Page 113 of Beach Vibes

“I’ve lost Jana and Teddy.”

“You can’t know that, my dear. As I said before, everyone needs a little time.”

She shook her head. “It’s not going to be that simple. If I’d just found out about his cheating, it might be okay, but I’veknown for a while. I kept it from my friend and I kept it from her brother. I wouldn’t forgive me.”

Hopelessness gripped her, squeezing her chest so tight, she couldn’t catch her breath.

“I finally found exactly who I was meant to be with, and now I’ve lost him.”

Agatha hugged her tight. “He might not be as lost as you think.”

Beth didn’t answer because there was no point. Agatha was hoping for the best while she knew better. She knew that Teddy might have overlooked a lot, but hurting Jana was going too far. He would risk himself but not those he loved. Not for anyone.

* * *

Jana spent the morning arguing with a health insurance company on behalf of a patient. Sixty-two minutes into the call, the representative put through the authorization required for the procedure. Jana thanked her, hung up and walked to the break room to get more coffee. She hadn’t slept in two nights. Exhaustion made it feel as if she were trying to walk through thick water. Her mind was cloudy, her body ached and her heart—her poor, broken heart—seemed to stumble through every beat.

She knew she had to pull herself together. Whatever was or wasn’t happening in her personal life, she had finals, and there was no way she was going to risk her GPA over some asshole. Rick wasn’t worth it.

She rode her righteous indignation through the next hour of work, but as she processed claims, she found herself thinking less about the man and more about his sister.

In some ways she missed Beth so much more. As Jana worked through the stages of grief, she wanted a friend to talk to. Someone who understood the complexities of the relationship and could possibly explain Rick’s actions. Only talking to Beth wasn’t an option because Beth had known what Rick had been doing and hadn’t said anything.

In her moments of strength, she understood. Jana would have stood by Teddy, no matter how wrong he’d been, and Beth had stood by her brother. In her weak moments, she wondered if any part of her relationships with the Nield family had been real. Had they both been playing some sick game? Had she even been a person to them?

She thought about how Beth had come to the house and hung out with Teddy and the kids, knowing Rick had cheated. Maybe he really had said it was over and maybe she’d believed him, but Beth had let her go away with him, all the while knowing about the other woman.

She was embarrassed and ashamed and angry and all kinds of other emotions she couldn’t name. She felt lost and broken and used, and mostly she missed her friend.

She added creamer to her coffee, thought briefly about the box of doughnuts on the counter but decided she didn’t need the inevitable blood sugar crash that was to follow, then returned to her office.

She was about to get into it with yet another insurance company when Rick strolled into her office.

“Morning,” he said casually and leaned against the doorframe.

She stared at him in disbelief. How did he have the balls to show up like nothing had happened?

“No,” she said firmly, coming to her feet. “Just no.”

His expression immediately turned sheepish and contrite. “You’re mad. I get that.”

“How comforting.”

“Jana, don’t. I’m sorry. It’s not what you think.” He took a step toward her, then stopped. “I miss you so much.”

“How would you have the time?” she asked sharply. “Or is Galaxy out of town, so you’re lonely?”

“I deserve that,” he told her. “And I’m sorry.”

“About?”

He stared at her blankly.

“For what are you apologizing?” she asked, grateful for the anger burning hot and bright. It would give her strength and clarity.

“I hurt you. I would never do that on purpose. If you’ll let me explain, I can—”

“No,” she said again. “There’s no explanation. You’re dating someone else. From what I heard, it’s pretty serious. It’s been going on for months. At the same time you were going out with me, telling me how magical it all was and how much you cared. Everything you said is a lie. You’re not at all the person you pretended to be. You’re not unsure and awkward. This is some kind of sick game you play. I don’t get why you feel the act is necessary, but that doesn’t matter. I’m not going to be a part of it anymore.”

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