Page 73 of Sunset

“It’s not. I’ve had this gut feeling for weeks and now this. Lin something bad is coming. I feel it.”

They don’t say a word. Not that they would know what to say. Thankfully, they don’t leave me alone either. Lin stays in bed with me just like in old times, and Kade takes the couch.

It’s great to have a family, even when your world is crashing down around you.

Chapter 32

Jasper

The sun is barely up, and I’m already out at the docks. Pretty much everyone on The Island has learned how to drive a boat at an early age and got their boating license, as soon as they could.

My dad and I always loved to go out fishing on a quiet morning with a thermos full of coffee, some donuts, and enjoy the peace and quiet. My favorite days were, when the water was calm and smooth as glass, like it is today. There’s a little fog in the air that gives a slightly creepy atmosphere.

I park the boat at the place my dad swears he always caught the most fish. I don’t even cast my line, as I just sit here and remember mornings much like these with my dad. He loved catching fresh fish, and then bringing them home to try a new recipe. He went shrimping once and caught so much he invited the whole block over for a shrimp fry. It was a fish fry, but with shrimp.

He loved to feed people, especially those he loved. My mom and I were at the top of that list and later Brynn.

Brynn.

My heart aches just thinking of her name. The perfect girl who is way too good for me. She has to know it too, but yet, she still let me in her life and in her bed. I’ve loathed going to bed alone these last few nights, but I hate the way I feel around her now.

Damn, she sent me home from my own kitchen. Was I really that bad? Lord, help me, I was, wasn’t I?

I cast the fishing pole and grab a donut, thinking over the last few days. They are all in a haze, and I don’t remember much. A tug on my line distracts me for a bit, while I reel in my first fish of the day. He’s a keeper, so I toss him in the cooler and recast.

As morning fades to afternoon, I grab the sandwich I packed and a beer. The beer is my dad’s favorite, but I never much cared for it. This is for him. Brynn would laugh at me, I’m sure. I make a face, as I chug it down.

“Well, Dad. What a year.” I start. “I gave up a job many chefs only dream of in New York City. Moved home, got a kiwi thrown at me, reconnected with Brynn, and somehow, she forgave me. How could she do that?”

I toss the empty beer can down in the cabin for me to clean up later.

“The restaurants are doing well. But somehow, I feel more at home, when I’m in the kitchen at Sunset. I hope you’re okay with that. You’re missed, and how it’s been a year, I don’t know. I forgot for a while. Forgot that you were gone, and that I was supposed to be mourning you; that I wasn’t supposed to be happy. Brynn made me forget. She made me feel whole, until it all came slamming back in my face.”

Then, just like my dad is pulling the strings, my phone rings. It takes me a minute to realize what it is, because we never used to get cell service out here. Pulling out my phone, I have three bars. When did that happen? It’s Kade calling, so I almost don’t pick up, but figure I better make sure everything is okay.

“Hey, man. What’s up?” I ask.

There’s a pause, before Kade speaks. “Have you been drinking?” He asks.

“Just a beer,” I say.

“Sounds like more than just one.” He says.

“Call to hound me on my drinking choices?” I ask.

He sighs, “No, I called to see how you are doing, and if you wanted company.” He says.

“Well, I might have said yes, if you called before sunup, but I’m already out on the boat, and even caught a fish.” I chuckle.

“Mmm. So, you did go?” He says.

That throws me.

“Why wouldn’t I go?”

“Well, maybe because you have Brynn so upset that she hasn’t been out of bed, since yesterday. She’s been trying to give you space, but I think you broke her.” Kade says, and I realize I said the last part out loud.

A vice squeezes my heart, and it’s the first time I’ve felt anything in days. It comes out and hits me so hard I gasp and lean forward, gripping my chest over my heart.

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