Chapter 100
Sitting on an Adirondack chair overlooking the lake, my mind is replaying the morning with Gideon and also considering everything about my life.
I think about how I’m no longer a tourist with the people who have lakefront Geneva Lake homes.
I’m literally at the most expensive house on the lake right now and know multiple people with these homes.
Sipping on the lemongrass tea I found in Declan’s kitchen, I consider how I’m a FIB. I’m a ‘fucking Illinois bastard,’ coming to the area on a holiday weekend to get out of Chicago. I’m in this world, but it doesn’t feel like my world yet.
“Morning,” Declan greets, shirtless and in swim trunks, looking like he just showered.
“This tastes like shit,” I say, raising my tea to him as he sits in the chair next to mine.
He chuckles, then says, “Those are some serious hater blockers you’re wearing.” I’m wearing large, mirrored sunglasses and a patterned bikini with a sarong tied as a dress over the top.
“I haven’t had coffee in three days,” I say, looking over at him. He raises his brow, and I flip him off, smiling. “Such a fucking junkie,” I say with a playful edge.
“Acceptance,” he teases.
“Accepting the fact that my first stop on the way out of here this afternoon is at a coffee shop.” I smirk and then internally scold myself. But this rhythm between us is fucking natural. “I like hanging out with sober people,” I share. “It’s nice to not have to say no since it’s not around.”
“I like creating safe spaces. It’s an important piece of my sobriety—minimizing self-talk.”
It is crazy how much brain space alcohol and even coffee take up for me.
“It says a lot about you that you keep your portion of the lake path so well-manicured,” I say, changing the subject and gesturing toward the cement path he has with nice landscaping along it.
He shrugs.
“When I lived here, I ran on the lake path all the time,” I say, looking out at the lake. “Most of the people go out of their way to make their portions shitty. You’re not that much of an asshole.” I giggle.
“I don’t own the lake. I think people forget that when they buy houses here. It’s nice that anyone can use the path.”
Lauren approaches in the tiniest bikini, that’s basically a thong, and sits on Declan’s lap.
They slept together last night! my mind screams. He wraps his arm around her waist and rests his hand on her upper thigh.
I stare at his hand on her, and I’m so happy I have mirrored sunglasses on to hide my … flood of emotions.
“Take my seat,” I say, standing, needing to get away from here. “I’m going for a swim.”