Page 11 of Designing Love (Bluewater Cove #2)
AVOIDING REALITY
Sophia
T he sky above Sage’s beach house fades softly from gold to lavender as evening slips into dusk. I climb the steps to her porch, a satisfied fatigue settling over me after the day's work at the Miller House. My bag is overflowing with sketches and notes, evidence of a productive day.
“Looks like someone's inspired,” Sage calls out from her comfortable perch, surrounded by candles and cozy blankets.
I smile, setting down my things and sinking gratefully into a cushioned chair. “It was amazing, Sage. Ethan and I got so much done today.”
Sage lifts an eyebrow knowingly, handing me a steaming mug of tea. “I bet you did.”
“Don’t start,” I warn, laughing softly.
“Start what?” she replies innocently, eyes sparkling mischievously. “I’m just glad to see you so animated. Ethan seems to bring that out in you.”
I sip the tea, warmth seeping through my tired muscles. “Maybe he does. It’s nice, working with someone who listens and values my opinions. He actually likes my ideas.”
“Why wouldn’t he? You’re incredibly talented, Sophia. It’s about time you started believing it.”
Her words linger gently in the quiet evening air. I exhale softly, grateful for her unwavering belief. “It’s different, being here. With Ethan, and with you. It feels… uncomplicated.”
“And yet, something’s still bothering you,” she observes gently. I glance away, my peace momentarily disturbed. Sage never misses a beat. “It’s Daniel, right?”
Just as she says his name, my phone vibrates sharply again from inside my bag. I close my eyes briefly, sighing in frustration.
“How often has he been calling?” she asks, her tone gentle but direct.
“Too often,” I admit quietly. “He keeps insisting we have unfinished business — my clients, finalizing the accounts. Honestly, I think he’s using it as an excuse just to maintain contact.”
Sage regards me thoughtfully. “Have you spoken to him at all?”
“Not since I got here. Every time his name pops up, I freeze. I’m not ready for whatever guilt trip he’s prepared.”
Sage shifts closer, her expression understanding but firm. “I get that, Sophia, but avoidance won’t make it easier. Eventually, you’ll need to address this.”
“I know,” I whisper, looking out over the lake. The fading sunlight dances on the water, painting gentle, shimmering patterns. “I’m just afraid that answering his calls will bring everything crashing down again. I’ve finally started feeling like myself again.”
“You’re stronger now. Stronger than you realize. And facing Daniel doesn’t mean giving him power — it means reclaiming your own.”
I look down into my tea, considering her words. Sage reaches out, gently squeezing my hand. “But do it on your terms. Answer when you’re ready, and not a second before.”
“I wish it felt that simple.”
“Feelings rarely are,” Sage smiles softly. “But clarity helps. Is the unfinished business truly urgent, or just Daniel’s way of holding on?”
“Maybe it’s actually a bit of both. The business is winding down, and there are loose ends. But Daniel always finds a way to blur lines. I can’t trust his intentions.”
“Trust your own instead. You don’t owe Daniel emotional bandwidth. Handle the practicalities without letting him into your head.”
I breathe out slowly, her advice grounding me. “You’re right. I know you are. I just need time.”
“Then take it,” she says, squeezing my hand again. “And meanwhile, keep leaning into what makes you happy — like this project with Ethan.”
I smile softly. “He makes it easy to feel creative again.”
“That’s because he sees you,” Sage says, warmth in her voice. “Not the version Daniel wanted you to be, but exactly who you are. That’s powerful.”
The truth of her words settles deeply, comfortingly. Ethan’s sincerity is so refreshingly different. Uncomplicated .
“I never imagined Bluewater Cove could feel like this. I came here to hide, to pause. But now… I’m not sure I want to leave.”
Sage smiles knowingly. “Funny how life sometimes pushes us exactly where we need to be.”
We sit in peaceful silence, the soft night wrapping around us, stars beginning to wink into existence overhead. Eventually, Sage breaks the silence again, her voice gentle but curious. “What are you planning next for the Miller House?”
“I’m not sure yet. Today was about clearing space — physical and mental. But tomorrow, I want to start filling that space with fresh ideas.”
“Sounds promising,” Sage says encouragingly. “What’s your first stop?”
“I’m thinking the Purring Page. Mia’s shop feels inspiring. Maybe I’ll find something unexpected.”
Sage grins. “You mean besides the handsome tech guy who’s already making unexpected waves?”
I laugh softly, rolling my eyes affectionately. “Yes, besides Ethan.”
“Just checking,” she replies, eyes twinkling with delight.
We linger on the porch until darkness fully settles. When I finally stand to go in, the weight in my chest has eased considerably.
“You’re going to be okay, Sophia,” Sage says, hugging me. “Better than okay.”
“I believe you,” I whisper, hugging her back tightly.
As we walk inside, I feel lighter — resolved, hopeful. Tomorrow, I'll visit the Purring Page. Tomorrow, I’ll keep building this new chapter of mine, one choice at a time.