Page 4 of Riptide

“You’re a very unique man,” I say with a fondness that coats my words. The first day I moved in here, Eugene brought over a cup of sugar, and we’ve been friends ever since. It’s the most uncomplicated friendship I’ve ever had, and I’m grateful for him.

He lifts a shoulder and continues to stroke his cat on his lap. “You know, I almost moved to California once. It was before I met Greta, God rest her soul, I had everything lined up. A job, a place. Even had my bags packed. And then, one day, I just...didn’t go.”

I frown. “Why not?”

“Same reason you’re still here, I imagine.” He nods. “Comfort. Fear. A little bit of both. And two weeks later, I met Greta, and that was that.”

The kettle bubbles behind us, and I take a steadying breath before pouring the tea, mulling over his words. “I grew up in Northern California,” I say after a pause.

Eugene raises a bushy eyebrow. “Really? How did I not know that? You don’t strike me as a California guy.”

I huff a small laugh. I’m not sure what would identify me as a California native or not, and I don’t ask.

Eugene leans back. “So, what made you leave?”

I hesitate. “A lot of reasons. School. Love. But mainly for Ryan. We both wanted a fresh start, away from our hometown. Turns out, a fresh start isn’t always what you think it’ll be. Eventually, it isn’t so fresh, and it’s just as ordinary.” For example, it doesn’t automatically mean your husband and you will be together forever.

He hums thoughtfully. “Sometimes, we think leaving will fix everything. But some things follow you, no matter where you go. Or maybe you were meant to leave them behind, ever think of that?”

Silence fills the space between us, but it’s not uncomfortable. If anything, he’s given me something more to think about than my usual evening routine. Maybe I’ll leave work for tonight and watch TV…and even though that’s not the kind of risks Eugene would suggest, it’s not like I can just go to a bar now or pick up and travel the world. Right?… No, that’s ridiculous. It’s late. I glance at the clock that reads eight forty-five. Yeah, it’s not that late.

Letting his words settle more, I take another sip of tea. It’s not comfortable having a friend lay out some truths, but sometimes, we need it. Growth is meant to be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary, and even though I might not rush out tonight to seize the day, it’s given me food for thought.

Eugene clears his throat. “But hey, don’t listen to me. What do I know? I’ve only been alive long enough to see all my favorite restaurants shut down and watch my cat develop a more active social life than me.”

I snort, ignoring that pit in my stomach that won’t budge now. “I guess Poppy really gets around.”

“Oh, she does. She’s got connections. I think she’s part of an underground feline crime syndicate. I stay out of it.”

The idea of Poppy prancing around in a mafia pinstripe suit makes me full belly laugh, and Eugene grins too. My sides begin to hurt before I take a breath again.

Somewhere along the line, without me realizing, this old man became my closest friend. “If you really go full hog and say carpe diem, I might invite myself in here to a scandal. A half-naked man on your sofa, nowthatwould be living.”

I laugh, genuine and loud again, and it feels good.

“Just don’t wait too long, kid, because, suddenly, all you’re left with is waiting,” Eugene says before setting his empty teacup on the coffee table and shuffling toward the door, Poppy’s tail swishing from under his arm.

I exhale the remnants of the laughter still bubbling inside, but as I stare into the depths of my empty cup, I wonder if the answer might be at the bottom. I’ve got so much good in my life, I love my job, and who can honestly say that these days? This is also the first time in my life where I have full control over what my life looks like, and I thrive on that. There’s something wildly freeing about making choices just for me, without needing approval or permission. But I’d be lying if I said there aren’t days when I think too much and reflect on how my life has changed from being in a relationship to now being single. The most notable change is the quieter existence. I know I need more in my life than work; humans aren’t meant to be alone. But maybe a small part of me is still stuck and trying to find that balance of what the next part of my life could look like.

I get up and follow Eugene out as he pats my shoulder. “See you tomorrow, Foxx. Come on, Poppy, let’s go run the underworld.”

When I wander over to my now cold dinner and open laptop, I can’t help but wonder… Maybe, it’s time I stopped playing it so safe.

Chapter three

Finn

IadjustRosieinmy arms, bouncing her gently as she lets out a little whimper. “Come on, kid, don’t sell me out now. We crushed it today. Storytime, baby group, milk on the go, that rogue nap you took while I was mid diaper change—we were a team, Rosie girl.”

She blinks up at me, unimpressed. I sigh.

“Tough crowd.” I nudge her nose with mine, and that stops some of her noises. Those big blue eyes look up at me, all wonder and curiosity. “Don’t think I missed how you used those pretty eyes to get Baby Preston’s attention at group today. Bold move, considering he had a drool mustache.”

She perks up slightly as I talk to her, giving me a little half smile, just as Daphne and Hudson walk through the front door, both looking way too put together for people balancing school and a nearly five-month-old. I feel very disheveled after having Rosie for a full day like I do on Wednesdays. It’s their long day, and I hardly have a second to pee.

Hudson drops his duffel near the entryway, while Daphne immediately beelines for her, her hands outstretched.

“There’s my perfect little angel,” she coos, pressing a kiss to Rosie’s forehead. “Did you have a good time with Uncle Finn?”

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