Page 6 of Buck (Diver Downeast #2)
“Well, maybe. I guess,” Bobbie grudgingly admitted.
“I do still harbor a lot of resentment toward him. I had a path for my life, I had goals, and with one selfish act, he destroyed… Well, he didn’t destroy my future, but he changed it, and set me back, years.
Yet…” How could she describe her divergent feelings?
She tried again. “Buck is still a compelling personality. Of course I remember the attraction that we had for each other back then. And that’s where my problem lies. Those anomalies divide my brain in two, and try as I might, I can’t quite get those opposing lobes to reach a conclusion.”
Everlee nodded. “All normal, considering you two never talked things out. I have a feeling that there’ll eventually need to be a head-to-head where you both let loose with hurts that have festered for a long time.”
Bobbie scoffed. “Nope. Not happening. After the wedding tomorrow, and the celebratory brunch I’ll be cooking on Sunday, I’m off the clock and I’ll be putting my feet up at my little apartment to regroup.
On Monday, early, I’ll be heading—sailing actually—to my weekly cooking gig in New Brunswick.
I won’t be home until Wednesday night, and by that time, Buck will be long gone.
Back out to sea. So I don’t believe a confrontation of any kind at this point is likely or relevant. ”
“Oh.” Everlee looked surprised. “You don’t know yet.” She looked down at her feet a little uncomfortably. “In a small, gossipy area like this, I just assumed that word had gotten around.”
“What word?” Bobbie narrowed her eyes and braced. This couldn’t be good.
“Buck is out of the Coast Guard,” Everlee apprised gently with a wince of compassion.
“He and Spencer, along with Spencer’s wife-to-be, are going to be opening a rescue diving operation out of Hampden.
He’s here for good. And I hate to say it, but the chances of not running into him in the future around here are probably close to nil. ”
“Shit,” Bobbie let slip. That wasn’t something she’d been expecting.
“You said it,” Everlee agreed.
“I…” Bobbie was at a complete loss. What the hell was she going to do? Her companion was correct that the towns around the area were all small and interconnected in a myriad of ways. Bobbie wasn’t stupid enough to think she could avoid Buck for the rest of their lives.
Maybe a bit of magnanimity was called for?
“Good for him. I guess,” Bobbie finally managed.
Yeah. That was lame .
Everlee gave Bobbie’s arm a warm pat. “I can see that despite your anger, you still wish the best for him. Which gets back to why I approached you. I want you to know that if you need to talk, I’m here.
I have a very neutral ear. I don’t take sides.
I won’t bristle if you need to rant about Buck, and I won’t defend him unless I have solid facts.
I can’t imagine what you went through at that time, or how you managed to process it and get on so successfully with your life.
” She waved a hand around the venue, then snapped her fingers in an ah-hah gesture.
“Unless you have a therapist. In which case I commend you, and I’ll totally butt out. ”
“No. No therapist,” Bobbie responded in a small voice.
“Okay then,” Everlee said with a nod. “My offer stands. I’m here if you need to vent.” Her look got impish. “And in case you’re wondering, just because I’m married to a Sothard, doesn’t mean I don’t know how annoying and overbearing the entire clan can be.”
Bobbie had to snort at that.
Yeah. Even in high school, Buck and his brothers had displayed an over-the-top kind of confidence that had been couched in helpfulness and honesty.
They’d been legendary; almost folkloric, which obviously fed their egos.
Those Boy Scout attributes were why it had hurt so damned much when she’d found out what Buck had done.
Before today, though, Bobbie had really thought she’d put it all behind her. She believed she’d successfully moved on.
But seeing him…
Old wounds had once again opened. Pain had bubbled to the surface. And who did she have to talk to about it? No one, except…
Bobbie sucked in a deep breath. Right in front of her was a woman who was holding out her hand, if Bobbie only dared to take it.
“I, umm, might just take you up on your offer. But for now, I’m going to leave it. I need a chance to process, and my sailing time will do that. Alone on my boat, on the ocean… That’s where I do my best thinking,” she admitted.
“I totally get it,” Everlee nodded sagely. “Mother Nature is often times the best medicine when you feel the need for a little clarity.”
Good. Everlee wasn’t going to push, and that would give Bobbie time to figure out just how she wanted to play this.
“I will add one thing, though. Don’t be surprised if…” Everlee paused.
Clearly, she was conflicted, so Bobbie tipped her head, encouraging the woman to continue. “If what?”
“If things aren’t exactly as you were led to believe back then,” she finished solemnly.
Everlee’s eyes met Bobbie’s with a gravity that gave her pause before her new… Friend ? Therapist ? …delivered a second kicker.
“For everyone’s sake, all I ask is that you keep an open mind.”