Page 20

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We can't get our normal spot near the pier due to the engine issue, so we improvise and set up on the outskirts of Carolina Cove near the last section of free parking available on the island.

Steady customers keep us hopping, but they also make the day zoom by, which does nothing to quell the nervousness taking root inside me.

Am I really going on a date with Sully? "I can't believe you," I say for what has to be the millionth time. Along with I should strangle you. And What were you thinking? "How could you throw me under the bus like that?"

Jasmine releases a pained sigh and turns to lean against the counter behind her.

"Without Sully, there'd be no bus to run you over. Will you stop whining, already? It's a date with a gorgeous man. Besides, one dinner barely qualifies as a real date."

"Then you go out with him," I mutter.

"Are you mad that I said what I said or that you actually want to go out with him and it'll finally break that ice block you've frozen around your life?"

I fume silently because as much as I hate to admit it, she's right.

"Vi, you haven't gone on a single date since your divorce, and it's time. Who better to kick things off than Sully? You know him. You're friends. He's safe. He's actually the perfect first date."

Perfect first date? "No, he's not. He's the worst first date."

Because it's Sully. Sully, who makes my pulse race, my body go soft and muddles my brain on why all the reasons keeping my distance is the key to survival.

That isn't being safe. That's playing with fire when I've already been burned to ash and still haven't recovered. "I don't think I'm ready yet."

"You are. And it's Sully," Jas says again softly. "You don't have to be nervous. Just think of it as the two of you hanging out—which you have done before, I might add."

"Not on a date."

"So don't call it a date. Call it 'hanging out' if that's what is catching you up. Just allow yourself to have some fun. You deserve it. All you do is work and stress about work and money. It's way past time for some self-care."

"Self-care is a massage or pedicure. Not a man."

"Beg to disagree. It all depends on the man," my sister drawls in a throaty voice.

I don't acknowledge that statement. Mostly because I can't. Especially when my thoughts go to a soft, heady place with Sully there saying Sully things. Calling me beautiful. Sunshine. Smiling at me—looking at me—like there's no other woman around.

"Vi, please. If you won't go for yourself, go for me. I'm worried about you. You deserve fun. Just go and have a nice evening out. A few hours where you just kick back and enjoy yourself."

"There's no need to worry about me. I'm fine."

"Fine sleeps at night without nightmares," Jasmine says softly. "And you've had them every night since the police called to say Thad is out of prison. He's pulling you back into that place where he controls you, Vi. So why not let Sully prove to you it's not all men."

My hands tighten into fists. "I know it's not all men. Look at Dad."

Jasmine comes over and places her forearms on my shoulders, staring at me until I feel like she's trying to hypnotize me or something. I can't escape her hold even though it's not tight. And I can't look away when she's looking at me, knowing full well what happened that night.

"Thad stole you from us," she says softly. "He stole years of your life from you. Now you're letting him steal your present and future too."

"I'm not."

"You are. You're scared of a dinner with Sully when it's Sully. You like Sully."

My heart tugs at the sound of his name, and I know she's right, but it doesn't make it any easier. "I like chocolate, but too much isn't good for me either. And what happens at the end of the night? If it's a date, do I kiss him? Shake his hand? What if it goes all wrong, and our friendship is ruined forever because he sees how messed up I really am?"

Jasmine's gaze softens with understanding. "What if you take one night off from overthinking every single thing and just enjoy the evening? A few hours where you remember that you're young and beautiful and out with a handsome friend? Don't stress a kiss or handshake. Whatever happens, happens. Just put yourself in the moment as a screw you to a jerk who made you afraid of men."

Jasmine's words echo through my head that evening as I gaze at my reflection in the floor-length mirror.