Page 12 of Pause

I interrupt him. “You know what he did? He went on our honeymoon to Cancun. By himself. Can you believe it?” I hand over my credit card, feeling kind of proud of my word vomit.

Slade’s face registers shock. “Seriously? Wow. That has to be a don’t in the handbook of wedding dos and don’ts.”

“That wasn’t a very nice thing to do,” Joss says cautiously, like she’s scared she’ll push me over the ledge I’m clearly standing on.

“Right?” I reach into my purse and hold up the crumpled letter. “Today was supposed to be my wedding day. Instead of a husband, do you know what I got?”

Slade splays his hands. “Paper? Doesn’t he know that’s for your first anniversary?”

He takes the wind out of my sails. “How do you know that?”

“Doesn’t everybody?”

“I didn’t.” I forge ahead as though our exchange didn’t happen. “A letter. Minutes before the wedding, all our family and friends waiting in the chapel, and I get a break-up letter telling me I can hate him if I want.” I blow out my breath in disgust. “Kind of him to give me permission.” Sarcasm gives me strength.

“What a lowlife. I don’t like him already. Maybe you had a lucky escape. Just saying.” Slade hands me my credit card and receipt.

“I’m just saying that too,” Joss chimes in.

My face crumples, but no tears fall. “You two are so cute. You make the best couple.”

Slade and Joss exchange funny faces. “We’re not a couple. She’s my sister of sorts.” Slade produces a pamphlet and sets it on the counter in front of me.

“What’s a sister of sorts?” I’m baffled by his words.

“It means she almost married my brother. He’s not here at the moment, and now she’s here with me. Long story.”

Out of respect, I don’t ask any more questions about Joss and Dex? I assume he means Dex, the other brother. Where is he, and why isn’t he with Joss?

I wonder how Joss appears so calm and composed amid her trials. I could learn a thing or two from her. I want to know how she doesn’t feel her life is ruined. How does she cope? These are things I need to know as I navigate my new life. I predict we’re going to be great friends when I get over myself.

“Don’t give her the spiel, Slade. It’s not the right time.” Joss shoots Slade adon’t you dareglare.

“She needs the spiel.” He gestures toward the pamphlet on the counter.

“Give me the spiel, Slade.” I need something else to think about. “I want the whole darn thing. Every detail. Leave nothing out.”

The pamphlet in front of me boasts:Health Benefits of Being near the Ocean.

Mom’s words about doctors sending patients to the seaside are about to become true. I’m sure of it.

“Did you know it’s a scientific fact that being near the ocean provides certain health benefits? Both mental and physical?” Slade’s question is rhetorical.

Mom was right.

Even though it’s obvious Slade’s rehearsed this many times, I’m hooked. “Go on.”

“There are negative ions in the sea air. Don’t be fooled by the name. Negative ions are a good thing. You find them in natural clean air. They’re abundant in nature. By waterfalls, the beach, in the mountains and forests. All the places people go to feel good. That’s why the ocean air gives you great vibes. Negative ions actually help you absorb oxygen and balance your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical in our bodies linked with our mood levels and stress.”

“I need me some of that.” Do I ever.

“Amen, sister.” Joss gives me a thumbs-up. Did I mention I like her?

Slade goes on. “Wanna hear more? You can also just read the pamphlet.”

“No way. Your spiel is so much better.”

He flashes me a charming smile. “It’s scientifically proven that the sound of waves alters your brain patterns. They literally lull you into a relaxed, meditative state and rejuvenate you. Hippocrates gave it a name. He called theseaside buzzthalassotherapy. It’s derived from the Greek word, thalassa, which means sea. He believed the mineral content of ocean water had healing properties as well. It’s still used therapeutically to this day.

---