While I no longer blushed and stammered shyly around Vaughn and Cooper, Michael was brand new. And he was charming in this rugged, tough-guy, Bostonian-cop kind of way.
Seeing how Dahlia lit up like a Christmas tree around him despite her determination to keep him at bay, I knew Jeff didn’t stand a chance.
I didn’t think Dahlia stood a chance either.
Michael seemed very determined to win her back.
It made my romantic soul extremely happy.
“Oh my God, there she is.” We followed Bailey’s gaze.
My lips twitched.
Walking toward us, dressed as Snow White, was Dahlia. It was the perfect character for her coloring. However, with her envious curves, it was impossible for anything to look demure on her. Especially not a dress with a sweetheart neckline.
Jess and Bailey wolf-whistled and catcalled as she approached, making Coop, Vaughn, and me chuckle.
Rolling her eyes at our teasing, Dahlia halted behind the stall. “Oh yeah, my puffy sleeves are so sexy.” She squeezed Bailey’s shoulder. “Thanks, babe.”
The carnival parade this year was Disney-themed, hence Dahlia’s costume. Kell Summers had tried valiantly to persuade me to dress up as Elsa from Frozen. I may have come far with my social anxieties, but the idea of taking part in a parade, being front and center, was nauseating.
While I was awkward with adults, I wasn’t at all awkward with children. Their innocence and honesty cut through my shy armor. With kids, you always knew where you stood. I never had to guess or wonder if they found me tedious or wanting. I enjoyed being around kids for that very reason, which was why I still volunteered at the counseling center in Millton every second Monday.
It was this affinity that probably drew Cat’s son Joey to me. However, Cat was convinced it was because I looked like Elsa.
Either way, I didn’t care. Joey was exceptionally bright and talented and a true joy to be around. I’d been disappointed to not see them with Jess and Cooper this morning.
“I sold a ring with peridot.” Bailey informed Dahlia.
“Great.” Dahlia glared at us. “You guys will put people off hanging around like this. You’re intimidating in a group.”
“Gee, thanks.” Jess snorted. “And here we came over to ask if you’d like anything to eat or drink.”
“Hot chocolate,” Dahlia replied. “And a churro would not go amiss.”
Deciding that sounded good, I followed Vaughn, Jess, and Coop as they ventured off to find food.
“Where’s Cat and Joey?” I asked Cooper as we strolled across Main Street to the food vendors.
“Cat said something about them running late this morning. They should be here later.”
“Yeah.” Jess nudged me and grinned. “Joey wouldn’t miss a chance to see you. You know he publicly declared his love for you, right?”
I laughed at the thought. That kid was so cute. “Did he?”
Coop shot me an affectionate smile. “Said he’s going to convince you to wait for him until he’s old enough to marry you.”
Oh my gosh. My heart. I grinned. “Well, I am truly honored.”
We stopped at a vendor and procured Dahlia’s hot chocolate and drinks for ourselves. Vaughn tried to pay for everyone but Cooper wouldn’t let him. Jess and I stood back while they argued, holding up the line.
“I can pay for my own,” I tried to interject.
Jess shook her head at me, as if to say it’s not worth trying.
“Fine,” Cooper said to Vaughn. “You pay for Bailey’s and Dahlia’s, I’ll pay for Jess’s and Emery’s.”
Vaughn agreed to this, but there was still a stupid tension between the men as we moved on to a food cart. They split payment the same way again and the tension eased as we wandered back to Dahlia’s stall.
Jess and I trailed at the back and she mouthed “men” with a roll of her eyes.
I bit back my laughter.
My steps faltered a little when I saw Michael was now at Dahlia’s stall. He seemed to have ingratiated himself quickly with our group. It turned out that Michael and Cooper were becoming friends, running on the beach together in the mornings.
The image of another man jogging on the beach flickered at the edge of my memories, but like always, I pushed it out.
And it was like that mere flicker conjured him.
I’d been listening to my friends but also watching as Main Street got busier. As my eyes moved through the crowds, I spotted him.
Jack.
Waiting at a burger stand with a petite brunette.
I was hit with a wave of déjà vu.
And sadness.
And frustration.
Jack turned his head and met my gaze.
Longing slammed me deep in the gut.
Since the humiliating morning I’d offered myself to him on a platter and he’d refused, Jack had done as I’d asked and stayed far away.
I missed him. I didn’t even know why since we hadn’t spent that much time together over the years. However, the time we did spend was loaded with so much emotion and truth.