was pleading, but honestly, why does he care what I think?

“Thanks for that, Bohdi.” I snarl in reply.

I don’t turn around as I hear his footsteps getting farther away, knowing he’s leaving. Nor does he speak a word. Just the door closing behind him to end our conversation.

Once I hear it click. My body relaxes, my shoulders come down, and that’s when the tears follow. How is this good for me?” I ask no one in particular, looking up at the ceiling. Because if me coming back here was a part of healing, then what the hell is this? Bohdi is a part of my brokenness, a piece that won’t heal. And him being around isn’t a good idea…for me or him.

I work on autopilot, not thinking as I finish up dinner and let my cake cool before I drizzle it with icing.

Plating myself a big bowl of chicken Alfredo and topping my wineglass off, I make my way to the back deck to finally eat.

Silently, I eat, my mind racing. I can’t even taste the food because I’m so focused on everything else going through my mind.

Deciding tomorrow, I’m going to look around town and see what else is available to rent or buy. I will not give up on the bakery dream that easily. That is something my dad wanted me to do, and I want to do. I’m not getting younger; in a few months I’ll be thirty-one, not old, but it’s time I put roots down. I’m ready to be planted somewhere…for good.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The notification of her email sent me spiraling. I couldn’t have her thinking I was behind their plan, because I wasn’t. That isn’t something I could just stand by and let her think that I was.

Hearing today that she was staying took some of that worry off my chest. I just don’t know how she found out, but I have one name in mind and know I’m right. Molly.

Watching August walk around the bakery, a bakery I bought for her so long ago, was surreal, but then reality hit me in the face, which turned me into a complete dick. Knowing I’m hurting her with the words I speak, hoping she feels some of the pain she inflicted on me. It’s not right, but I don’t know what I’m doing.

‘No one wants you here.’I knew that would strike her where it would hurt. Did I feel bad for saying it? Yes, but at that moment I didn’t care. Watching her tore my heart apart. And now, to save my heart, I feel like I have to be the one to hurt theirs first, and that’s been with everyone that came after August. The one-night stands, summer visitors, and then Molly. But truly, it wasn’t until after I found out about Molly’s parents' plan that I switched up. Because I was thinking she was my forever. I gave up on August and settled on Molly. And then, sheshowed me why I’ve kept my heart safe for so long. Blackmailed, backstabbed, and used is what the Williams did and are still doing.

I walk along the beach back toward the Williams estate. I could have driven to August’s, but walking felt better. And now I have a thirty-minute walk to cool off.

Seeing her in that kitchen did something to me; watching her mix her batter for the cake brought back memories, and being so close to her could wreck everything I’m trying to keep.

I’ve thought about reaching out to Kai, but I know he isn’t in the right place to be able to help. With buying their home and renovating it, I can’t put that on him, too. This is my burden; this is my doing, and I have to figure it out.

The sound of the ocean is the only other noise on my dark walk. August replays in my mind. Her face when she saw me at the storefront. And her face when she was checking it out, trying to keep herself contained, but no matter how many years passed, I know August.

Walking the steep stairs up the side of the rocky hill front, I prepare myself for what I’m going to walk into when I get to the guesthouse.

Molly loves to stick a knife in someone; it’s in her blood. And that’s what she tried to do tonight, and it backfired. If they think August is going to just give up her home, that’s not happening. She will stay in spite of them. I chuckle thinking about that, because she would.

Sighing, I open the door, and Molly waits on the sofa, wine in hand. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes, and really, it never does. She always has some other motive going on.

“Hi, baby,” she coos to me, setting her glass down on the table.

Walking past her to the refrigerator, I say, “Hey.”