Page 31 of Magic Potions and the Merman's Lure

I inwardly cringe at the question. Gods is he that desperate to avoid running into me? I want to either cry or bury my head somewhere in mortification, but I force a laugh and shake my head.

“Nah,” I quickly reply. “It’s too crowded. I’m looking forward to some alone time for some peace and quiet.” That at least is pretty close to the truth.

Something undecipherable crosses his face but I’m going to take it for relief because he suddenly nods his head and steps back. “You should do that. You work hard. I will let you get back to what you’re doing then.”

I nod, grateful for the opening to escape. “Enjoy the festival. It’s small but I like to think that it is a little something special for our little town.”

He glances back toward the dock again, his gaze lingering there a little longer and there is another painful pinch in my chest. Yeah, I was definitely interrupting something.

“Well, I will see you later,” I chirp as I shift the weight of the basket in my hand. “Have fun!”

With a cheerful little wave, I hurry away, my heart thumping with panic and misery. My steps slow when I am no longer within sight of the dock and I bite down on my lower lip to keep it from trembling. I refuse to look pathetic as I walk through town. I consider going back home but plod on. There’s no sense in wasting the nice weather and a picnic lunch.

I should think of this situation differently, anyway. It’s good that this has happened. I’m definitely getting in way too deep. This is exactly the wake-up call I need.

Forcing a smile to my lips that verges on uncomfortable, I make my way along the back streets that lead to my aunt Georgina’s beach house set back in its own little private cove. The upper part of the beach is mostly rough with large rocks, but the pristine sand sparkles just beyond that as the waves crest and roll forward to kiss the beach. I stop for only a moment to admire the view. Seagulls call to each other as they ride the air over the waves but is the only other sound outside of the crashing of waves breaking against land.

I wish Ro was there to share it with me.

I shake off the thought, my jaw tightening. Too deep. Way too deep. I need to quit thinking about him.

Rubbing a hand over the ache in my chest, I set off resolutely down the beach, kicking up a bit more sand than usual with my hurried steps. I pretend not to notice, however, as I scout out the most comfortable place to sit and spread a blanket over the sand. It only takes a moment to weigh down the corners before I’m finally able to drop onto it with a heavy sigh and set the basket beside me. I stare bleakly at the surf as the wind tugs at my hair.

The sound of the gulls keeps me company until some of them get adventurous enough to drop to the sand nearby, obviously drawn by the food with me.

A reluctant smile pulls at my lips as I watch them. “Looking for a free meal, are you?”

They squawk in what seems like agreement and I laugh. At least the scavengers are eager to spend time with me even if they only love me for my food. My smile wobbles, however, as I draw out one of the smoked salmon salad sandwiches. I take a bit and taste a hint of salt before I realize that tears are silently tracking down my cheeks as I eat my picnic alone.

Maybe I will just stay out here for a couple of days. Aunt Georgina always keeps it ready for any family members who want to use it and we all keep a change of clothes here. At least that way I won’t make a fool of myself and can lick my wounds in private without risking running into Ro.

Chapter 21

Ro

My hands curl into fists in frustration as I peer at the houses lining the beach. My tail propels me leisurely through the water as I bob along its surface. Although I had walked along the dock and the main street all day with the hope of running into Keri as she returned home, all of my efforts were met with failure. As much as it bothered me that I could not spend the day with my mate—and that she didn’t want to spend it with me—I didn’t start to worry until the sun began to creep toward the horizon and I had finally been unavoidably forced to the sea.

---