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“I’m teasing.” I turn her face towards me, so she’s looking right at me. “But know this, I want to make up for all of those years we were apart. We’ve got a lot to live for together, and I will spend the rest of our lives showing you how much I love you.”
Her lips wobble, and I see the emotion shining in her eyes even through the dusky light of the room.
“I love you, too.” Her voice cracks a little as she says the words I’ve needed to hear for such a fucking long time.
Finally, we can start our unfinished summer.
EPILOGUE
ZENNOR
6 Months Later
Jayce told me about his surf life with Finnan, and the pain of his loss is still something he grieves. That’s as plain as day. Coming back here is a big step for him, but I’m pleased we are at a point we can share this together.
Being there for one another is something new for me—for both of us. But it’s also the only place I want to be. And I wanted to be included in that life that Jayce had found, away from me and Tregethworth.
We arrive at the airport, clear security, and Jayce leads us over to two guys who look pretty happy to see him. They hug, slapping each other on the backs.
“Good to see you, Baby Surfer.”
“You, too, man.”
The reunion only lasts a few seconds before Jayce introduces us all. “Guys, Zee. Zee, this is Archie and Bear.” I recognise them both from the photos in his apartment. It might be Jayce’s apartment, but I can’t help but think of it as truly ours.
“Hi.” I give them an awkward wave and pretend I don’t see the glances back and forth between them.
“Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Bear leads us to a huge truck in the parking garage.
“How far is it to Nazaré?” I ask.
“Hour, hour and a half depending on traffic,” Jayce confirms, but I hear the sorrow in his voice. It’s the first time he’s been back since he left, and the anniversary of Finnan’s death is sure to bring up bad memories.
“There’s a small swell heading in,” Archie says from the front seat. “There’ll be some action over the coming days.”
“Have you guys been out in the water since, you know…” I tail off, not sure if I should say his name all of a sudden.
“A few times,” Bear confirms. “Not when it’s raging. And we make sure we’re out on safety duty backing up the crazy cowboys who still charge after the big ones.”
I nod, thinking back to the photos I’ve seen of Jayce. He used to be one of those, and I wonder if he misses it.
The surf shop and surf school have gone from strength to strength over the summer, and Jayce has been out teaching the sport he’s passionate about. It’s not like he’s abandoned what he loves, but I can’t imagine it being the same thrill he used to chase.
The journey stretches out, and conversation is muted.
We finally reach the town, and I’m surprised at how busy it is. I thought a resort in the middle of winter would empty.
“It’s busy.”
“Nazaré is popular all year round now. Thanks to the surfing,” Archie fills me in.
We pull up to the house and park in front of the garage. There’s a balcony on the second floor and steps leading up to the front door. Again, I’m surprised by its appearance. I guess I still have a stereotyped view of what a surfer would choose for accommodation.
We unload the luggage, and Jayce shows us to the bedroom upstairs with the balcony. It’s empty, except for a few pieces of furniture and linens on the bed.
“Your bedroom?”
“Yep. Bear and Archie have the other two when they want. I didn’t want to sell when I left. I didn’t need the money, and I wanted to make sure they always had a place when they were in town.”
