Chapter 22
Jason
“Thought I’d find you here.”
I glance up to see the very last person I’d expect. Or care to, for that matter. “What do you want?” I snap.
Ian sits down on the hillside, leaving plenty of room between us. I’m beyond irritated. I’d returned to my favorite spot in Magnolia Point, a hidden gem where the bluff overlooks a wide sandy expanse before it extends to the surf. The spot was a safe haven I’d visited often to manage the raw emotions over losing my mother at such a young age. It had been a calming force, providing a safe space to meditate and journal my thoughts. Ian knew this, as he was my best friend and confidant during those tumultuous times. But his presence is no longer welcome.
When Quinn didn’t arrive at the tree lighting, I felt a bone deep panic set in. It’s odd really. I brave fires and resuscitate patients yet have never experienced this type of anxiety. Only after the events of my rehearsal dinner unfolded. However, standing alone by that tree while everyone else shared the moment with their loved ones felt like my life had come full circle. The past predicting my future. As if I was on center stage while all of Magnolia Point was watching it unfold again.
Sure, there could’ve been any number of reasons why Quinn wasn’t there. She was juggling a lot at that festival. But I’ve allowed myself to develop serious feelings for this young woman I hadn’t intended. And honestly, I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of emotions when she didn’t show.
To feel that familiar humiliating rejection.
It’s crazy how hard and fast I fell for this girl. Would Quinn have laughed if I wanted to pursue a relationship while living in another state? Would she have dismissed me as Corinne had for wanting to eventually make Sycamore Mountain our home? Her life seems so full here with her family and career. Was I nothing more than a fling?
Watching the water below ebb and flow isn’t as calming as I’d found it in years past. It’s clear I haven’t healed enough from my ex-best friend and fiancée’s betrayal. Hearing Ian shift beside me brings my focus back to the hear and now. My head is clearly in a tailspin over his little sister. And this fucker is the last person who can help me.
“When I saw Quinn earlier, she seemed upset. She jumped into her car, trying to hide it. But I know my sister. While I suspect this may be related to you somehow, I didn’t call her. Didn’t pry. I lost the right to know your business years ago. But seeing you here confirms it.”
I can’t look at him. But hearing that Quinn was upset does have my hackles drawn.
“Initially, I was worried. Had to at least consider whether you could hurt my sister to get back at me.”
My head spins in his direction so fast I’m shocked I haven’t catapulted myself off the side of this cliff.
“Woah. Woah. I had to at least consider it. She’s my baby sister. But I know you, Jase. You’d never intentionally hurt anyone. And from what I could see, you two seemed happy. Much happier than I ever remember you with?—”
Looking back to the ocean below, I grit my teeth. I’m not talking about Quinn with this asshole. Little sister or not.
Ian’s voice quavers as he continues. “I thought I loved her.” It’s clear he’s no longer talking about his sister, but my ex. “Made excuses for why I couldn’t say no when she came on to me. I was weak. But it was all an act. I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I was merely a meal ticket. I’ll be paying for my crimes for a long time.” From the corner of my eye, I see him toss a rock toward the sand below. “Karma is a bitch with a long memory.”
My head whirls back in his direction, hoping he isn’t referring to Joy.
As if he knows what I’m thinking, he throws his palms up in mock surrender and clarifies, “The only good thing that came from our marriage was my daughter.”
With this, I can’t help but examine him more closely. His expression is hard to read in the moonlight as he stares out into the distance. From everything I’ve heard, Ian has devoted every free moment to Joy. I’ve no doubt he would’ve fought for her even if her sorry ass mother hadn’t abandoned her.
“Not that it’s worth anything to you, but I never had the chance to apologize. Figured I’d take my shot before you throat punch me or feed me to the sharks.” He draws his legs up from the cliff’s edge before standing to his full height. “I’m sorry, Jase. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to know how awful I feel about everything. Even if I was under the illusion that Corinne loved me, you deserved a conversation before I acted on it.” He takes a few steps before turning back. “Shit, a real man would’ve walked away out of respect for his friend. I was selfish and pathetic. I’ll go to my grave knowing it was the biggest regret of my life.”
Ian ambles off to where I assume his car is parked, but stops short. “Despite all the bad blood between us, you’re the best man I’ve ever known. If you have any feelings for my sister… Well, the only guy I know who’s good enough for her is you. Don’t throw away something amazing because you’re worried about history repeating itself.” It’s as if no time has passed. He still knows me well enough to hit the nail on the head.
Fucker.