53. Henrik
FIFTY-THREE
HENRIK
When Kodiak Harbor comes into view, my chest tightens.
My pulse races, and I sweat. I’m still so angry about what happened with Carina, but despite that, I can’t deny the fact I miss her.
Confusion about that keeps me awake at night.
I only ended things with her in my head, so she’s not even aware of it.
Dread and sadness wash over me as I consider she could be at the docks and I might have to see her again. I would give anything to go back to right before I left. Back to when we were happy, in love, and making plans for our future.
Giving a quick scan of the dock, I see familiar faces in the crowd. My family is there, but Carina isn’t. A pang of disappointment hits my heart at her absence.
As I pull the Brina into her slip, I turn and see my crew hurriedly hauling their bags out and dumping them on the deck. They all wear gigantic smiles, excited to see their loved ones. I try to be happy for them, but I can’t find it within myself.
After docking the boat, I remain in the wheelhouse. One by one, my crew stops by to check in. I force a smile to my face and kind words to my lips as I thank them again for a successful and safe fishing trip.
Before he leaves, Kai gives me a bro hug. “Edgar and I’ll be here tomorrow to work on the lift.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll grab us breakfast and meet you here?”
“Sounds good,” he says, then he’s gone.
Edgar appears, and his deep voice rumbles as he says, “She’s not here. I checked, in case you didn’t want to see her.”
I grunt my acknowledgment as my head drops and my shoulders dip.
He steps closer and sets his hand on my back. “Mom, Dad, and Mia are here. Do you want to see them? I can make an excuse for you.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m still mad at Mia, but I don’t want Mom and Dad to worry. I’ll head out soon. Just need to shut everything down first.”
“I’ll see you out there in a few, and I’ll try to keep Mia distracted.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate that,” I say before turning to the controls. Because I’ll be working on the boat tomorrow, I only worry about getting the critical things done.
Ten minutes later, I pull my duffle bag from my bunk and head to the dock. Dad, beaming with pride, is quick to offer congratulations and a handshake. Mom wraps her arms around my waist and whispers, “I’m so glad you’re home safely.”
Pulling back, I make eye contact with her and say, “Me too.”
Mia keeps her distance as we walk back to the harbor’s parking lot.
A movement from ahead of us catches my attention.
Squinting my eyes, I focus on the dock in front of me.
My heart pounds and I groan. I’m convinced I saw Carina.
My fists tighten as anger overwhelms me.
When my family and I shuffle past that area of the dock, my skin prickles.
It feels like someone is watching me, and it makes me edgy.
Could it be Carina? Even though I’m still so hurt, I want to see her.
I need to see her. My question about whether we can resolve the issue between us is still unanswered, but I long to be in her presence.
I feel pressure on my arm. “Henrik, are you coming?” My mom’s worried eyes meet mine. I didn’t realize I stopped. Taking one more scan of the area, I confirm I don’t see Carina.
Grimacing, I answer her. “Yeah, sorry. I thought I saw something.”
When we get to the parking lot, I skim my gaze over the parked cars and recognize one. Carina. My heart thumps. I want to stomp over to her car, wait until she returns, and demand answers. My hands curl into fists and blood pumps hard through my veins as I relive the hurt she caused.
“Henrik,” I hear someone call. Blinking rapidly, I turn and find Edgar, his face twisted with concern. “Henrik,” he says again. “You good?” I lick my lips and shake my head. He steps closer and whispers, “What is it?”
“She’s here,” I say. His eyes go wide, and his head swings around like it’s on a swivel.
“Where?” he questions, his voice filled with panic.
“Her car is on the far side of the lot.”
He does a quick perusal of the area, then says, “It’s all clear. Let’s get you home.”
I toss my duffle in the back of my dad’s truck before I climb in, conflicting emotions still raging within me.