Page 82 of Dirty Fighter

“Been stuck inside for two days waiting out the storm to be able to get across to you. Absolutely.”

She winces, and I know she’s thinking about what we’ve been doing for the last two days. Or maybe just I am.

I want to catch her and whisper in her ear that she didn’t do anything wrong. They weren’t together, and he left the damn country without her. No one was cheating or betraying another person’s trust. I know she knows it, but she’s also the kind of person who takes more responsibility for other people’s feelings than she should.

And even though they broke up, Ron being on this island means, in his mind at least, the relationship wasn’t completely over.

What I don’t know is, now that this guy Rowan planned to spend forever with is back, if their relationship is still over for her. That’s what’s eating a hole in my gut.

The screen door closes behind them, and I watch as Ron’s arm slides around her shoulders at the steps, then drops free after a brief squeeze.

“I know this is unexpected,” he says, giving her a tentative look.

I can see the rise and fall of her shoulders but not her face when she answers, “Ron, I don’t understand.”

“Look, I thought I was making the right call,” he says more urgently. “But once I got to the clinic, nothing felt right. I love my work there. You know what it means to me. But Ro, I think a lifetime with you would mean more.”

“Can we walk a little?” She waves toward the path around the back, and he nods, shooting a glance my way.

Voice lower, but still carrying in, he says, “Your brother. Right.”

My head drops, and I close my eyes, waiting for her to tell him I’m not her brother.

But all I hear is the lapping waves filling the silence.

“You see the way he looked at me?” From farther away. “Forget about your mom, I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.” And then trailing off into the distance. “Must have been weird being stuck with him. How’d he end up here, anyway?”

After a slow breath, I straighten and look out at the empty space where they were standing. Tell myself in no uncertain terms that whatever happens next… It’s Rowan’s choice.

I want her like I want my next breath. But what I need is for her to be happy.

For now, all I can do is wait.

A chattering sounds from the bedroom where I left my phone on the glass-topped desk. Right, the phones are back.

I look around, the mix of my things with hers. The bed we demolished this morning.

She’s not bringing him in here. But if the guy had to pee, if he opened the wrong door… Fuck.

I make the bed and then throw my stuff into my bags. Easy enough to park them in the utility room until he’s off the island. Because he’s not staying. He’s not.

I haven’t checked my messages yet, and it’s not until I’m staring at Lenard’s name that I’m reminded that Rowan isn’t all that I have to lose.

I drop into my desk chair and read.

When I’m done, I look out the window, almost thinking I might see my dad out there. Strange, having just read through his last will and testament.

He’s not there. But in the distance, at the edge of the woods, Rowan and Ron are standing close together.

I stop breathing.

Her hand is on his cheek.

They’re looking into each other’s eyes.

He kisses her.

And I can’t fucking watch.