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"Thanks, Todd," I say. "That means a lot. If you could do me a favor, I would appreciate it. I mean, if you are up for it. Stay at the inn, or at least check on it, until I return."
"Which will be when?"
"A couple of days," I say. "Hearing is on Friday morning at 9 - like last time. The wireless reception here is crappy, so I'm signing off. Thanks."
It wasn't a complete lie that I got spotty reception. The last text I sent to Todd, to tell me if anything looks weird, bounces back. While contemplating what I want to say to Jack, the skies quickly gather to a charcoal grey. Suddenly, there is no internet at all.
A dramatic thunderstorm slams against the island. It passes through but scares all three of us.
"They happen all the time, we're told," Clive says.
Another difference from home. We seldom get thunderstorms – although it does rain.
It takes a while to have the internet restored. Nothing is in the fridge or cupboards, so Clive and Jordan make a food run.
I stay behind. I stare at the picture of flowers, missing Jack.
I don't like it here. Maybe if I didn't have it bad for Jack, I might be open to a new start. Like Clive said, I can always come back.
But I want to go home. And the reason isn't just because I miss the inn. It's also because I miss Jack. I like it when we're together. It's like being with a best friend. I worked up the nerve to text him.
"Hi," I write.
He calls at once.
"Hello there," he says warmly. "I wanted to hear your voice, so I called. I hope it's ok."
His voice is so smooth and seductive that my insides come alive at the sound of it. Something about it being a phone call heightens the sensation. It's sexier and more powerful than a return text. The effect on me is intense.
He doesn't nag me about where I've been or why I haven't called.
"I'm sorry I've been out of touch," I say. "I've been hanging out with my friends who owned the bakery in Dove Point."
"The ones where Todd got the cobbler?" he asks patiently.
"Yeah," I say. "I was just waiting to be alone before I called."
It's not exactly true, but it's good enough for now.
"So, you're alone now," he says. "Where are you?"
"Galveston," I say.
There is silence on the other end.
"You traveled to Galveston?" he stutters.
"We are right on the beach. But there's no swimming right now; the water has bacteria." I know I'm rambling.
"You traveled to Galveston?" he repeats.
Now I think he's mad. Although, that would be pretty nervy of him. He is not the boss of me.
"I am sorry I didn't tell you," I say, wisely keeping it at that.
I've decided to go home tomorrow instead of staying one more day. I'll tell him face-to-face about Adrianne. Surely, though, he has to know she's taking me to court. I heard the car pull into the driveway.
"Hey, listen," I say. "I hear Clive and Jordan. I have to go. They don't know I am coming home tomorrow."
