Page 81 of Sea Glass and Second Chances (Carolina Cove 3)

“I see.” Devon stared up at the moon, wondering when it had become normal for her mother to talk about a man other than her father. But it had. And it was good. “Mama? Did Logan and Zoey get you into therapy? I’m just asking because of everything going on, maybe it’s not the best time to have a crush on one of your attorneys?”

“Oh, Devon, I have no such thing. Connor is a friend. Just like Oz is your friend.”

Devon thought of the kiss on the beach. How she’d wanted nothing more than for it to continue even though…

“Mama, can I ask your advice?”

“Of course.”

“Oz… kissed me. Yesterday.”

“I wondered if it was something like that.”

“It was just a kiss but… should I tell Ted? I mean, he’s my boyfriend and he wants to marry me when things settle and—”

“This happened on the beach?”

“Yes—and… the other day. At the pier. Oz kissed me both times but—”

“Did you want him to kiss you?”

Oh, now, that was the question, wasn’t it?

“Never mind,” Rayna said. “I know the answer to that. Oh, Devon, I hate the turmoil I’ve caused you.”

“To be fair, Dad technically started it,” Devon muttered.

“Yes, well, you’re still here because of me and my memory loss and behavior. I know I’m at least partially to blame for the fact you’re so… torn.”

“No, Mama, you aren’t to blame. I’m just confused. Being here, seeing Oz. It’s very strange. It makes it hard to sort out my feelings. To know what’s a part of the past a-and what I feel now.”

“And Ted?”

Ted. “I’m upset with Ted, which isn’t helping.”

“I see. Is that why you allowed Oscar to kiss you?”

Was it? “No. Oz surprised me. Both times.”

“That boy loves you. Always has. He just can’t help himself. Did you punch him?” Her mother laughed softly. “Don’t give me that look. I remember when that old college buddy of Logan’s tried to kiss you when you and Oscar were engaged. You walloped that boy good.”

She had totally forgotten that. And he’d felt her right hook, hadn’t he? Sported a black eye for a week, too.

“So?” Rayna asked. “Why did Oscar not get the same treatment?”

Why not, indeed?

“Oh, sweetheart. Can I offer some advice?” her mother asked.

“I wish you would,” Devon said, bracing herself just in case.

“Go to New York.”

“What?” Of all the things her mother could’ve said, that wasn’t what she’d expected.

“Go to New York,” Rayna said again. “To the interview. To your apartment. Go out with Ted and let him kiss you.”

“O-kay. Why?”

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