Page 83 of The Perfect Distraction

Chapter Twenty-Two

Later, after she and Becca said goodnight, Beth carried her laptop upstairs. She sat down on the bed and opened her email. Gathering her thoughts, she took a deep breath and began to type.

Christopher,

After reading your email and taking your request into consideration, I decided that you were right. It is too little, too late. And I’m not just saying that to hurt you or to exact revenge.

While I acknowledge our history together and admit that I did love you, that’s what it is now—history. This may sound strange, but thank you. If you hadn’t walked away, I would never have found what I was missing.

I expect our paths will cross again someday but only as professionals. I wish you well.

Sincerely,

Beth

She reread the email a few times before she pressed send, and then she closed the laptop, set it aside, and snuggled under the covers. That night, she slept better than she had in a long time.

“Good morning,” Beth said cheerfully when Becca came downstairs.

“Need coffee,” her sister mumbled.

Beth followed Becca into the kitchen and poured her a cup while she slumped down on a stool at the counter.

After Becca took a few sips, she said, “Ahhh. Much better. What’s gotten into you? I don’t remember you being this perky in the morning.”

“That’s because I feel better than I have in a long time.”

“Aww. Is it because I’m here?”

Beth laughed. “I sent Christopher an email last night.”

Becca quickly set down her coffee cup, her eyes wide open. Even without mascara, Beth thought they were gorgeous.

“I told him that I’ve moved on and that if we see each other again, it will only be in a professional capacity.”

“High five!” Becca said, holding up her right hand.

Beth felt silly, but she gave her a high five.

“When are you going to tell Dadalicious?”

“I’ll call him after you leave. No rush, though.”

Becca smirked. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. I still have several weeks left to spend with Colton.” But after she said it, she realized several weeks didn’t sound like nearly enough. Before she knew it, she’d be receiving back-to-school emails from the principal, and at the beginning of August, she’d have to start working on her lesson plans. Still, she wasn’t anxious for her sister to leave.

They decided to take a walk along Bay Street, the road that fronted the harbor, and visit Johan’s Pastry Shop afterward for breakfast. Dressed in yoga pants, tank tops, running shoes, and ponytails, they set off, laughing at how they looked like twins in their workout apparel. They were both in good shape and walked at a fast clip, chatting happily along the route.

Bay Street was lined with stately old homes that had been carefully preserved by their owners. Many of them boasted extensive front porches that offered sweeping views of the harbor and the city of Petoskey across the bay. Neat, manicured lawns and profuse flower beds added to the idyllic setting.

Beth and Becca admired the homes as they walked past, and when they came to one that had a Calloway Real Estate sign in the front lawn, Becca stopped in her tracks.

“Wow! I wonder how much this one is listed for?” Beth said.

“Whatever it is, it’s going to make Hot Rich Guy even richer!” Becca replied.

They ended up walking three miles before they arrived at the pastry shop. It was mid-morning on a Sunday, and people were lined up out the door.