Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“I never want to leave you, J.” The anguish in his expression makes my gut churn. “I’ll admit I’m appreciating more things this time around.”
My eyes spring to his. “Like what?”
“Hanging with you, of course.”
I wink. “That’s a given.”
He chuckles, which helps lighten the mood.
“Fishing has sort of inspired me again. It feels good to hold my rod. Did I tell you I found it way back in the closet?”
My lips part in surprise. “So he didn’t get rid of it after all?”
Grandpa Malone was so angry. He knew disposing of his pole would be punishment enough for Micah. That and being unwelcome anywhere near the docks.
“You might’ve been right.” He sips his soda thoughtfully. “Maybe it was Grandpa’s plan to get me back on the docks. And on his boat.”
“I’m convinced,” I reply as our food is served. “You know of any fishing docks in the area to scout out?”
He shakes his head. “Guess I’ll have to ask around. Maybe Dennis will know or friends from work.”
That sits heavy in my gut. The idea that he might pick up where he left off as a fisher except here instead. But what did I expect?
After we eat in comfortable silence, I suggest, “Did you want to stop by work before we leave town?”
My request is sort of selfish because I wouldn’t mind seeing where he spends most of his nights.
“That would only confuse the situation. I’m lucky my boss gave me extended time off and that my job will be waiting for me when I return.”
I crumble the wrapper my burger came in. “Maybe you won’t have to return at all.”
He swallows his last bite. “What do you mean?”
“That you’ll get the part, duh.” I wink.
“Oh yeah. That.” He averts his eyes. “I told you I don’t set myself up for disappointment.”
I push my tray aside. “I get that, but I’m proud of you. You’ve worked hard and really improved over the years. Your acting is great.”
“Thanks. Too bad I haven’t been able to break in anywhere.”
I tap his hand. “Maybe this is the one.”
Micah hitches a shoulder as if unable to allow that idea to take hold, and it unsettles me. “I’m proud of you too, you know.”
I swallow my fry. “For what?”
“Like I said, look at the business you created all on your own. It’s become the Aqua Vista watering hole.”
“More like water cooler.” I smirk. “I hear all the gossip.”
“But you’re built for that, always have been. I’m not really made for Hollywood, even if I do love the acting part.”
“Maybe that’s what’s blocking you—not fully believing in yourself.”
He arches a brow. “You think?”
“Worth a shot. Positive thinking, manifestation, and all that.”
He chuckles. “Like those ridiculous affirmation cards Beth carries in her shop.”
We share a smile.
I lean toward him and murmur, “I’ll be okay, and so will you. I have to trust that.”
He nods as the server refills our sodas.
“Which reminds me.” He lifts the manila envelope and pulls out a stack of papers.
“Wow, that’s a lot to file.”
“It is.” He winces. “A bit more complicated than our separation.”
“Suppose it makes sense,” I reply, studying the forms. Since it’s final.
“It works the same in that one of us files the initial petition for dissolution and pays the court fee.”
“I’ll split the cost with you.”
“Appreciate that.” He fans out three pages. “But along with the petition and summons forms, there’s also a property disclosure form.”
“You mean Grandpa Malone’s house and boat?”
“Uh-huh. I didn’t own them during our separation. But now that I do…”
“I don’t want any of it,” I blurt out. “It doesn’t belong to me. Just like you didn’t want anything to do with me inheriting my parents’ house.”
“I figured you’d say that. But we still have to fill out the forms.”
The server leaves us alone while we’re sorting through the documents. We agree on everything in the dissolution, even the wording of irreconcilable differences. When all is said and done, there are a couple of areas we can’t answer without looking into our own records.
“I can get that information to you once we’re back in Aqua Vista.”
“Sounds good. And when I return to LA, I’ll officially file at the courthouse.”
I feel a cold punch to my chest. “What happens after that?”
“They send you a summons, a court date is set, and according to the website where I downloaded the forms, it’ll take about six months.”
I watch, unable to speak, as he collects and stores the forms in the envelope.
“Well, that feels heavy,” Micah mutters, filling in the silence where I can’t.
“But it’s what you want,” I blurt, feeling raw and achy.
“It’s not what either of us wants.” His expression fills with sorrow and regret. “But it’s what we need.”
“Yeah, I know.” I try for humor. “Unfortunately, I’ll no longer be able to get out of hookups by admitting I’m married.”