Page 9

“Well, if hockey doesn’t work out, maybe I’ll consider a career in stand-up,” I reply, bringing the beer bottle to my lips. I should at least try and be polite since I’ll likely run into her again over the next three months. “How’s the flower business going?”

“Amazing!” she squeaks. “Ah, maybe you should stop by and see my store. I could hook you up with a couple of arrangements.” She pauses and smoothes a palm over my chestagain. “That is…if you need them for a special someone.”

Christ, this is cringeworthy. Even Luke’s made himself scarce.

“No special someone,” I reply in a deadpan fashion before turning to the group in desperation. “Maybe we should join the others?”

I look over my shoulder to catch Luna’s illuminated face fixed on me. As quick as lightning, she whips her head away and stares back into the campfire flames. I’ve barely seen her tonight, and that’s kind of disappointing. We haven’t really spoken since I told her about Amie, and even then, that was all about me.

“Yeah, maybe,” Hayley responds. But I’m already on my way over to the campfire when she catches up to me. “I’ve got some s’mores if you’re interested. I don’t mind sharing.”

I love s’mores. “Thanks, but I’m not a fan.”

As we reach the group, Hayley grabs my hand and leads me to her side of the campfire, opposite Luna. “Well, come sit next to me; we’ve still got so much catching up to do.”

I’m about to pull my hand away and politely decline her invitation when Luna stands and brushes sand from her fair and freckled legs. They’re nice legs, slender yet shapely, and I wonder if she still goes swimming in the ocean like she used to.

“I’m going to head home,” she calls out to the group. “Early start tomorrow.” She grabs her sandals with one hand and smiles sweetly at me. “Nice to see you, Zach. Welcome back.”

“Yeah, nice to see you too.” There’s a dejected look on her face, and for Luna that’s rare. She’s always been sunshine through and through. But I don’t get a chance to add anymore because, like a shot, she’s across the beach and out of sight.

“Doyou want this all delivered, sir?”

“Yeah, please. I don’t think I’ll get it on my truck.”

The woman behind the counter rings up my final bill. I’ve spent a small fortune on supplies for the beach house, but an inspection of the floorboards this morning shows they’re rotten. Plus, I’ve allowed for a full replacement of the front porch.

If I can’t mend my own heart, at least I can bring this place back to life.

I climb into my truck and wind down the window. My F150 is old, but she’s a keeper. The most loyal girl I’ve got aside from my mom. I bought her when I turned seventeen and kept her here when I moved away, but my dad’s kept her ticking over the years. Cranking the engine, I pull out of the hardware store parking lot and head back to my place. I need to swing by the grocery store since I arrived last night with the bare minimum of supplies, but that can wait—I’ve been desperate to run along the beach since the minute I got here.

Pulling up in my driveway, I immediately see a pink package set on the front porch. Heading up the rickety stairs, I notice it’s wrapped in a white ribbon with a small card tucked inside. I pull out the note and open it up.

Zach,

Just thought maybe you haven’t had time to head to a store yet, so here’s some breakfast.

Hope to see you soon.

Luna x

The chilled package contains waffles and pancake mix, bacon, eggs, syrup, coffee, and milk. Jeez, I don’t think anyone’s ever done something like this for me before. I wonder how she knows where my beach house is, but I guess Luke must’ve mentioned it since I’ve owned it for months.

I pull out my phone and scroll to her contact.

Me

You delivered me breakfast? Thank you.

Luna

I remember you like waffles and pancakes. But there’s other options too, just in case. Enjoy!

I pause over the keyboard. Should I?

I do. There’s enough here for two if you want some.

Ah, I’d love to, but I’m at work. Just stopped by and dropped the package off.