Page 66 of Diving In

As I dwelled on the thoughts, the feelings, the information, everything… It hit me like a train, a light bulb going off. I didn’t know how I hadn’t seen it before now.

The initials.

They’re Beau’s.

Looking down at the silver plate, the initials flashed into view, and I whispered, “Beau Windsor, BJW.”

I wasn’t sure what the Jstood for, but I would chance a guess that it was for Jack.

Everything shifted to a blur.

Thankfully I was already sitting, because I was sure that if I hadn’t been, I would’ve collapsed. It was all toomuch—too much pain, too much realization, and frankly, too much guilt. The worst part was that I hadn’t been able to put it all together before right now. It was right in front of me, basically screaming in my face this entire time, and I’d been so eager to brush everything off that I hadn’t paid enough attention.

I collected my belongings and started for the exit.

I couldn’t leave.

I needed this island.

CHAPTER 25

Istopped just before the door and turned back to scan the airport for Ian. I felt anxious leaving things this way, but it was what it was. I pulled out my phone to send a quick text to Ian and request an Uber back to Sullivan’s Island.

Me:

I won’t be on the flight back to New York. I didn’t want you waiting for me, not that I expected you to. I’m sorry things ended the way they did, but this is for the best.

I swiped out of my text messages and was searching for my Uber app when Ian’s name appeared at the top of the screen.

Ian:

I said some things I regret, and I’m sorry for that. It’s clear now how connected to Sullivan’s Island you really are. You might not have stayed on the island, but it appears you never really left it either. Goodbye, G.

I read his text twice before placing my phone back into my bag and dragging my luggage behind me as I moved toward the exit. Walking out of the airport, I felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off my chest. The rush of anxiousness had subsided enough for me to take in the hot summer heat that greeted me as soon as I stepped outside.

I allowed a small smile to take shape and decorate my face as Cal’s words echoed between my ears. “Georgia James, sometimes the scariest moments lead us to some of the most exciting ones.”

Realizing I’d forgotten to actually order the Uber, I reached for my phone and typed in my destination.Never in a million years did I think I would be leaving the airport andchoosingto go back to the island, but look at me being all unpredictable and shit.

A ping vibrated my phone again, letting me know to watch for a black Ford Escape. Less than five minutes later, I was opening the door, peeking my head in to confirm this was my ride.

“For Georgia?” I asked.

“A little déjà vu?” He turned to look at me and I realized it was the driver from my first trip to the island.

“What a small world.” I chuckled as I threw my suitcase in the backseat before hopping in.

“That’s how things work around here.” He smiled brightly. “Excuse me for being nosy but I have to ask…” He paused for a moment. “You were on your way to the island the last time I saw you, and that was only a few days ago? I hope you don’t mind me saying, but you look… happier somehow, lighter.”

I grinned, glad that I was allowing myself to feel happy in this moment.Truly happy.

“I’ve spent fourteen years avoiding Sullivan’s Island at all costs. Honestly, I never would’ve come back had my dad not passed away. This island held so many raw memories that I once thought would destroy me if I ever had to revisit them again.” I looked at him for approval to continue and was relieved when he gave me an encouraging smile and a small head nod.

“Much to my surprise, coming back to this island has not only brought me so much closure, but it’s returned pieces to me that have been absent for far too long. In a way, it’s healed me. Somehow restoring me to my truest self.”

I was proud of myself as I let these feelings spill out. Proud of myself for facing the things that once terrified me. Proud of myself for not letting things that once scared me control my life. But most importantly, I was proud of myself for living without a plan for the first time in my entire life.

“Well, little lady,” the driver started, “it looks like things are looking up. Sullivan’s Island has a way of doing that.”

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