“Is there anything I can do to help you figure it out?” she asked. “You have been so helpful to me, and so I want to be here for you if I can.”
“This is helping me,” I said.
“Really?” she asked. “But you just said that you didn’t know what you were going to do.”
“I know,” I replied, laughing. “And I don’t. But I feel like I am a lot closer to knowing than I was this morning.”
“Well that’s good, then,” she said.
We sat on the beach and talked for another hour or so. We discussed the pros and cons of both places, and while it was helpful to get everything laid out, I felt guilty that I was holding back. There was no way that I could tell her that the only thing making me question what I should do was the fact that I was completely and totally in love with her, and the thought of leaving her seemed unbearable.
Chapter 17
Brenna
You can set your booth up here, and this entire deck will be the dance floor," I said.
It was the day before the Grand Re-Opening, and I had spent the entire day meeting with everyone who would be helping me at the party the next day. The inspector had come the day before and given me the green light on everything, so we had gone full speed ahead. I had already met with the caterer and the serving crew, as well as the security company who would be helping with traffic control. The DJ was the last person I had to meet with, and then I would spend the rest of the evening double and triple-checking to make sure that everything was in place.
"This is a great setup," the DJ said, excitedly. "I know we’re going to have a great night."
"I know we are, too," I said. "I am looking forward to it."
"So you said the party starts at 7:00 tomorrow, right?"
"Yes," I said. "7:00 to 10:00. People will probably still be hanging out after 10:00, but there is a noise curfew."
The DJ made a face. "I run into that a lot. I mean, I guess I understand that this is a residential area, but it’s a bummer to have to shut down so early. But we’ll make the most of it. I will be here at 5:00 to get everything set up."
"Perfect," I said, walking with him to the edge of the stairs. I started to make my way down the steps, but he stopped me.
"You don’t have to walk me all the way down," he said. "It’s got to be uncomfortable with that boot on your foot. I will see you tomorrow."
"Thank you," I said. It had been a busy day and I was grateful to not have to navigate the stairs again.
I watched him get into his car and then waved to him as he drove away.
Once he was gone, I sat down on one of the deck chairs and let out a sigh of relief. I was excited for the party and knew that it was going to be a lot of fun, but I was also exhausted.
I leaned back and closed my eyes for a minute, enjoying the sound of the waves in the distance.
I was surprised when I heard the sound of a car approaching, as I wasn’t expecting any more visitors. I was even more surprised to see a minivan slowing down in front of the property. I didn’t know anyone who drove a minivan, and I knew that the first guests were not supposed to arrive for two days.
I strained my eyes and realized that Rylan was sitting in the passenger seat of the minivan, and then I noticed Josh was driving. The back windows were tinted so I couldn’t see who else was in there, but I knew they had passengers.
I waved, and Rylan waved back excitedly, smiling broadly. I could see that Josh was also smiling, and I couldn't figure out what was going on.
Josh parked in the parking lot, and before I knew what was happening the back doors flew open and my parents, Michelle, and Alicia all poured out of the back of the van.
"What on earth is happening?" I asked.
"Surprise!" Michelle shouted.
"Oh my word!" I said, tears streaming down my face as I made my way down the stairs. I hurried towards them and hugged them all.
"I can’t believe you guys are here!" I said. "I can’t believe you came!"
"We couldn’t miss it!" my mom said.
