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She seems so normal, I almost talked myself out of the conversation I’d planned to have, but my gut is telling me something is wrong. And asking about her feelings really isn’t a huge deal.
I took a drink of beer and set the bottle down.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Maybe I’m crazy, but you’ve seemed off the past few days,” I said. “Did I do something to upset you?”
She raised her brow.
“Off?”
“I can’t put my finger on it, but I feel like something is bothering you.” I smiled at her and shrugged. “So I figured I’d ask. Good communication is the key to a happy relationship, right?”
I took another drink before I said something else ridiculous like that last sentence.
Summer set her fork down and rested her forearms on the table.
“I’m sorry if I’m acting strange,” she said. “It’s nothing.”
“If it’s bothering you, it’s not nothing.”
She shook her head.
“First of all, you didn’t do anything, so stop worrying about that.” She took in a deep breath and let it out on a sigh. “It’s silly, really. When I came home Wednesday, the quirky quartet was next door on the back porch and your mom yelled for me to join them. They were talking about this year’s girls’ trip and said they’re going to Ireland and you’re going to be their tour guide.”
Before I figured out what to say, she spoke again.
“I know you’re going back to Dublin when Andrew is better, but it just really hit me that day. I’ve been pushing it out of my mind but sometimes it sneaks in.”
“Summer, we’re going to make it work this time,” I said. “I’ve been looking at other opportunities within my company and I reached out to some people who might be able to help me out.” I reached out and placed my hand over hers. “We may have to be long distance for a little while, but I love you and I won’t lose you again.”
“I love you too, Adam, but I’m just not as confident as you are that things won’t end up the same as they did ten years ago.” I shook my head. “Adam, you live in Dublin. When you go back, even talking on the phone is going to be difficult with the time difference.” She turned her hand over and squeezed mine then picked up her fork. “When we started this, we promised we’d enjoy our time together instead of worrying about the future. Let’s keep doing that with the time we have left.”
The sound of defeat in her voice broke my heart. I’m determined to make it work this time, but in this instance, actions will speak louder than words.
CHAPTER16
Summer
I foundAdam and Thea in the back yard when I got home. Today was the first time in a long time she wasn't with me all day at work. But Adam had an early charter and they docked around noon, so he stopped by the clinic to bring me lunch and took her home with him.
“Don’t you know how to play fetch?” he asked her. “I throw the ball and you fetch it and bring it back to me.”
Thea stood in the middle of the yard wagging her tail with the ball peeking out of the side of her mouth. Sometimes she plays the right way, but more often than not, she gets the ball and wants you to chase her. I chuckled when Adam did just that, and followed as she ran around in circles.
He finally tackled her and they wrestled in the grass for a few minutes. Thea didn’t drop the ball until she noticed me. She ran over and Adam joined us a minute later and kissed my forehead as I rubbed her belly.
“What did you guys do this afternoon?” I asked.
“We stopped at the butcher shop on the way home and picked up a couple steaks for dinner. I planned on taking her for a walk but Andrew was at my mom’s so we were over there until a few minutes ago.” He gestured toward the yard. “And you saw our attempt at playing catch.”
“Yeah, once she gets the ball, she doesn’t usually like to give it up,” I said. “Which is weird because she likes to play catch with her stuffed animals.”
“She’s a silly girl.” He patted her head then walked over to turn on the grill. “I figured we could have a salad with the steaks.”
“Sounds good.” I stood. “I’m going to change. I’ll make the salad when I come back down.”
