Chapter Nineteen
Now
Jasper
Waking up this morning, I was still reeling from my conversation with Avery yesterday.
It’s always been so easy with her, and we have slipped back into the comfort of what used to be.
I haven’t felt that in a long time. But something else has kept me up.
It hadn’t dawned on me that she could be here asking for a divorce because she’s engaged.
I should have expected it, but it didn’t shield the literal gut punch when Easton called me yesterday afternoon to tell me she’d been into his café for breakfast that morning, and the little planet-sized rock on her finger clearly indicated her true intentions.
How could I have missed that when she showed up in my office that day?
A light knock on the door.
“Be out in a minute,” I call out.
“The new Chamber of Commerce CEO is looking for you.” Gail’s voice is a loud whisper through the wooden door.
Loosening my tie to take a full breath, I feel relief to be alone.
I grip the cold countertop in the restroom, trying to pull myself together.
Public events like these are a part of the job, and I’ve reveled in them.
Chatting with business leaders in the town is one of the best things I get to do, but tonight, my mind is on something else—someone else.
“I’m in the bathroom, Gail.” I swipe my forehead. “Can I not have five minutes alone?”
When I dropped Avery off at her rented beach house earlier this evening, so much was left unsaid. The moment we shared at my old beach house proved I’m not the only one still battling feelings.
I haven’t mentioned her tattoo, but I’m sure she’s seen that I still have mine too.
I was surprised when she still had it, but then I realized it’s not like a name that would be hard to explain to people.
It’s a simple symbol, meaningless to everyone but us.
Knowing she’s kept it all these years lights me up.
If she wanted to erase our past, that would be the logical first step.
It didn’t go unnoticed that she was also missing an engagement ring on her finger. The same place where mine used to be. She took it off on purpose. Did she not want me to know?
“You’ve been in there for almost an hour, Jasper,” she counters. “Time to socialize.”
I push myself off the counter, blow out a breath, and swing open the door. “I haven’t been hiding in there that long,” I snap. “And what if I did need privacy? You don’t know what I was doing.”
Gail leans against the door frame with her arms tightly folded at her chest. “You didn’t.”
“How do you know?”
“Because if you did, you wouldn’t have walked down to another part of the hotel when there are at least three restrooms closer to the conference room.”
I cock my head to the side. “Whatever you think.”
“I’m your assistant. This is what I do.” She smiles with satisfaction.
I slip past her. “Fine.”
“She’s suddenly come back, and it’s getting to you, isn’t it?” she asks, but it’s more of a statement of accusation.
I stop with my back still facing Gail. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Jasper,” she says with frustration. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. Of course, Avery being here is getting to me. How could it not? She was my first and only love. The day she left ripped my heart out. It’s been an open wound since.
My head falls back. I turn to face Gail. “Yes, it is.”
“Do you know what she’s here for?”
I painfully nod. “I do.”
I’m certainly not going to tell Gail why Avery is back in town. That brief mention of her being Mrs. Collins when she showed up at my office that day hasn’t been brought up again. I’m hoping Gail and the receptionist up front forgot about it entirely.
“What is it?” Her shoulders bounce with confusion.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I clear my throat. “We have a lot of history. Let’s just leave it at that.”
She shakes her head, prepared to pepper me with more questions. “I have known you and your dad for years. I’m aware of your past with Avery, but I feel there’s something more you’re not telling me.”
“You said the new Chamber CEO, Chris, is waiting for me, right?” I dismiss her comment.
“You’re not going to tell me, are you?” she huffs.
I turn on my heels and walk back down the hall toward the conference room. “Nope.”
I hear a light sigh from her as the distance between us grows. This is my secret.
Pulling open the doors, I make a beeline for the bar in the back of the room.
“What can I get for you, Mayor Collins?” the bartender asks.
“I’ll take an old-fashioned,” I tell him, then turn to scan the room for Chris. It only takes me a second to spot him, and sure enough, he’s walking in my direction.
The bartender places the drink on top of a square white napkin. “Here you go.”
But before the glass touches the paper, I grab it from his hands, bring it to my lips, and take a large swig.
“Thank you.” I set the half-empty drink back on the napkin. “I don’t like to drink at work functions. You can toss the rest.”
A puzzled look sweeps across his face. “Um, okay.”
“Mayor Collins.” A man’s voice booms behind me. I turn around to see Chris, an older gentleman the board hired as the new CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. He’s from Southern California, and the community is excited to have him in our town.
“Chris Hooper,” I greet him, extending my arm.
He shakes his hands with enthusiasm. “I’m glad we finally were able to meet.”
“Yes, likewise.”
“I’ve heard about all the incredible things you’ve done with the town since being elected last year.”
“Thank you,” I say. “It’s my home, so this community means everything to me.”
“I’m looking forward to being a part of it.” He smiles, raising his glass. I had nothing in my hands, so I grabbed the first drink I saw, which was a water bottle. Fuck. I’m off my game tonight.
“Cheers,” I say, giving him a quick nod. “Glad you could come to our monthly business owners’ mixer.”
“Happy to be here,” he says, sipping his red wine. “You also own a few properties out here, correct?”
“My dad and I owned a surf shop before he passed,” I tell him, a wave of sadness at the thought of my father. “Now, it’s just me that owns it.”
“Sorry to hear about his loss,” he offers. “Will you pass it down to your kids one day?” he asks, possibly thinking he’s lightening the mood—an innocent question I’ve been asked numerous times over the years, but with Avery back in town, it kicks up past trauma in a way it hasn’t in some time.
I swallow the threat of emotion and push away the memory of that night. “That has always been the plan.”
“I bet.” He smiles, oblivious to the battles inside my head.
My phone vibrates in the front pocket of my slacks.
Arizona: Thanks for taking me to see the beach house today. It’s incredible what you did.
My heart skips a beat. She’s texting me. She’s initiated contact this time.
“Excuse me, Chris.” I place one finger into the air. “I have to take this.”
“Yes, yes.” He nods, stepping away.
“We’ll talk soon.” I smile, then search for the closest door. I sprint through the groups of people chatting about business with cocktails in their hands. Before stepping into the hall, I catch sight of Gail. Her eyes bore into mine, suspicious of where I was going.
Me: Thank you. I had a lot of inspiration.
I tap out a response as soon as I’m in a quiet area.
Arizona: So many memories there.
I smile to myself.
Me: Yes.
Arizona: Was it hard to live there after everything?
Me: Yes. But in some way, it was comforting.
Sitting on a bench in a secluded part of the hall, I savor every moment of her attention.
Arizona: I’m glad.
Me: What are you doing?
Arizona: I’m sitting on the back patio with Helen, listening to the waves.
Me: I’m glad you’re spending time with her.
Arizona: Me too.
Me: Are you still coming to the first day of the Coconut Days event tomorrow night?
Arizona: I’m not sure.
Me: Arizona.
Arizona: I’m kidding. Yes, I’m still planning on going.
Gail’s head pops out of one of the conference room doors. Her animated wave grabs my attention. I should head back in. We only have another hour left.
Me: I’ll see you tomorrow night then.
Arizona: See you tomorrow.
She’s the shot of dopamine I need to finish the rest of the night. And by the time tomorrow comes, and it begins to wear off, I’ll see her again.