Page 77 of Plotting Summer

His gaze is still flitting about until he locks in on her. “I see her,” he says and takes off running.

I begin shaping the alligator’s front leg, alternating my attention between it and Serenity and Jack. “So?”

“Apparently she and Logan split, so she’s back on Sunset Harbor for a while.”

The news is a kick to the gut. The worst of the worst. A catastrophic change in trajectory. But I should have expected it. Of course Bridget will win. It’s in her DNA. “Oh, that’s unfortunate.” It sounds as if I mean it’s unfortunate for her, but really, I mean that it’s unfortunate for me. There’s a reason why second chance romances are a reader favorite. It’s hard to move on from a first love. I keep my focus on my hands, trying to fight the tears that are stinging my eyes. “I guess it’s good we didn’t make things public between us, then. I just wish we wouldn’t have said anything to our families this morning.”

He doesn’t speak. He probably doesn't know what to say. I don’t want to see the pity in his eyes, but I can’t help but glance up because my curiosity demands it. When my gaze meets his, it’s not pity I see in his expression, it’s hurt. “This is exactly why we need to talk. I’m not sure we’re on the same page right now. Actually, I’m not sure we’re even in the same book.”

I swallow against the tightness in my throat. “And what book are you in?”

“I’ll tell you what one I’m not in—the one where Bridget and I get back together.”

Now it’s my turn to stare. “If this is because of me⁠—”

“Capri.” He says my name with a sternness I’m not used to, stopping me mid-sentence. “It’s absolutely because of you. Earlier, when I saw Bridget again, I felt nothing outside of a general desire for her happiness. She was a big part of my life, but I’ve realized we were together because people expected us to be together. They expected us to end up together. Being the status quo type of guy that I am, I do what’s expected of me. I come to expect of myself what it is others want from me. Neither Bridget or I could even see how discontent we’d become over the years—how much we deviated in what we wanted—because for so long, she was what I was supposed to want. And I was what she was supposed to want. Which is why when she broke things off, I felt lost. Anchorless. But I don’t feel that way anymore. Not since you came back to the island.”

The lightness inside me makes me worry I’ll drift away at the slightest hint of a sea breeze. Or maybe I’m dreaming. I discreetly pinch myself on the outside of my calf, just to be certain. Ouch! I’m definitely awake.

Tristan isn’t choosing Bridget.

He’s choosing me.

In real life.

“Did I shock you into silence?” he asks, and it’s only then I realize I haven’t spoken.

I nod, attempting to find words. Any words. “I’m sorry … I …” I draw in a slow breath, a ridiculous smile breaking onto my face. “Ever since seeing Bridget, I’ve been preparing myself for a much different conversation.”

“I assumed that story-creating brain of yours might be up to some kind of mischief.” He quirks his head to the side, appraising me in a way that sends heat pulsing through me. “I’d come kiss you senseless to prove my point, but that’s currently not allowed.”

I glance at the shoreline where Jack and Serenity are happily filling the bucket with shells, and I wonder how soon is too soon to leave. “We won’t be here all afternoon, so I expect you to make good on that offer when we’re alone again.”

He chuckles. “I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Tristan and I show up at the dance together. Not only because we’ve spent the afternoon and evening hanging out but because we’re neighbors. And neighbors ride together to things. At least that’s how I justify it to myself.

Mo and the Kokomos are playing on a makeshift stage set up in the beach parking lot. Strings of bulbs light the area where some people are dancing, but the majority are standing around talking or swaying to the music. Kids are running and giggling as they dodge in and out of the crowds, Jack and Serenity being two of them.

“It’s about time you made it here.” Heath steps up to us with two drinks in hand. “I can’t imagine what kept you.”

“Shhh,” I say, my cheeks reddening. “We’re not telling anyone we’re together yet.”

Heath grins. “I don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news, but you might want to rethink your plan. You two can’t keep your hands off each other for a whole minute. You’re definitely not going to be able to manage an entire night of it.”

Tristan’s smile broadens. “That sounds like a challenge.”

“Oh, it is.” Heath steps closer to him, his voice lowered. “If you and Capri kiss even once while you’re here tonight, Tala and I get to go out every Friday night for the next month while you two watch our kids.”

Tristan nods, accepting the terms. “If we don’t kiss, I get your bike.”

Heath quirks his brow. “The beach cruiser?”

“With the bell.”

Heath laughs. “Deal. And for the record, I’m not even worried. Though since I have to keep my eyes on my kids, we’re working on the honor system.” He glances around. “Speaking of … Where did those two get off to?”

I point out where Serenity and Jack are standing near the edge of the parking lot closest to the beach, talking to a few other neighborhood kids.