Page 61 of Come to Me

The words hung in the air, a subtle implication that this was not goodbye. She was telling him that he had a place here, with her. God how he wanted that.

Guilt gnawed at him as he kissed her and headed to his cabin to pack. He knew but was too cowardly to say that once he left, he’d never be back.

CHAPTER 18

Micki watched as Patrick's rental car disappeared down the winding road, the dust from its tires settling back onto the gravel. Her heart sank as the back lights of the vehicle grew smaller until they disappeared altogether. Their goodbye wasn’t a passion fueled kiss. There were no tender words. She pretended it wasn’t goodbye at all. That he’d return to finish his stay. But she knew the moment he’d headed for his cabin that she wouldn’t see him again.

A part of her felt she should have at least told him how much she cared for him, but what would be the point except to cause her more pain either because he didn’t return the sentiment or because he did.

The quiet that followed his departure felt deafening. Micki had grown so accustomed to his presence, his reserved demeanor slowly giving way to a playful side she found utterly endearing. She had anticipated more moments like that, more opportunities to peel back the layers and truly get to know him before he left.

A pang of loneliness crept up on her, the weight of the resort's financial troubles suddenly feeling heavier without his steadying influence. Yet, Micki knew she had to remain strong, independent as always. Much like Patrick felt a duty to his family, she felt the same about the resort. It was her family's legacy, her responsibility. She couldn't allow herself to be consumed by the sadness of Patrick's departure.

Plastering a smile on her face, she returned to the remaining guest. Most had left after the fireworks, but most of the cabins were full, and she needed to make sure everyone was settled. Plus, she needed to start the clean-up from the activities of the day.

“Did Dr. Andres leave?” her mother asked as Micki stacked empty used Solo cups on the table.

“Yes.” Micki willed her tears to stay at bay.

“Is something wrong?”

“His father is in the hospital.” Micki moved on to the deck railing where more cups were discarded.

“Will he be back.”

“I don’t think so.” Micki tossed the cups in the recycle bag. “I’m going to clean up around the beach.”

“It’s nearly ten at night. That can?—”

“We don’t want our guest so wake up to a mess.” She didn’t wait for her mother to respond. She hurried down the stairs and gathered all the cups, putting other trash in a second bag.

“Can we help?” Sydney and Mitch strolled along the beach, Brian fast asleep on Mitch’s shoulder.

“No. You enjoy the night. Is your cabin alright?”

“Yes, it’s lovely as usual. I went to check on Patrick, but he didn’t answer?—”

“He left.” Micki scanned the area looking for more trash, so she didn’t have to look at Sydney.

“What? Where?”

“He got a call from his mom. His dad is in the hospital.”

“Oh no.” Sydney’s brows drew together in concern. Micki was sure it was for Patrick’s father, but a part of her felt like it was toward her as well. Did she know about her and Patrick? “I’m sure he’ll be back.”

Micki knew he wouldn’t. “We’ll see. I need to deal with this.” She held the trash bags up.

“Yes. Of course.”

Micki busied herself with the event clean up and then went to her room. Only then did she cry.

The next morning, Micki was doing last minute clean up around the lake when Tate came running out.

“Where’s Dr. Patrick? I wanted to show him…I lost a tooth.”

Micki closed her eyes, willing for strength. Then she knelt in front of Tate. “He had to go home.”

Tate’s brows drew together. “Where’s that?”

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