Epilogue
Chloe
September
Squishing my toes deeper into the sand, I breathe in the salty air, and then snap a photo of the orange-and-pink sunrise. Sitting on the beach, my instinct is to wipe the powdery granules from my lap, but I stop short. I’ll do a sand shake when I reach the boardwalk. Until then, I’ve learned it’s easiest to embrace nature’s glitter.
Taking one last look at the colorful sky, I stand and turn. There’s forty-five minutes until my shift starts. That’s right, this girl has a job…at Seabreeze Café. It turns out that I don’t just enjoy eating sweets, but making them too. That might seem like a dangerous combination, but it’s been exposure therapy. Since I’m around them all day, I’ve been forced to learn moderation.
Don says his love of sugar is what keeps him creating new delicious concoctions. My enthusiasm for baked goods is why he hired me. We bonded over milk chocolate, salted caramel and donuts…which is the newest item on their menu.
As I make my way downtown, I begin to sweat, even though I’m wearing a tank top, jean shorts and flip flops. Summer is technically over, but you can’t tell in Florida. I’ve adapted to beachwear quite nicely—as long as it’s neutral colors. I don’t think you’ll ever see me in anything neon or floral, but I’m learning to never say never. After all, I never would have thought I’d be dating a hot surfer.
Nearing the bakery, I spot that hot surfer leaning against the teal building. A smile appears on my face instantly. When Leo sees me, he starts walking my way. I speed up so I can run and jump into his arms. I nuzzle my face into his neck, and he kisses me on the cheek.
Then he finds my lips. “Morning, sunshine.”
“Morning,” I say, squeezing him tight.
This is my favorite part of the day—breakfast with Leo before work. He grabs my hand, and we head toward the café.
“Benjamin and I read your latest episode last night.”
My heartbeat quickens. “What’d you think?”
I decided to publish Adelena Against the Authority on Kindle Vella. Each week, I release an episode which is equivalent to a chapter. This is my third week.
“I’m a big fan of Razili, but Benjamin thinks he might turn into the villain. He’s team Gizem.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. Kindle Vella has allowed me to ease into being an author while gaining valuable feedback. I’m not raking in the royalties, but I’m gaining confidence.
Leo opens the café door for me.
Don immediately greets us with a hearty hello. “I’ve already got your eggs and donuts plated,” he says as we sit down. “Weird combination if you ask me.”
“The protein balances out the sugar,” I explain for the hundredth time.
He chuckles and shakes his head before returning to the kitchen.
As Leo peppers his eggs, he continues, “I’m interested to see how Adelena is going to support herself now that she’s moved to a new city. She’s been pretty sheltered, living on her family farm her whole life.”
“I probably should have written her new city near the coast so that she could meet a handsome surf instructor and learn some life lessons.” I raise an eyebrow as I bite into my decadent chocolate donut.
Leo smirks and then says, “I’m actually in the middle of writing that story.”
“You are?”
“Mmhhmm.” He winks.
“That sounds like the best book ever. I can’t wait to find out how it ends.”
I’ve never been worried about wrinkles, but I probably should be now that I’m dating Leo Cruz. He’s got my cheek muscles working overtime.
Life with Leo is like riding a wave, but not because it’s scary or unpredictable. It’s exhilarating and simple at the same time. I’m thankful he’s not just my coastal crush, he’s the best boyfriend ever. I’m confident of this even though he’s also my first boyfriend.
Sometimes you just know.