“It’s called ‘Scandals of Sunrise,’ Chip. Anyway, listeners out there, if you catch sight of Lucy, maybe tell her a story to help her remember how loved she was in Sunrise Bay. After all, Adam might not realize it now, but he’d love it if she stuck around. That’s it for me. Chip, what’s the fishing weather gonna be like the next few days?”
Annoyed, I park my truck, grab my phone, and walk into the square. Two Brothers and an Egg is packed, but Alicia texted that she already had a table in the back. All eyes follow me as I make my way into the restaurant. Tad, one of the owners, pats me on the back on the way back to the table.
“You had the station on?” I ask.
“Sorry you’re the topic, but we always listen in the morning. Go have a seat next to your looker.” He laughs.
I ignore the stares from a table full of moms who are my parents’ age. Thanks a lot, Nikki.
I sit down across from Alicia, but her head is buried in her phone as though she doesn’t know I’ve arrived.
“Hey,” I say.
“Oh. Hey.” She tucks her phone into her purse.
“You heard?”
She nods, wetness pooling in her eyes. Hell. I came here to end this between us amicably. Or at the very least put us on hold until I get things settled with Lucy.
“How is she?” she asks.
I open my mouth, but thankfully Tad arrives with his pad of paper and pen poised. I’m starving.
I nod for Alicia to go first and she says, “Just a muffin.”
“Brad did something magical in there this morning,” Tad says.
“What exactly are you talking about?” I ask him.
“Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s a streusel, cinnamon concoction you’re going to love.” He winks at Alicia.
“Great.” She smiles.
“I’ll have—”
He jots down an order for me without me saying anything. “I’ve got it.”
“But I want—”
He points at the sign that says no arguing with the manager. I shake my head and he leaves.
“He’s funny,” Alicia says.
I met her in Anchorage at some speed dating thing I did once I finally realized I had to get back out there but didn’t want it up for public consumption in this town. I purposely only dated her in Anchorage and thankfully we never ran into anyone. Once I knew maybe there was something between us, we had some dates here in Sunrise Bay, but it hasn’t been that long. And I’m thinking I should’ve waited longer because she shouldn’t have to endure what she is right now.
“He and his brother are twins. Tad and Brad. They’ve lived here their entire lives. Own this place.” I lean forward and lower my voice. “I’m sorry about my sister’s report. I’m going to tell you everything.”
She holds up her hand to stop me before I can say anything else. “Can I ask you a question?”
I lean back in my chair. “Sure.”
“Do you still love her? And I don’t mean like you care for her. I’m sure when you’ve been with someone as long as you were, you’re probably going to care on some level.”
Has she been checking up on Lucy and me? Because I never told Alicia anything about us or how long we’d been together.
She must see something in my face because she sighs. “It isn’t hard to find information on Adam Greene and Lucy Davis from Sunrise Bay with the Internet. Your wedding announcement is online and pretty much gave me all the information I needed.”
I nod.