My dream had changed.

I didn’t actually want this job, I’d just wanted to get it. To assure myself that I was still worthy. Now that I had it? I couldn’t think of anything worse.

Mattie was right. I was making a mistake. A colossal one. The pain would never ease because this wasn’t the path I was supposed to be on.

I belonged with Oliver. I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant or where it would lead me. All I knew was that being with him was where I needed to be.

THIRTY-FOUR

Oliver

I stuffed the last of my T-shirts into my duffel, forcing the zipper shut. All of my stuff had been packed up in a matter of minutes. The small studio apartment I had found so homey at first now felt stifling.

As soon as I’d driven away from Frankie, I’d come back here and paced for an hour straight. The energy coursing through my body urged me to chase after her. I had to actively keep moving to stop myself from rushing to her before her flight took off.

What the hell was wrong with me? I had no big master plan.

She was gone. I had to accept it. Simple as that.

Except there was nothing simple about it. My brain had gone into overdrive, thinking about nothing except her. It was pure torture at this point.

As soon as I’d gotten back to the apartment, I realized there was no way I could stay.

Originally, I’d told Bev I’d work one last shift at Marie’s, but I honestly thought being back at that bar without Frankie would kill me. Shame ate at me that I’d have to bail on my commitment, but I wasn’t strong enough to fake it. Plus, a grown man crying behind the bar because he’d let the girl he loved get away? Talk about pathetic. Bev would likely send me packing anyway if she had to witness that.

I strode out of the apartment, not bothering to linger and give it a final look. All the happiness I’d had inside it was already gone. Vanished, just like that.

Closing the door behind me, I locked it before stuffing the key underneath the welcome mat at the top of the staircase.

Dread consumed me as I walked down the stairs and tossed my bags into my car. I could only hope this feeling would ease slightly as I put Key Ridge behind me.

The lodge loomed in front of me as I debated a quick and easy escape. Even as I thought it, I knew I couldn’t do it. Bev and Giles had done so much for me in my short time here, and I wanted to say my goodbyes and apologize to Bev for bailing a day early.

As soon as I walked into the lodge, a tension grew. This place held only fond memories for me, yet I was itching to leave the instant I caught sight of the entrance to Marie’s out of the corner of my eye. Thankfully, Bev was at the front desk so I wouldn’t have to torture myself with going in there right now.