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“Neither did I.” I sat down numbly on the couch, not sure what to think about this. “I suppose he doesn’t want to remember our time down there after the way I left him.”
“You mean how you stormed out, then moved out without seeing him, and have been hiding ever since?”
“You don’t have to be a bitch about it.”
“Hey, I’ve been hiding you, and I don’t really think I should have been. I feel bad for the man.”
“He said we were a charade,” I said, lacking all feeling.
“Yeah, but in his defense, you were living a charade. He was working to get you out of the marriage.”
I huffed out a laugh. “Well, he got that.” I ran my hands through my hair, sighing heavily. “What am I supposed to do with this?”
She came and sat next to me, rubbing her hand over my back. “I’ll tell you what you do. You go down there and see the house again. Spend a few days there and remember the good times you had.”
“You think?”
“Yes. You’re leaving the only man you’ve ever loved. Go remember what it was like to be with him so when you finalize the divorce, you can do it remembering the man he used to be instead of the man you hate so much.”
I watched her carefully, feeling like she was up to something, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. “Is this a trick? Like you want me to remember the good times so I won’t divorce him?”
“Wally, you give me far too much credit. Trust me on this. It’s not like you’re going to change your mind while you’re down there. You and I both know that your mind is made up. I just think it’s poetic to end things the way you started.”
“Maybe you’re right,” I sighed. “I really don’t want to think of James as the man in the suit.”
“See?” she bumped my shoulder. “I do have some good ideas from time to time. Do you want me to go with you?”
It would be nice to not have to face it alone, but this was something I needed for myself, to set those memories to rest and move on. “No, I’ll be fine.”
* * *
When I showedup at the beach this time, there were no threats for my future security hanging over my head. I’d decided on the way down that I would sell the beach house to help provide for myself. With the renovations, I could easily find someplace new to live without worrying about my next paycheck. The cool, spring breeze brushed over my skin as I stared at the beautiful house in front of me.
I fought back the memories and forced myself to move forward. Walking around the house to the beach side, I smiled as I remembered my time spent here. James must have hired someone to finish the house after we left, because there was a fresh coat of paint outside and the porch had finally been completely repaired. There was also a sign on the siding. Stepping closer, I smiled when I saw the sign.
Shifting Sands Cottage
It fit quite perfectly. I was actually surprised he came up with such a unique name that was so reminiscent of our time here. Taking out my key, I unlocked the door and stepped inside. It was exactly how we’d left it. I walked inside, setting my keys on the counter as I ran my hand over the top. I could still imagine everything we’d planned for ourselves—the kids, curling up in front of the fire, the long walks on the beach. It would have been perfect.
After walking up and down the beach for several hours and remembering all the fun I had with James, I decided to go into town and grab some food at our favorite tiki hut. It would be weird to be there without James. I wondered if the staff would remember me.
The outside was just as I remembered, with the charming lights hung from the ceiling of the hut and the waves lapping against the shoreline in the distance. I nodded to a few couples who were already seated and made my way to our special table. It seemed to be on permanent reserve for James and me.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
I smiled up at the new waitress. “Margarita, please.”
“Coming right up.”
I smiled, running my hands over the tabletop as a familiar song came on the radio. Laughter burst from my lips as the opening strains ofThe Piña Coladasong played over the speakers. I leaned my elbow on the table and rested my chin in my hand as I laughed to myself.
“Is there room at the table for a cabbie thief?”
My breath stalled in my chest at the sound of his voice. Not believing he could really be here, I turned around, shocked to see James standing there. Dressed in his usual beach attire with that sexy smirk on his face, I couldn’t help but smile back.
“You’re here.”
“You didn’t sign the papers,” he said quietly.
