Page 67 of Diving In

“Doing what?” I asked.

“Making people realize what’s important.” He beamed. “So, where we headed?”

From the moment I had made the decision to go back to the island, I knew exactly where I was headed first. “Sand Dollar Cove Marina.”

I rolled the window down and the breeze danced through the car, wrapping me in its warm embrace. The smell of salt flooded my nose as we crossed over the bridge and made our way back onto the island.

Excitement came knocking with the salty scent because for the first time, I didn’t know what lay ahead of me. Instead of worrying, I grasped on to the magic of the unknown and let it run wild inside me, finally giving myself permission tojust be.

I smiled when I realized I’d been clutching onto Cal’s bracelet since I first discovered it at the airport. I slid the bracelet over my hand and tightened it until it fit my wrist perfectly, then I ran my hands over the cold silver plate a few times.

The Uber turned onto Blue Fin Boulevard. This time though, instead of letting the unbearable things drown me, I let the memories rummage freely through my thoughts. I allowed them to take up space, and what I felt wasn’t anxiety at all. It was relief.

The closer we got, the more I could feel my confidence withering. There were only a few minutes left in the drive, and as free and happy as I’d just felt, my nerves were building as the marina made its way into view.

“Here you are, little lady. The Sand Dollar Cove Marina.” The driver smirked before helping me with my bags as I exited the car.

“Thank you so much,” I told him.

“See you around!” He chuckled as he climbed back into his car.

Stepping out of the car, I reached for my phone. I didn’t have time to tell Ivy everything, but I at least wanted to let her know I wouldn’t be in New York tonight after all.

Me:

Hey, Ives. Change of plans. I won’t be in New York tonight. I’m staying on the island a little longer. I’ll fill you in when I have a second to catch my breath. I love you.

I clicked my phone off only for it to start buzzing in my hand.

“Hi. I love you, and you know that I normally give you the space that you need, but I’m also your best friend. It’s my job to make sure that you haven’t been kidnapped, because after that text, I couldn’t be too sure.” Her words came at me rapid-fire.

“It’s me, Ives. I’m good,” I answered. “Actually, I’m better than I’ve been in a long time. I really can’t wait to fill you in, but I have something I need to do right now.”

“Okay, G. I hear you. But at least tell me how long you plan on staying?”

I exhaled deeply, preparing to tell her what I had hardly even admitted to myself yet. “I don’t have a ticket to go back.”

“Oh, holy shit. So… your a little longer could actually be a lot longer.”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t know what happened on that island, but what I do know is that I’m so fucking proud of you. Breaking up with Ian and facing your fears all within three days… Look at you fucking go. I can’t wait to hear all about it. I love you so much, G.”

“I love you too, Ivy. Thanks for always being my person.”

“Always,” she responded, ending the call.

I popped into the marina convenience store to throw on my swimsuit that, thankfully, had been easily accessible in my carry-on, doing my best to ignore the intrusive thoughts that had begun to swim around my brain. Within minutes, I had changed and was walking toward the water, trying not to overthink it. My feet stopped just short of the dock, taking in the hundreds of boats lining the marina and the water stretching as far as my eyes could reach.

I drank in one deep inhale before placing one foot in front of the other. As soon as I stepped foot on the dock, it wobbled beneath my weight. Although I had walked this dock a million times before, I proceeded with caution, this time feeling different.Slowly but surely, with every intrusive thought tagging along for the ride, I made my way to the slip.

My eyes darted down the long path to the last slip on the left. My stomach sank the moment I finally caught a glimpse of the familiar bow. The reality staring back at me was a lot to take in. I’d hoped she would be here, but I’d also feared it.

The Naomistared back at me, just how I remembered her. Strong and beautiful just like the woman she was named after—my mother.

The Naomiwas a 30-foot, center-console boat. She was Jack’s prized possession. Her exterior was the most perfect shade of light blue, always complementing the water as she glided across it. Her interior was decorated with white leather seats that somehow maintained their pristine condition even after all this time, somehow surviving my and Fletcher’s younger years.

To my surprise, the boat was uncovered, almost as if it had been driven recently. I took one massive step up and climbed into the boat, running my hands across the leather seats as I made my way to the captain’s seat. I hadn’t driven a boat since my last trip to the coast with Ian, but it was something that I’d never forget, no matter the amount of time that had passed.

---