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The elevator was still working – thank God – and it came up to floor five as soon as she called it. Within moments she was in the lobby, then walking outside to what was another beautiful California day. She stopped and closed her eyes, letting the sun’s rays warm her face.
It was only a five-minute walk from her apartment to the boardwalk, but with crutches it was more like fifteen. She was so used to being able to cover small distances with speed, it was frustrating to be so slow. By the time she made it to the oceanfront she was feeling overheated. Leaning her elbows on her crutches, she lifted her thick hair from her neck and quickly braided it, closing her eyes as a cool breeze danced up from the ocean and kissed her skin.
Déjà Brew was the first shop she came to. It was at the end of the boardwalk, after all, taking up the prized corner position that made it so accessible both from the road and the beach. Sneaking a glance through the window, she swallowed hard, her breath coming a little easier when she saw that Nate wasn’t there.
She wasn’t ready to see him yet. Not ready to smile and pretend he was just a boss. But at least she wasn’t hiding away either. There was a sense of pride in that.
“Ally!” A gruff voice called out from the shop next door. Lorne was sliding diving masks onto a rack, and he smiled as soon as she caught sight of him. She couldn’t help but smile, too. He was wearing a pair of pink board shorts and a white t-shirt that proclaimed he hoped he died before he got old.
God, she loved him.
She made her way over, her crutches slapping against the concrete. As soon as she reached him, Lorne gave her a huge bear hug, as though he knew inside that she needed it before returning to his work.
“So, Lorne cleared his throat as he slid the last mask onto the rack. “You hear from your dad?” he asked, trying – and failing – to keep his tone light.
Ally bit down a smile. “I called him last night and left a message.”
Lorne visibly relaxed. “Oh thank God. He’s been calling me every day to see how you are. The wife thinks I’m having an affair.”
The thought of Lorne being unfaithful to his wife made her want to laugh again.
“Well, you’ll be able to stop being in the middle now,” she told him, reaching out to touch his arm. “Thank you for being there. For both of us.”
“You’re like a daughter to me,” he said, his voice thick. “I’ll always be there for you. And as for your dad, he might be an old reprobate but he’s my best friend.” Lorne shrugged. “I just want you both to be happy.”
Ally’s throat tightened. Happiness felt far too out of reach right now. She’d settle for getting out of the bed in the morning and putting one foot in front of the other – even if it meant leaning on crutches for a while.
She might not be happy but at least she had some strength. She knew her own worth. And it was more than being shouted at through a phone line by a man she’d allowed herself to be vulnerable to.
“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning forward to give him another hug. He was warm and kind and for a moment she allowed him to chase all the other emotions out of her head.
There was plenty of time to think about them later.
* * *
“It was good to see you,” Kirsten said, squeezing Nate tight. “Even if it was just a flying visit.”
“We’ll try to make it longer next time.” An announcement came over the loud speakers that he couldn’t quite hear, but it reminded him that they needed to join the long line through security. “And maybe we’ll give you some more notice, too.”
She smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling up. “Hey, what are sisters for? If you ever need anything I’ll be here. And of course for Riley, too.”
“When did you grow up?” he asked her. “Weren’t you fifteen the last time I saw you?”
Her grin widened. “I’m pretty sure in your imagination I’ll always be fifteen. Just like Riley will. But you know what? I grew up and she will too.” She raised her eyebrows. “And then who are you gonna swoop in and save?”
Strange how his thoughts turned to Ally. He deliberately steered them right back. “Myself?”
“It’s been a long time coming.” The grin was gone, replaced by a serious expression. “Eventually you’ll have to actually figure out what you want, instead of building your life around us.”
“That’s exactly what I want.” He released her and stepped back, taking another glance at the ever-growing security line. “You and Riley.” He shrugged. “My family. That’s all that matters.”
“And how about this blonde woman?”
“Ally?” Saying her name made the shame wash over him again. He remembered the messages he’d sent that morning, and the fact there was no read receipt for any of them. And the calls he made that were diverted right to voicemail. “I think I’ve burned my bridges there.”
Kirsten tipped her head to the side, scrutinizing him. “What do you mean?”
Nate glanced over at the news shop where Riley had run to buy some gum to take on the plane. Like him, his daughter was tired, and clearly edgy about going back to Angel Sands and facing the music. But she’d be okay. He’d make sure of it.
