Page 57 of Diving In

With the help from the Uber driver, I loaded my suitcase and plopped into the backseat.

“Where to?” he asked in a friendly tone.

“The Rogue Shallot,” I quickly responded.

“Oh, you’ll love that place! It’s a fairly new restaurant. Matthew, the owner, is a great guy. The food is absolutely incredible.” He beamed with excitement.

That was one thing I actually did love about this island, the way that everyone supported everyone. It was truly the closest community I had ever been a part of.

“We’re so excited. I’ve heard great things,” I said, making small talk.

I wasn’t really in the mood to chat, but I couldn’t take it out on the sweet Uber driver. Fortunately, the drive was short, and we were pulling up to the restaurant in no time. As he parked, I glanced across the street to see what used to be The Scoop. The letters were hanging on by a thread, screaming at me to help them.

It was only 1:00, but the entire town was lively. All the streets were painted with twinkle lights, American flags covered the streetlights, and the buzzing from all the people decorated the entire town. It was something out of a movie.

Walking up to The Rogue Shallot, I examined the few people walking in before us and was reassured that I wouldn’t be underdressed here.

“Thanks,” I acknowledged as Ian held the door open for me, hiding my surprise at his chivalry. Although, it was short-lived when I watched him let the door close on the elderly couple walking in behind us.

I’d been trying my best not to judge Ian’s actions, but despite my best efforts to convince myself otherwise, I couldn’t seem to stop nitpicking every single thing he was doing. Or more importantly, every single thing hewasn’tdoing. While Cal had been a poster child for small and sweet gestures, Ian couldn’t muster up basic manners even when trying to win me over.

As we walked in, the restaurant was exactly how I’d imagined it—quaint and quiet. Everything was wooden and nautical, in a tasteful way. The walls were lined with vintage boat steering wheels, nets, anchors, and picture frames that were filled with memories and clearly some damn good stories.

“Hi! How many?” the host asked.

“There’s two of us,” Ian responded.

“Well, isn’t it your lucky day! We just had a reservation cancel, leaving a table in the back with a beautiful view of the ocean.”

“That’s great,” I chimed in.

Looking down, I couldn’t help but admire the floor as we followed the host. It was made of old wooden planks that had been stained to look worn. I couldn’t get over the décor, it was impeccable.

“Here you go,” the host said with a smile as he set the menus on the table and marched back to the front of the restaurant.

“Wow, this really is beautiful,” Ian commented as he peered outside.

We were inside but perched right next to an open window, making it feel like we were essentially sitting on the water. The afternoon sea breeze floated through the window and nestled right up next to us. Between the air inside the restaurant and the warmth of the gentle wind waltzing in, the two blended together, making the temperature just right.

And even though everything should feel perfect right here in this moment, the only thing I felt was lost.

CHAPTER 22

“Earth to Georgia.”

I glanced back at the table and saw Ian trying to get my attention, gesturing to the waitress standing at our table.

“I’m fine with water, thanks,” I said.

“Perfect. Are you two ready to order or do you need a minute?”

“I think we still need a couple minutes,” Ian said, opening his menu.

“No problem,” she said as she walked away.

Ian unwrapped his silverware and placed his napkin on his lap. “How are you? Did you get everything buttoned up here?” he asked while staring intently. “You seem a little distant.”

“Obviously I’m distant, Ian. We broke up, I told you not to come here, and yet you did anyway. Honestly, I’m just not much in the mood to chat.”

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