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Her, showing up at the checkers club.
Her, stopping by my house.
Pressuring me into dates.
It’s like I have to break up with her, even though we only went out once. And I know the rules about breakups. The only right way to do them is in person.
This is why I don’t date, I think, as I thank Maria curtly and then step into the treatment room.
“Whew, Doc, you’re looking rougher than I feel,” the man on the bed says. “And I’m the one with the fractured arm.”
I straighten my glasses and try to do my best to put on a professional air. “Having a bit of a rough day, but I’ll manage. Have you ever worn a splint before?”
Chapter 26
Maddison
I did it.
I returned that ridiculously huge diamond ring to Sylvester.
It wasn’t easy to see him again, mostly because of his nasty attitude. I told him again that there’s no way we’re ever getting back together. I also said that if he continues to pursue a sale of my movie, I’d make sure his reputation landed in the toilet. Now that Clint Callamaro is interested, the matter is going to get a lot of attention. LA isn’t that big. People talk. Sylvester is too smart to put his reputation on the line.
Now that he’s getting the idea he won’t get away with selling my script as his own, he’s not bothering to sweet talk me.
That’s fine by me. But still, it was rough dealing with his negativity.
Plus, the cab ride to Hopkins was awful. The driver smoked cigarettes the entire time. I told him not to bother waiting for me while I conducted my business inside the hotel, and I caught a bus back to Stillwell instead.
I’m wrapping up loose ends. Getting close to moving forward again. I can feel it.
But I don’t feel the joy that I expected.
I’ve been waiting for it to hit me all day… but it hasn’t.
Right now, as I walk up Stillwell Pond Road, all I can feel is anxiety about Nick.
It will be really good to see him and talk. I know he’s up at the pond. By the time I made it home to Pansy’s after my long day, I stopped by his place. He wasn’t home, and his kayak wasn’t in the usual spot. The pond is the only body of water in town. I’ve been so wrapped up in my thoughts, it never occurred to me he might not be there alone.
Outlaw, on the leash ahead of me, trots happily. At least one of us is in a good mood.
Stillwell Pond Road is twisty and curvy. The uphill pitch makes my quads burn, and, not for the first time, I really miss Myrtle. A tunnel of tree branches overhead turns the fading evening light to a luminous green.
I’m a little winded as I crest the hill and catch my first view of the pond through the trees.
The sun, hanging low in the sky, has turned the water honey gold, streaked with pink.
I always loved sunsets up here.
I’m hoping a peaceful sunset will improve my mood. Plus, being around Nick always makes me feel better. Every single time. I need a dose of those warm and fuzzy feelings.
The road is lined with trees, and as I walk, I keep getting little glimpses of the water and shoreline.
And then I see him…
And I stop.
I stare at him.
