Page 105 of Return to Us
“Because happiness fades and reality sucks.”
Delia nods. “True, but you could be in love with a guy who doesn’t care about you. That would really be shitty, huh?”
“Deals,” I say reaching out for her, but she waves her hand dismissively.
“Don’t. It’s fine. I’m the idiot.”
Before we can say more, Stella walks over. “Hey! I didn’t know you guys were here. I thought you would be resting after three days at the beach house.”
It’s crazy how invested these people are in my love life. “There’s no need to rest, we really took it easy.”
Delia snorts. “I’m sure you did.”
“What are you doing here?” I ask Stella.
Stella pulls a chair out to sit. “Where else do you think I can shop? It’s not like we have stores worth a damn in Willow Creek.”
“True. Story.” Delia nods while eating another fry.
“So, I’m here with a new handbag and a lifelong desire to move. Anyway, how did your trip go? Did you and Grayson talk and decide what’s going on with you guys?”
“Yes, we talked, and . . . I think we’re going to tell Amelia next week.”
She smiles brightly. “She’s going to be so happy.”
“You think?”
Stella’s hand grips mine. “I do. She really likes you. She said you’re her favorite of Grayson’s friends and hopes you live with her. I’d say that’s a good sign.”
Amelia has become incredibly important to me. During our trip to the beach, we laughed, played games, and she cemented herself in my heart. As much as I despise the decision her biological mother made, a part of me is grateful because I’m able to spend this time with her.
“Hopefully, she takes the news that we’re not just friends well.”
“I’m assuming this means the two of you have really solidified your relationship then?”
“Yes,” I tell her with a smile. “We have.”
“That’s wonderful. I always loved you with Grayson. He hasn’t been this happy since, well, since before you left.”
I squeeze her hand and then release it. “Thank you.”
“Now, whatever bullshit you hear from others, dismiss it. What matters is you and Grayson and Amelia. That’s it.”
I don’t need to be a genius to know who she’s talking about. Grayson and I haven’t discussed his parents in a few weeks. There’s really nothing that either of us can say to make that front any better. The only other thing I need to decide on is my career.
While I enjoy working at the inn, it’s not what I want to do.
I miss flying. I miss having a job that I love and looked forward to. Even though I was in a horrific crash, there is something about being in the air that I love. I’m not afraid of falling, I’m afraid of being told that I can’t go where I want. Working at the Park Inn is a placeholder job, and I need a permanent job that fulfills me the way my last job did if I’m going to stay here.
“No matter what, since I’m staying, I don’t know that I’ll continue working for you guys,” I tell Stella.
She grabs one of Delia’s fries. “Okay . . .”
“I think it would be better for me to find my own thing and not have it tied in any way to your parents.”
Delia laughs once. “What, are you going to work at the factory with me?”
“No, I don’t know what I’ll do, but there has to be something.”
