Page 19 of The Summer that Changed Everything

“Never mind,” she said, probably realizing that she could hardly be objective. “We’re just lucky he said what he did—whether it was true or not.”

The waiter brought Ford’s drink, which must’ve caused the Clarks to look up and recognize him, because Nelson got up and walked over. “Ford!”

Ford tried to act surprised, as if he hadn’t known they werethere. He didn’t want them to know he’d been listening to them argue. “Hey, Nelson. How are you?”

“I’m fine. I didn’t realize you were back.”

“Just got into town a few days ago.”

“It’s been a long time since you were here last.”

“Years,” Ford agreed. “I’ve missed the place.”

“You might not be so happy to be here when you learn that Lucy McBride is also in town.”

Ford thought about all the work he’d put into making the yard at the cottage beautiful for Lucy but didn’t want anyone to know about that. “I’m aware. Word’s been going around.”

Patti came over, too, causing Ford to shift uncomfortably. He preferred not to have a conversation with the Clarks, especially about Lucy. “Do you knowwhyshe’s back?” Patti asked, following up on what Nelson had just said without so much as a greeting.

“I have no idea,” Ford replied. Except what he’d just overheard, of course. That was the first clue he’d been given as to why Lucy would return to North Hampton Beach, and he was as surprised by it as they were. What made her think her father hadn’t killed Aurora?

Patti’s eyebrows slid up as if she didn’t quite believe him. “It’s just a coincidence that you’re both here together?”

Reminding himself that the pain of losing a child never went away, Ford tempered the irritation that threatened to enter his voice. “That’s exactly what it is,” he said. “I haven’t spoken to her since she left here fifteen years ago. To be honest, I can’t believe she’d ever want to return. This place has to harbor some terrible memories.”

The waitress approached, probably wondering if the Clarks were planning to move tables. Ford wished they’d go back and order their dinner, but they didn’t. Patti said they weren’t ready quite yet, and the girl retreated with a promise to return in a few minutes.

“You seem pretty sympathetic when it comes to Lucy,” Patti said when the waitress was gone.

“I guess I am,” he admitted. “After all, she was hurt by what her father did, too.”

“Are you sure she didn’t ask for it?” Nelson challenged. “She might be the one who got Aurora killed.”

It would’ve been easy to let them think whatever they wanted to. He had enough fires burning in his life; he’d be a fool to start another one, especially here, where he was hoping to heal.

But he’d let Lucy down fifteen years ago. Now that he was no longer so easily influenced by the thoughts and feelings of those around him—including his parents, who’d figured prominently in his decision-making back then—he was going to handle things differently, act according to his own conscience, regardless of the consequences. “I don’t think she had anything to do with Aurora’s death,” he stated firmly.

Patti gaped at him. “Because you don’t want to feel partially responsible?”

He felt his muscles tighten. These people were suffering, but they were trying to place blame where it didn’t belong. At what point didLucy’sfeelings and well-being matter? Why wasn’t she as important as everyone else—including their precious Aurora? “I’m sorry about your daughter. But you should know that I wasn’t seeing her. I was seeing Lucy.”

“What does that mean? You were stringing them both along?” Patti said. “I certainly hope not, because that would make Aurora’s death as much your fault as it was hers!”

“Patti...” Nelson’s tone served as a rebuke, but Patti didn’t apologize.

Ford stood so that they could all be at eye level. “Look, I don’t want to be a callous jerk. But I also don’t want to see Lucy treated the way she was treated last time—as if she was as responsible for what happened here as her father. So it’s important that you understand the way things really were. I wasn’t conflicted about who I wanted. Lucy and I were excited abouteach other. We were having fun, oblivious to everything and everyone else. She would’ve had no reason to complain to her father about Aurora, because I gave her no reason to believe I was going to break up with her.”

Patti’s eyes flared wide. “You’re talking as though you and Lucy were exclusive, as if... as if you weren’t seeing my daughter, too. But she talked about you all the time. Told me... lots of things. So I know better.”

He shook his head. “I can’t imagine what she told you. She came over several times, but it wasn’t at my invitation and... and nothing happened. I didn’t even kiss her.”

“What are you trying to say?” Patti asked.

Ford winced. “I’m saying she would call me and text me and show up at the house unexpectedly, but...”

“You didn’t want her to,” Nelson filled in.

Considering the situation, Ford hated being so brutally honest, but he also felt it was about time. Although he’d said basically the same things before, he hadn’t been nearly vocal enough, and because he’d been so young at the time, his parents and others had cast his assertions and opinions aside. Nodding to affirm Nelson’s statement, he said, “It put me in an awkward position because I already had a girlfriend.”

---