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Am I really so surprised she chose to leave? To run?
After everything she told me about her previous relationship and all the things I apparently have in common—on the surface, anyway—with her rich, older ex, I get it. Kind of.
But I’m also deeply hurt. I laid it all on the line, and she decided I’m not enough. Or not worth the risks. Or she just doesn’t share the same feelings I do or the same hope I do that we could figure out a way to make things work.
This is what I get for having hope at all. For thinking there might be a chance, that maybe I should attempt something I’ve never tried in the past. Instead, this just seems like confirmation I’m not built for serious relationships.
The one time I put myself out there, the woman runs off without saying goodbye. Seems like a pretty blatant sign to me.The sign reads:Give Up! Committed Relationships Are Not for You!
“I’m not really in the mood for a jaunt to Atlanta,” I say. “I prefer the ocean.”
Jake and Hunter exchange a glance. “She’s not in Atlanta,” Jake says. “She never left.”
I let this information settle over me, testing out how it feels. Sadie hasn’t left. She’s still on the island. A tiny bubble of hope rises fast and then, just as quickly, pops.
She may not have left Oakley yet, but she still left my boat—leftme—without a word.
“Just ask me about the Markham sister sleepover at my place last night,” Hunter grumbles. “They talked all night long.”
I put my reading glasses back on, then pick up my book. “I hope they had a lovely time. But it still doesn’t change anything.”
“What exactly happened?” Jake asked.
I shrug. “Nothing all that interesting. We kissed. Went on a date. Talked about our feelings. I told her I was looking for something real. Then she left without saying goodbye the moment she had a chance. As one does,” I say.
I read the same sentence about a U-boat five times before the silence gets to be too much. I push my glasses down my nose and glance up at Hunter and Jake, who are watching me with two of the creepiest smiles I’ve ever seen.
I frown. “What?”
“Were you this dumb with Eloise?” Hunter directs this to Jake.
“Dumber,” Jake says. “You?”
Hunter nods. “About as dumb. Twice over.”
“Is this some kind of effect the Markham sisters have, or is it something aboutus?” Jake asks.
“Maybe men in general,” Hunter says.
“Don’t put me in the same category as you two,” I say. “I’m not the one who snuck off a boat before dawn to avoid an awkwardit’s not me it’s youconversation.”
“No,” Jake agrees a little too reasonably. “You’re just the guy too stubborn and prideful to put things on the line for the woman you want.”
“I already put things on the line,” I say, tossing my book and glasses next to me on the couch. “I already told you—she gave me her answer when she left.”
“Hm,” Hunter says.
“Don’thmme! I told her how I felt! I said I thought we could make this work! That I was willing to try!”
“And are you?” Jake says with the most annoying smile. He leans back, casually crossing one leg over the other. “Trying?”
“From where I’m sitting, your attempt attryinglooks more like wallowing in self-pity,” Hunter says.
“Yourtryingdefinitely doesn’t include showering,” Jake adds.
I throw up my hands. “Just because things worked out for the both of you blockheads doesn’t mean it will work for me. Getting married to a Markham sister also doesn’t make you experts on love or on Sadie. She isn’t Eloise,” I say, pointing at Jake. I switch my finger to Hunter. “Or Merritt. Sadie said no. The end.”
“I thought you said she didn’t say anything before she left. Isn’t that what he said a minute ago?” Hunter asks, running a hand down his dark beard.
