He hesitated. “Yes. But am I? That’s what I keep asking myself.”
Jake felt the weight of Todd’s stare. As a rule, the guy wasn’t one to judge harshly, but he still liked to offer his opinion. “You were pretty hard on her at the bake-off, you know that, don’t you?”
“Does that mean I won’t be asked back?” As Jake stood and picked up his towel, Todd chuckled.
“And what about Ava? Have you heard from her lately?”
“Not much,” Jake replied. “A few brief texts.”
“You were together three years. It’s okay to miss her too.”
Jake mulled over his friend’s words. He had missed her; of course he had. Their worlds had been entangled for a long time, and at first, he’d struggled to let her go.Not that it was up to him. That decision was all Ava’s, and he had no choice but to accept it. “Anyway, I’m freakin’ freezing. Shall we go?”
“Yep.” Todd pushed to his feet and brushed the sand from his butt. “Does Molly know about her?”
“Yeah, I told her. Not in any detail, but… Anyway, I’m heading back to France next week to sort out my stuff. Dad’s going to keep an eye on the patisserie, and Ari’s more than capable.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Depends. Two or three weeks.”
“Ever think about going back for good?”
“Not for good, but…” Jake paused. He’d planned on discussing the recent offer he’d received with Todd, but not until after his trip. “My old boss wants me to go to London next year to help set up a patisserie.”
“Yeah? And you’re keen?”
“Maybe. It would only be for twelve months.”
“That’s doable. I know a guy who’d manage your place in a heartbeat.”
“Thanks. Good to know.”
Todd glanced his way. “Just to change the subject, have you ever considered counseling?”
Jake stilled. “Yeah, I’ve thought about it.”
“It might help, that’s all I’m saying.”
Jake raked his hair back from his forehead. He’d contemplated talking to a professional a few times but had never taken that step. And as the weeks sped by, it all just seemed too exhausting.
He heaved his board under one arm and lifted Todd’s cooler in the other hand. “Thanks for the lunch. Tell Maia she makes the best sandwiches ever.”
“Will do. But think about what I said, yeah? And don’t be a stranger.”
“Of course not.”
“And if things get you down and your mind won’t shut the hell up, just remember—life always looks a whole lot better in the morning.”
Jake chuckled. “You think?”
“It’s a universal truth.”
27
Besides Gloria’s brief visit, Molly spent the rest of her Sunday alone, a rare occurrence since moving to Clifton Falls. Often, she’d have brunch with CeCe, Luka, and the Lime Tree Hill crew, but that weekend, she needed time to breathe. To clean her house, shop for groceries, and wrap her gifts for the Sinclairs.
That evening after dinner, she opened her closet and removed the pillowcase from the top shelf. With the drumsticks and photo book in hand, she sat on the bed, studying the words written in black ink for possibly the last time.
