Page 85 of It Started at the Lake

“Open it and see.”

Evie leaves in a hurry. Turning the envelope over, I pull out a folded piece of paper.

Dearest Camille,

Please let me apologize again for what I said yesterday. I know I hurt you and for that, I’ll never forgive myself. My words came out wrong. What I meant was the way you kissed me is how I like it, not that you knew that was how I like it.

I promise with every fiber of my being, you were the only person on my mind. I don’t know what else to say or do to prove that to you. But I am leaving Stokesley for a bit to give you the time and space you need.

You are my sunshine, Mils. The one I want to do dishes for, create a home with, and kiss for the rest of our lives. YOU are the one I think about every minute of every day. Your smile is my kryptonite.

I hope we can talk when I get back. In the meantime, enjoy your surprise.

With all my love,

Bennett

With all his love? He loves me?

Do I love him?

Like him for sure. Am attracted to him and can’t wait to be around him every day, but love?

Setting my current sadness and hurt aside, I recall every moment I was with Bennett this summer. Warmth, like when Bennett hugs me, envelops me, filling my heart.

I do love him.

I hold his letter to my chest. Tears pool in my eyes. A huge part of me wants to forgive him. But the hurt part, the part that’s been ripped to shreds more often than not, is begging for protection. Space apart will do us—me—good.

Tucking his letter in between the pages of my journal, I head to the bathroom and get ready for a day on the lake.

Without Bennett.

I don’t like it.

“You’re a natural, Mils,” Emerson says when I help tie up the boat to the dock. “You should teach lessons.”

I shake my head. “Stop lying, Em. You’re just being nice to me because you know I’m sad.”

He fakes being offended by scoffing and dramatically placing a hand over his heart. “I am not. You’re a natural at skiing and wakeboarding. Your balance is uncanny.”

“It’s called core strength.” I’d tell him to gain some himself, but he’s as ripped as Bennett. Each muscle pops out like he took a chisel and sculpted his abs by hand.

“It’s you.”

“We agree,” Cam and Henry say, hopping out of the boat onto the dock. “We all fell about a million times before we learned to stay upright.”

Their compliments are too much. “Alright, jeez. I get it, thank you.”

“Anyone want to go out tonight?” Emerson asks as we walk toward the main house, our towels and water bottles in hand.

“I’m beat,” I say. “I think I’ll get some work done and watch TV.”

“I’m staying with Millie,” Evie says, smiling at me.

“You don’t have to. Call Eric and enjoy a night out.”

She shakes her head. “He went back to Boston for the weekend for a team meeting or party. I don’t remember what he said. But I’m all yours.”

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