Page 90 of That Island Feeling

The resulting emotions were so overwhelming they made me want to flee, to catch the next river boat off the island.

But when Jack came to check on me on the couch, he was impossible to resist.

I have no idea what to do. Should I keep my distance to stop my feelings from deepening? Or do we explore the possibility of continuing things once I leave? What I know for certain is that I risk inevitable heartbreak when Jack discovers that real-world Andie isn’t the same as island Andie. I can’t be this carefree girl back at home.

I’m still lost in thought when I realise I’ve wandered into Clam Cove Resort’s guest area. Just as I’m about to turn around, the door to one of the rooms opens, and a tall silhouette emerges.

I gasp as the porch light flicks on. It’s Taylor.

Chapter Thirty-nine

JACK

Izzie climbs on the couch next to me – something I’ve never seen her do before. The couch was off limits when Clara was around; Izzie’s claws and the upholstery are not a good mix. But maybe she can tell that I need support.

I open my laptop. Izzie bops her head in time with the tapping keys, as if my fingers are drumming her own personal lizard trance music.

Okay. I take a deep breath.

Sender: Jack Cooper

Recipient: Alec Ogilvy

Subject: Re: Urgent: Clam Cove Resort Oyster Farm Manager

Hi Alec,

After careful consideration and reflection, I have decided to decline your offer to manage the new oyster farm at Clam Cove Resort.

As you’re aware, I do not believe that Pacific oysters are the right choice for Pearl’s delicate environment, so I am unable to support your venture.

Furthermore, I am writing to formally submit my resignation from my current position at Clam Cove Resort, effective two weeks from today’s date. I will also vacate the cabin by then.

Please let me know if there are any specific procedures or arrangements I need to follow in this regard.

Thank you for your understanding.

Regards,

Jack Cooper

I haven’t even told Andie about what’s been going on yet, but somehow, she’s still helped me make this decision. Because of her, I know that my zest for life didn’t perish with the oysters. I listened to the soul-bending thrum of my heart, just as I promised Mum I would.

Hopefully, Charlie will understand once I explain everything. While I may not be able to give the island its oysters back, I’m still committed to doing whatever I can to support him and all of the island’s residents.

I doubt I’ll ever fully shake off the guilt or the nagging ‘what ifs’, but I can try. Who knows what lies ahead for me; hopefully, it includes plenty of trips to Sydney. I’m not giving up on Pearl Island; I just can’t choose this.

Chapter Forty

ANDIE

Our eyes connect for a split second before I rush forward to give Taylor a hug.

‘What are you doing here!?’ I blurt into her shoulder.

‘Hi, Andie,’ Taylor says as we break apart. I can’t decipher her expression, but it seems like I’m more surprised to see her than she is me. ‘Have you been at Jack’s place?’

‘Ah, yes . . .’

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