Page 2 of The Perfect Distraction

So, she’d been right about his age. “I thought so. I’m a third-grade teacher.”

“Oh.”

He didn’t seem impressed by her occupation. “Do you like school?” she asked, unable to help herself.

Joey shrugged. “It’s okay.”

“What’s your favorite subject?”

“Not reading!”

Ah-ha. So that’s what he didn’t like about school. Beth had heard it all, and it didn’t surprise her, but it did make her sad. Reading had always been her favorite subject to teach, and she strove to make it fun for her students. But Joey wasn’t her student, and she was on vacation, so it was none of her concern. Yet somehow, she couldn’t walk away.

“What don’t you like about reading?” she asked.

“There’s too many words!”

She laughed. “Well, maybe you’ll like reading more when you get older.”

“Maybe,” he said, and then he turned and ran up to his house, effectively ending their conversation.

Beth smiled to herself and started hauling the bags into the house. By the time she was finished, she was famished and realized she hadn’t eaten lunch. She’d been in such a hurry to get to Harbor Springs that she hadn’t stopped to eat.

Since it was a picture-perfect June day, she decided to grab a sandwich in town and take it down to the bayside park. Tucking some money into her shorts pocket, she donned her sunglasses and set off on foot.

This is so great! she thought as she strolled down the sidewalk. Everything was within walking distance, and she’d hardly have to drive anywhere unless she wanted to explore the surrounding area. But for now, she breathed in the fresh summer air and enjoyed the scenery as she meandered into town.

Main Street was lined with stores and restaurants with colorful awnings advertising everything from antiques and fudge to clothing and books. Yay! She’d forgotten about the bookstore being there but decided to pace herself. After all, she didn’t have to do everything on the first day.

When she stumbled upon a mom-and-pop restaurant offering casual fare, she went inside and ordered a turkey sandwich and a soda to go. Afterward, she walked two blocks down Spring Street and reached the Harbor Springs Marina. Locating a bench near the water, she sat down and ate while watching the boats sail in and out of the bay.

Whenever she thought of Upper Michigan, this was exactly the type of scene that sprang to mind. Even though there were people around, the vibe was low-key and peaceful. There was none of the hustle and bustle of the cities surrounding metro Detroit. Here, everyone looked relaxed, like their only goal was to enjoy the glorious summer day.

Beth had been doing fine—better than fine, actually—until she saw a family of three climbing aboard a speedboat that was docked nearby. The parents were laughing at something their little girl had said, and then her dad gave her a big hug before helping her get seated. Next, he helped his wife in, giving her an affectionate squeeze before letting go. They looked so happy and at ease with each other that she couldn’t look away. Swallowing hard, she watched until their boat became a blur in the distance, and then she shoved herself off the bench.

Walking back to the cottage, she tried to recapture the buoyant feeling she’d had earlier, but it was no use. Observing the happy family had reminded her of all that she’d lost and of things she might never have. It was bound to happen, and she knew that. It didn’t matter if she was at home or here or anywhere else on earth. The hurt, disappointment, and anger were still with her wherever she went. She’d come to Harbor Springs with the goal of putting the past to rest and hopefully rediscovering herself in the process.

Somehow, she thought she’d have a better chance of achieving that here than at home, where reminders lurked around every corner. Letting herself into the cottage, she plopped down on the gingham-print loveseat and dropped her head in her hands.

“I hope I’m right,” she said.