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No matter how hot it is, this water is always too cold.

My smile fades when his hands glide across my stomach and around my back.

Even though we’ve danced together and hugged a thousand times—this is different.

“I’m really gonna miss you, Sean,” I say, ignoring his wishes from earlier.

“You have no idea how much I’m gonna miss you, Bee.” His breath is shallow, taking quick gasps as his grip becomes tighter around my waist.

Our legs are both kicking hard, trying to stay afloat.

“Bee?”

He’s never called me that before. No one’s ever called me that, actually. It sounds perfect coming from his mouth. “I like that,” I assure him with a smile.

Just as I thought we were having a moment, he throws his body underwater, taking me down with him.

8

Present Day

My dad and I step out of my car, a silent ride that I’m grateful is over. I didn’t see our reunion going perfectly, but I thought we’d have a bit more to talk about missing ten years and all.

We’re strained and just trying to push through. When he offered to look at houses with me, I thought it was more of a polite formality than a serious offer.

Thanks to Sean, I was able to find a time to look at the Gundersons’ house, which is just a mile away from his parents’ cabin.

“They’re a sweet older couple,” he’d said.

They just couldn’t part with the house by selling it, so they wanted to rent it out. He also said Mrs. Gunderson can be quite the flirt, so to watch out for that. I don’t think anyone except Sean will be having that issue.

I think I’d be a perfect candidate given that I’m single and have no pets. I can also pay them today. I’m prepared to make a six-month advance if need be. It seems desperate, because it is. I need to live out here. I need the peace and quiet.

I know sooner than later I’m going to need a job, not just for money, but for my sanity.

I worked in a small bookstore in New York that made my days feel less bland. Graham insisted that I didn’t need to work, but not even a bull dozer could have stopped me from getting that job. I needed out from under that roof. It was suffocating.

That probably should have been my first sign that I wasn’t meant to be with Graham. No one likes the hard truth. Even when it’s sitting right there in front of you.

While working, I was able to read local author’s novels and decide which ones we could take in for inventory. It felt so important, helping authors who struggled. It gave me a purpose there. I didn't want to be someone who stayed home all day doing nothing just because I could. I know it’ll be the same case here in Lakewood. With the money from the divorce, maybe I could open my own bookstore. That would keep me occupied.

“This is nice. How’d you find this place? It’s not on any of the listing sites I perused,” Dad asks. His hands are planted on his hips, a very dad-like pose.

It’s a small white house—a two bedroom. The perfect size for me.

“Sean told me about it,” I say, watching him closely.

I haven’t told him that I ran into Sean yet. I don’t even know if he’ll remember him. I only mentioned that I’ve seen an old friend, and he’s not one to ask too many questions. It’s a good quality in a parent, not having to defend myself all the time.

“Sean?” He stares at me blankly as I wait for him to put the pieces together. “Sean Kingsley? Gosh, I didn’t know you still spoke with him,” he says, surprised.

“We didn't keep in contact over the years. We ran into each other when I was out the other day.” I dart my eyes to the house, where I see movement inside.

My dad stands, rubbing his chin.

He knows what went down between us. I’m sure he’s curious. But once again, he won’t ask too many questions.

“We’re friends now, I guess,” I explain, walking to the front door of hopefully my new house.