Page 75 of Not Another Beach Read
As I put my phone away, I felt a familiar rush of adrenaline. One last case, I promised myself. After this, I'd hang up my amateur detective hat for good and focus on being the best wife to Drew and the best mom to Holly that I could possibly be.
Speaking of Drew...
I needed to plan our date night. I pulled out my phone again and made a reservation at our favorite seafood place on the beach. Seven o'clock, perfect timing. We could be home by eight-thirty, and I could tell Drew I wanted to take a walk alone on the beach. It wouldn't be out of the ordinary, and the office park was only a five-minute drive from there. I could be there by eight forty-five, get what I needed, and be home before Drew even thought to worry.
What could possibly go wrong?
Dinner with Drew was perfect,as always, and the conversation flowed easily between us. I almost forgot aboutmy plans for after dinner as we shared coconut shrimp and swapped stories about our time apart.
"Holly's really doing well at the bakery," I told him as we lingered over dessert. "Jenna says she's a natural."
"That's great," Drew said, reaching across the table to take my hand. "And how are things with you? Anything exciting happen while I was gone?"
I hesitated for just a moment. "Holly asked if we're really going to adopt her."
Drew's eyes widened. "What did you tell her?"
"That we've been thinking about it, but didn't want to push her before she was ready." I squeezed his hand. "She seemed... hopeful."
A smile spread across Drew's face, the kind that made his eyes crinkle at the corners. "I think that's a sign, Elyse. Maybe it's time to talk to a lawyer about making it official."
My heart swelled. "I think so too."
"Let's talk to her together tonight," he suggested. "See where her head's at."
I nodded, suddenly feeling guilty about what I was planning to do next. This was what mattered: Drew, Holly, our family. Not playing detective for strangers.
But I'd made a promise to that woman. One last case, and then I'd be done for good.
I glanced at my watch. It was too late for my original plan. "How about a walk on the beach before we head home?" I suggested, trying to keep my voice casual. "It's such a beautiful night."
Drew slid his phone out of his pocket and looked at the time. "Sure, we've got time. Let me just get the check."
Twenty minutes later, we were strolling along the shoreline, our shoes in hand as the waves lapped at our ankles. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges andpinks. Drew had his arm around my shoulder, and I leaned into him, savoring the moment.
"I missed you," he murmured into my hair.
"I missed you too," I replied, and I meant it. The guilt was really starting to eat at me now.
We walked for about fifteen minutes before I made my move. "I think I left my phone in the car," I said, patting my pockets for effect. "Would you mind if we head back to the car?”
Drew looked a little disappointed but nodded. "Sure, no problem."
As we approached the parking lot, I let loose an Oscar-worthy yawn. "Actually, would you mind if we just went home? I'm feeling a bit of a crash coming on from all that sugar."
"Okay," Drew said, looking slightly puzzled. "Do you want to grab a cup of coffee on the way?”
“I’d rather head home,” I said quickly. "It’s been a long day and I’d rather be home.” I wasn’t sure how I was going to talk my way out of the house once I was there, but depositing Drew at home was step one.
Drew hesitated, but then nodded. "Alright, let’s go.”
As soon as we walked into the house, inspiration struck. I hadn’t used my phone in the car on the way home, so I could reasonably claim I’d lost it somewhere.
“Perhaps my phone is at the restaurant,” I offered by way of explanation once I’d gathered up my purse and told Drew and Holly I needed to head back out to find it. I felt awful, but justified it to myself—I'd be quick, get the evidence this woman needed, and be back before Drew and Holly even started the movie they were already playfully debating.
Drew looked up from the remote and I could see the concern in his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”
“I’ll run over to the restaurant and if it’s not there I’ll come back so we can look together.”
