Page 64 of One Happy Summer

I guess it’s a good thing it was leaked because had I not seen it, I would just be staying here living my best life, having no idea what was happening behind the scenes.

I didn’t anticipate how hard this might be, having to leave. Mostly because I didn’t see it coming. I mean, I knew it was going to happen eventually, but I really thought I was going to get the entire summer before I had to go back. That feels like a foolish thought now. I, of all people, should know well that things change all the time in this industry.

I think if there weren’t a Briggs on this island, if I hadn’t spent these past few weeks with him, getting to know him, falling hard for him, that I’d just pack up and go home, no problem. Iprobably wouldn’t have made it even a full week here if it weren’t for Briggs.

“I hope you can stay a few more days,” he says. “Just so we can get a few more fun things in. Our last hurrah.” He nudges me with his shoulder.

See? This is what I’m talking about. I have to leave soon. My time on this island is ending, and Briggs wants to keep it going as long as possible for me. To keep giving me this amazing summer that I’m so sad is ending.

“What will we do?” I ask him, feeling all kinds of gooey, happy feelings toward this man.

“I was thinking of borrowing the boat again and maybe going fishing tomorrow?”

“Really?” I turn my head up toward him. “I’ve never done that.”

Thinking of the boat conjures up thoughts of kissing Briggs for the first time. Well, not the first time, but the firstrealtime. Perhaps we can take a break from fishing to do more of that? Or not even bother fishing at all?

“I figured,” he says. “I’ll set it up. We could go in the afternoon after I get done working at the bookshop.”

I kiss him on the cheek before laying my head against his shoulder once more. “Sounds perfect.”

“And maybe if you want to go tubing again, we could make that happen.”

I shake my head back and forth against his shoulder. “I have a contract that will be in effect sooner than expected, so I’d better not.”

“I guess swimming with sharks is out then too?”

I snort laugh. “No way in hell am I doing that, Briggs Ernest Dalton.”

I look up, eyebrows raised, wondering if I got it this time.

“Sorry,” he says.

“You know what would cheer me up right now is you telling me your middle name.”

“How about I save it until right before you leave,” he says.

Right. I’m leaving. Good hell, maybe I should quit this job. I’m miserable right now.

I can’t quit, though. Not for a burgeoning relationship or whatever this is between Briggs and me. I love what I do, despite how much it takes over my life. Despite how little of a life it gives me. I will definitely be making some changes when these next contracts are completed.

“You know, you could come with me,” I say.

He cocks his head to the side. “Come with you where?”

“Back to my home, to LA?” It sounds ridiculous even as I say it, but if I could bring Briggs with me, I think I’d be less sad about leaving.

Do I even hear myself? Bring Briggs with me, like he’s some sort of souvenir.

“Never mind,” I say, feeling like an idiot. It would be nice if I could think before I speak. “I’m just being stupid.”

He gives me a sad smile. “I’d go with you,” he says. “But I just—” He pauses, exhaling through his nose. “I need to figure out what I’m doing with my own future, first.”

I nod. “Yeah. I get it.”

“I could . . . come visit, though? Maybe next month?”

“Really? Truly?” I say, looking up at him. “That would be so amazing.”

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