by Jenny Hale
She rolled over toward Jack, her heart knocking around in her chest. He inhaled deeply, her movement disturbing his sleep. She wriggled one hand under his arm and the other between him and the hammock, and wrapped him in a hug, their faces close together. He opened his eyes, groggy, a grin forming as he focused on her. Without allowing herself to consider anything but him—his face her only focus because she might not go through with it otherwise—she leaned in and gently pressed her lips to his.
His eyes opened completely, and he pulled back just a bit. When he did, she could tell he sensed the tentativeness in her decision. He raised a hand and stroked her arm, his gaze swallowing her. Then, he leaned in again and kissed her softly, as if allowing her one more chance to make the choice. She closed her eyes and kissed him back. In response, Jack pulled her into his body, his mouth moving on hers, his hands now at her back. The feel of his breath, the taste of salt on his lips from the air outside—it all felt like complete perfection, as if they’d been made to fit together; and only now did she realize that she hadn’t felt whole all these years—not until now.
She didn’t want to consider what they would do in the months to come. All she cared about was having this second with him, feeling his embrace, and knowing that right here, right now, she was perfectly happy.
“Looks like I have a few more birds in the woods,” Butch said, after clearing his throat. “I’ve found a couple of love birds.”
They both jumped, nearly turning the hammock over. Jack stopped Alice from toppling to the ground, steadying the wobbling hammock by placing one foot down while Alice frantically untangled herself from his other leg. She was glad for the diversion; no one would notice the fire in her cheeks.
When she finally made eye contact with Butch, she could see the friendliness on his face, and it made her feel a little better.
“Speaking of birds,” Jack said, placing both feet on the ground and standing up. He reached out a hand to help Alice out of the hammock. “Alice would like to talk to you about yours.”
Butch’s forehead wrinkled with interest. “Oh? Well, come on in. I’ve made another pie and I can’t eat it by myself. It’s chocolate.”
Both Alice and Jack looked at each other and laughed.
Chapter Twenty-One
Alice had been frantically working on the marketing for Butch’s birds, to bring awareness about the pier to the patrons of Seaside Sprinkles. Butch had been thrilled with the idea, so happy his work could do something wonderful for the community and have a part in saving a landmark so dear to his own son’s heart.
She had been glad to throw herself into this project, to avoid thinking about how much she missed Henry. She hadn’t been away from him this long before and she couldn’t wait for him to come home. But she knew being with her dad was good for Henry. She was happy to have such a positive male role model in his life. She just wished they could all live a bit closer. This traveling back and forth to see each other was going to be difficult, and while she’d known that going in, actually living it was harder than she’d expected.
She’d just finished showing Sasha her ideas and she’d hit save on her computer document when Melly walked in. She’d come over this afternoon, her nose bright red, her eyes bloodshot.
“I have the date they’re letting us all go,” she said to them both, her lip trembling.
Sasha walked over and put a supportive arm around her new friend.
“I heard it’ll be in three weeks. I don’t know what I’m going to do after that.”
Einstein was pushing his ball around the floor while Melly talked to Alice and Sasha. His tags jingled, the ball thumping along the planks of wood. Melly put her face in her hands and let herself cry.
Sasha handed her a tissue from across the counter.
Melly looked up. “Thank you,” she said, with a hiccup. She wiped her eyes. And then blew her nose. “They’re supposed to tell us all tomorrow.”
“They can’t find any money to keep you?” Alice was pouring glasses of iced tea for the three of them. She couldn’t believe they’d hire Melly, only to fire her months later. It seemed so unfair.
“They’re stretched thinner financially than they’d anticipated. Some of the nurses were upset that they had enough funds to cover Jack Murphy and his research, but they were wrong about him. Did you know that he’s doing it for free? He’s using all his vacation time to help. And that favor he owed his friend was a high school bet over a football game that he never even had to repay.” She sniffled and took a sip of her drink, the changed subject causing her tears to subside a bit. “One of the nurses told me about it. She said that if they’d had to pay for him, they wouldn’t have been able to afford him.”
“He’s serious about his bets,” Sasha said with a laugh, lightening the mood briefly.
Alice sat quietly, drinking her tea and taking that fact in. So even if Jack wanted to stay, even if she could convince him, the hospital didn’t have enough money to keep him on the staff. He was the head of neurosurgery at one of the largest hospitals on this side of the country. How could he ever make the same living at a small hospital on these barrier islands? He couldn’t. She thought back to their moment on the hammock, how he’d held her hand while they ate chocolate pie just to be polite to Butch, their tummies still aching from all the candy they’d had during their bet, and Jack’s excitement as they talked about putting Butch’s birds in Seaside Sprinkles.
She’d had that feeling she’d always been chasing: like the universe had been with her in that moment, and that somehow, some way, it would all work out. But Melly was a perfect example of how it might not work out. She’d gotten the job she’d wanted, moved to her rainy-day place, the place she’d always hoped to be, and look at what was happening. She was about to lose it all. That could happen to Alice. And now she was in a real dilemma because she’d fallen for Jack. Not just fallen for him. She’d never met another human being who could make her feel like she did when she was with him.
“Look at her,” she heard Sasha saying, and when she came to, Sasha was grinning. “One mention of Jack and she’s all starry-eyed. Hello-o! Earth to Alice. You with us?”
“I’m with you,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully to hide her contemplations. Then she directed her focus at Melly. “So what are you going to do?” she asked.
“I have no idea,” Melly said, shaking her head. She looked completely dejected. “But talking to you two is helping. I feel so much better just having you all to hear me. Sometimes, even if nothing can change, it’s so valuable just to know that you have a person to listen, you know?”
“I totally get that,” Sasha said, hopping up onto the counter and crossing her legs underneath her. “I don’t know where I’d be without Alice.” She offered a warm look at her friend. “And now I have you too, Melly. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
* * *
“I’m going out with Sam tonight,” Sasha said, just before she’d told Alice she needed to start getting ready. They’d spent the rest of the afternoon after Melly left talking about Seaside Sprinkles. Alice had described Butch’s wooden birds to Sasha and told her what she planned to do with them. She’d called and asked him if they could auction them off to raise money for the pier, the idea coming to Alice as she’d discussed it with Sasha.
Alice had created cards on organic paper with brown lettering telling the story of the “Wooden Birds of the Outer Banks,” describing how they were born in the forest, whittled by hand, and each bird had its own wish for the buyer inscribed on the card—it had taken her ages to think of them all. She’d bought a spool of twine for the tags and a ream of tissue paper to wrap them up when it was time to transport them to the shop.
Sasha had excitedly told her as her arms moved in the air, “We could market them like this: unique artwork, limited quantities, a collaboration of local artists. We could even say that Butch has come out of retirement just for this event. That’s true—he is in retirem
ent and he’s just now selling his art…”
It sounded like a great idea.
“Yes! We could make it an event, bringing people in just for the auction. What if we advertised it as The Confectionery Auction: sharing the love of dessert and fine art? We could ask the wine and candy shop to donate one-of-a-kind desserts for the auction as well. They seemed really nice when I spoke to them, and with their love of community, I’m sure they’d be in. We might even be able to pull in more local artists,” Alice said, before turning her attention to Sasha, suddenly taking stock of her friend’s expression. She wasn’t all excited and bouncy like she’d just been. “You look nervous.” Alice observed the uncertainty in her eyes. She’d been so busy brainstorming that she hadn’t noticed until now that something else was on Sasha’s mind.
“It might be too soon after the divorce… the date,” Sasha admitted, completely changing the subject. “Am I ready? What do I do? Am I supposed to kiss him or anything tonight? Sorry. I didn’t mean to freak out, but I kind of am.”
Alice found Sasha’s apprehension endearing. “You don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do. Just see how it goes and if you’re in the position to kiss him and you want to, then go for it! But you might just have dinner and drinks and call it a night.”
Sasha nodded, but her worry was still evident. Then she offered Alice a giant smile. “Your auction idea is awesome. I just got side tracked because I’m so out of practice with all this.”
“You’ll be great! You always are.”
“Will you help me find what to wear?” Sasha grabbed Alice’s arm and started up the steps. “So, tell me,” she said, more relaxed now, as they reached the top. She dropped Alice’s arm and faced her. “You’ve made me feel much better about going out with a new man,” she said with a grin. “Now, let’s talk about yours. What was that look all about when Melly mentioned Jack earlier? Something was going through your head, I could tell.”
Alice walked over to the area of the closet where Sasha had started to unpack, and flicked through a few flowy shirts. She pulled out the light yellow one with the fringe on the bottom before turning around, unsure of where to begin.
“What?” Sasha whined. “Tell me.” She took the shirt from Alice, her mouth turned down and unsure, shook her head and put it back into the closet.
Alice didn’t want to say it out loud, but Sasha always told her just how it was—no sugarcoating—so it might be nice to hear her thoughts. She grabbed the black V-neck and held it out to her friend. “I think I’ve fallen in love with Jack.”
Sasha’s eyes widened, a look of warning in them at the same time as she took the shirt from Alice. It hung at her side as she ignored it, still staring at Alice.
“I tried not to.” Alice flopped down on Sasha’s bed and let out a sigh.
Sasha joined her, crossing her feet at the ankle, the V-neck in a wad on her lap. “I don’t blame you. He’s a great guy, Alice. And you deserve someone like him.” The way she said the words, it was clear that she understood the dilemma and could feel Alice’s anguish over it.
Alice dropped her head into her hands and breathed into them in frustration. “I have no idea what to do. I was hoping you could help me find an answer.”
Sasha put her arm around Alice. “I don’t have one. Unless you move there or he moves here, there’s nothing either of you can do.” She twisted on the bed to face Alice. “Would you want to live in Chicago?”
“Leave Gramps’s memories and all the wonderful things we’ve created here to live in some high-rise in a busy city? No way. And Jack can’t move here. There’s no work for him. You heard Melly—they wouldn’t be able to pay him.” She rubbed her face. “And then when I think about it, Sash, what happens when we go back to real life? I’m sure his work schedule is insane. I’d probably never see him. And what about when we open Seaside Sprinkles? We’ll be working every single day of the week as late as nine o’clock at night, until we make enough money to hire someone else to help out. I don’t know how I’ll have time myself for a relationship.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down. You’re overthinking it.”
“I’m not. I’m being realistic.”
“The only part of your argument that’s proven true is the fact that you two live far apart. If you’re working until nine o’clock, you know he’ll be here right by your side. And if he’s working, you’ll be there for him the minute he gets home. You’re playing into your fears. You don’t think I’m scared to death to take the next step after Landon? You think I feel ready to put on something nice and go out with a guy I’ve only just met? But you told me to just see what happens. How are you so different from me? Because I don’t think you are.”
“What about Henry?”
“I’m not saying you have to involve Henry in all of this yet. Just enjoy yourself. You’re always thinking about some big plan, but maybe you should just live in the moment, go with it.”
Alice had heard that a lot lately, and she’d tried, she really had. But that just wasn’t who she was. Her chest ached with what she was about to say. Talking to Sasha hadn’t made it any better; it had only made it clearer. “If there isn’t even a possibility for a future then I’d only get my heart broken—and Henry’s. I knew this going in and I tried to convince myself that I was strong enough to deal with whatever happens, but for me and Jack, it’s different. My heart is already breaking and he hasn’t even left yet.” Her head was starting to throb so she squeezed her eyes shut to clear it. “But you know what?” She stood up and grabbed Sasha’s hands, pulling her off the bed, and pushing all thoughts of Jack away, ignoring the fact that her chest felt like it had a boulder on it. “There is a chance for you and Sam. He lives here, he makes you smile already, and he asked you out! So let’s get you ready, Missy!”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sasha came padding into the kitchen the next morning, squinting, her hair a mess of tangles, her eyeliner down her face. She opened one eye at Alice in gratitude as Alice handed her a cup of coffee. Alice had already gotten ready for the day and had even finished a little work for Seaside Sprinkles.
“Good night?” Alice said with interest, trying not to give away her smile until Sasha was completely coherent. From the look of her, Sasha had had a great night. And judging by her love-stricken sigh, it looked like she was smitten. Alice wiped down the counter and joined her friend at the table. “Did you enjoy yourself then?”
Sasha grunted and wrapped both hands around her cup, lifting it to her lips. She closed her eyes and breathed in, her chest rising as if the coffee would give her magical strength at the first sip. The chair made a screech on the floor, and Sasha grimaced. She sat down next to Alice with a thud, the warm morning wind coming in through the open window at the back of the shop.
“I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck,” Sasha finally said, her voice raspy, but the words coming through the most contented smile.
Alice could lecture her about how she should take it easy with the partying until she was 100 percent well, but she knew it would do no good. It was at least worth mentioning, though. “You shouldn’t be running your body down like that. You’re not totally well yet.”
“I couldn’t help it,” she croaked, twisting toward Alice. “Sam took me to a beach bar that had live music till one in the morning. There were cocktails and lots of beach dancing… It was so much fun.”
“Anything else?” Alice nudged her playfully.
Sasha finally opened her eyes all the way, an enormous smile spreading over her face. “He kissed me.”
Alice clapped a hand over her mouth and gawked with surprise from behind her fingers.
“I didn’t have to think about anything. He took my drink and set it on the railing of the boardwalk leading to the bar. Then, he swept me up in his arms and kissed me! It was the best kiss I’ve ever had.” She sighed and took another drink of her coffee. “It was so good that I didn’t have time to worry about anything.”
“
Better than Bennie Coleman in tenth grade?”
Sasha had talked about him for months after he’d kissed her on a street corner outside the movie theater.
“Oh gosh, yes!” Sasha giggled.
“So will you see him again?”
“Um, I think so,” she said, wagging her head up and down with a look that was more excited than she’d been for quite a while. She leaned on her elbow. “Is Henry coming home today?”
“Yes!” Alice nearly shrieked. She was so happy to see him. She’d missed him terribly. “But first I’m going to run over to Butch’s to talk to him about having his birds painted by that artist we’ve used. I think she’d make them look amazing. We could sell them for twenty-five dollars, and she’s only taking five dollars each for her supplies. The rest from the auction we can donate to the pier. I also thought we could include a flier with directions for donating larger sums. The birds could raise awareness about the project, but we can do more to get higher amounts in.”
“Brilliant idea!”
* * *
Alice’s tires ground against the gravel as she pulled into the drive at Butch’s house the next morning. His pickup truck was parked out front, the back full of empty boxes. When she got out of her car, he was standing on the porch to greet her, hands in the pockets of his overalls, a smile showing under that burly beard of his.
“Morning!” he said, his voice bellowing out toward her.
“Morning, Butch!” Alice grabbed the ream of tissue paper and the bag of tags she’d created and shut her car door. “What are all the boxes there?”
