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Besides, I’d like to see the woman Slade once considered making his wife. It’ll tell me a lot about him.
And I’m just plain curious.
chapter fourteen
IWAKE UPon Monday determined to change my perspective on life.
This vacation is equivalent to me pressing pause on my life, just like Lauren talked about. Because of her experience, she feels grateful for the smallest things. Joss finds peace by feeling grateful as well.
Time to follow their examples. I look in the mirror and tell myself: (Speaking in a whisper, because thin walls.)
I’m grateful to be single.
Take that, Blu. Ha!
No, that’s the wrong frame of mind.Stay positive, Marin.I feel a little silly, but I gather my thoughts and continue anyway.
I’m grateful to be on vacation at Sheridan House.
I’m grateful for my mom and dad, for Kira, for Joss, and for Slade.
Just saying his name makes me hesitate, a thousand thoughts screaming for attention. I swallow and continue.
I’m grateful for breakfast. (And bacon.)
I’m grateful for the ocean and negative ions.
I’m grateful for dinner with Slade and Joss and a fun game night.
I was a little quiet last night, but I didn’t try to get out of dinner with Slade and Joss. I said goodbye to Kira and Morgan, waving until their car was out of sight, then made a beeline for Slade’s home. The thought of being alone felt like a death sentence. It was the right decision. Even though my thoughts swirled in circles the entire evening as I contemplated the possibilities with Slade.
Kira and I met Kelly, the merry-go-round girl. Slade’s ex. She was beautiful with long dark hair, kind eyes, and a killer smile. I can’t imagine how she could be wrong for anyone. I don’t know the magic combination that makes people right for each other. “We click” seems to be the elusive definition of a perfect relationship.
When Slade had to excuse himself for a bit during dinner to take care of an issue with a guest, Joss cornered me.
“Hey, what’s wrong, Marin? You’ve been avoiding us, haven’t you?” she’d asked.
“I don’t want to cause any problems.”
“You’re not. I’m sorry I ever said anything. Slade’s been ridiculously happy ever since you arrived. Don’t take that away from him—or from you, okay?” She’d flashed me her smile. “Admit it. You’re happy with him too.”
I didn’t lie. “Yeah, I am.”
“Okay then. Problem settled. Right?”
I couldn’t say no to Joss. She’s too darn sweet. Most of the time. “Right.”
I don’t know exactly what I agreed to last night. It was vague, yet it wasn’t. I knew, yet I didn’t.
Regardless, I’ve decided Kira was right. I need to remain open. Slade might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Okay, enough of that. Back to working on my new and improved outlook.
I’m grateful for bubbles.
I wander over to my bed and fall down face first.EverythingI’m grateful for leads back to Slade.
It doesn’t matter. All that matters is I’m changing my perspective to a positive one. There are no rules.
