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“Good to know your time down here has been healing. I look forward to getting through to the other side.”
“You seem to be on the right track. I hope you can find some peace too.”
We sit for a while, just drinking our coffee, and enjoying the sound of the waves. I must fall asleep because the sound of his voice wakes me.
“Huh? I think I was napping.”
“Oh, sorry, I just said it feels so natural to sit next to you on this beach, facing this ocean.”
“So natural, that I fell asleep.”
He laughs. “See there’s something, you were always able to fall asleep anywhere at any time, that hasn’t changed.”
“Funny, I think it’s specific to this island. Back home, I struggle with insomnia and falling asleep. Sleep here has been another level.” Didn’t even realize how well I’ve been sleeping this past week until he brought it up.
“Your body recognizes this as a safe place to rest.”
“Or the sea air relaxes me to the point of unconsciousness.” I take a drink of my coffee but it’s warm and not pleasant. I root through my bag and find my water bottle and drink half of it. The other lesson I learned as a lifeguard—hydration is your friend.
“Tell me about the day in the life of Owen Hart, driftwood guy,” I say, genuinely curious to know how he spends his days.
“Well, the nicest thing about my days is they are never the same. Sometimes I spend the day working on one item, sometimes I work on several. Today I’m taking the day off because it’s way too nice not to be here by the water. There’s a big storm coming this weekend so after I’ll spend some time beach-combing, looking for driftwood.” When he talks, there’s a sparkle in his eye.
“That sounds like a dream.”
“Yes, and I know how lucky I am to be here and be able to work on furniture and sculptures. Some days I have crippling self-doubt with a side of depression. Fortunately, I have a great therapist and healthy outlets. Sometimes I drink a little too much whiskey and I can’t believe I’m telling you all these things.”
“You said it, it feels natural to be here with you, sitting in front of this ocean on this beach, talking about everything.” When I turn to smile at him, his mouth is twisted into a frown and his jaw is clenched.
“Except the one thing we should talk about,” he says, getting up and walking to the shoreline.
I decide to follow because suddenly, he’s acting like a toddler throwing a tantrum,
“I thought you wanted to talk like mature adults?” I say as I kick a little water his way.
“I did, but I’m trying to keep myself from saying something I’ll regret. You aren’t here to rehash old business with me, you’re here to grieve and heal.”
“I am, but maybe you’re part of it.”
He turns to look at me, like really look at me. “When I saw you that first day, I thought I had moved on from the hurt of losing you, it’s been years for fuck’s sake. Now that I know what you are trying to work through, the best I can do is leave you alone and recommend my therapist—a good one, not like my last one.”
“Do you have to leave me alone? Maybe we could just be friends who spend time together occasionally?” I ask, not wanting to cut him off, but he’s making me angry with this talk of him hurting. I’m still hurting too and it’s entirely confusing.
“I can’t promise anything but I won’t actively avoid you. You are the only person even remotely close to my age on this island other than Dirk, so friends who spend time together occasionally may work.” He is digging in the sand with his toe and I splash him again.
“Man, do you even like me?” I ask half-joking.
He turns and gets in my space, looking directly at me. “Liking you has never been a problem.”
CHAPTER 16
FRIENDS
OWEN NOW
Today is what we call a top ten day. It’s warm, clear, a slight breeze, and the water is warm. When I got to the beach earlier, I was not surprised to see Mollie was there. Several umbrellas dot the sand but I spot her towel and set myself up next to her. That was the surprise-that I decide to sit with her.
I watch her float, get spooked by the skates and definitely watch as the water drips down her luscious body in that fucking bathing suit. Her entire body tenses as she sees me sitting by her stuff but when she recognizes me, she relaxes instantly.
