Page 44 of Chasing Sunsets

Sadie faced her. “I want to make sure you’re okay with an appointment today. I know Brett wants it. What about you? I won’t allow you to feel coerced into doing anything.”

“I like the idea it will be over the phone.”

“Dr. Blankenship says patients can usually open up better that way.” Sadie patted Kelly’s shoulder. “And I meant what I said. None of this is your fault.”

“It feels like my fault.”

“It’s not. And thinking that way will only delay your progress.”

~

Zack towel dried hishair as he heard the suite door open and close.

“Hey, Zack. You hungry?” Brett called.

He walked around his bed and into the living area. “Yeah. I’m waiting for my wife to call. She’s supposed to let me know when she’s ready for breakfast.”

“She’s ready, I came from her room. Well, her and Kelly’s room. I’m sure you heard the knock earlier.”

“The one that woke me?” He rarely slept in, but with a day off, he knew his body needed it.

“Sorry. Kelly came and wanted me to join her to talk to Sadie.”

While Brett hadn’t told him about their problems, he did confide he thought Sadie might be able to help. “So she went to Sadie as you hoped?”

“Yes, and Sadie arranged a meeting with a doctor on the phone later today. She suggested we have brunch together. I’m sure she’s trying to distract us until two.”

“I wish you luck, man.”

“We’re going to need it. We have a lot to work through.”

Zack sympathized. He and Sadie had their own mountain to climb. He knew she still loved him, and he would always love her.

Nevertheless, some things couldn’t be forgotten—or forgiven.

~

After brunch, Kellyand Brett headed to the hotel, both clearly excited. Sadie hoped their appointment went well. The cloudless sky caused waves of heat to radiate around them as she and Zack strolled along a bare stretch of the Riverwalk that had no trees. By her side, he walked closest to the water, and asked, “What are your plans now?”

“I’m going to stop at that little jewelry shop I like. Then I’m meeting Rhianna.” Sadie had explained about Doreen wanting to be a barber and talked him and Brett into volunteering to let Doreen cut their hair. “I’m not sure what all Rhianna will bring, but can you meet us at four in the lobby?”

“Sure.” He hesitated before he asked, “After Doreen cuts my hair would you like to go to dinner with me?”

He seemed nervous about asking her, which she loved and hated at the same time. Loved, because he sounded a lot like the first time he’d asked her out. Hated, because of the awkwardness of their relationship now. She tried to sound playful, something she hadn’t done in forever. “What are you offering?”

“Well, since we ate Mexican for brunch, I’m thinking seafood or steak.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Dessert?”

“Lady’s choice.” He murmured his next sentence like it was a secret. “We both know you want to go to whatever they’re now calling that little ice cream parlor.” The name of the place and owner had changed over the years, yet she always made it a point to visit once a day while they were on vacation.

“Just making sure I didn’t need to go there now.”

“Zack!” a female yelled from behind them.

Sadie and Zack turned.

Tamara rushed toward them, stopped in front of him, and poked him in the chest with her index finger. “Do you know what the hell you’ve done?”

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