Maybe we never really were.
But we’re not entirely apart, either.
The wind shifts, colder now, pushing fog in from the open water until it blurs the edges of the world.
“We should head down to the dock,” I say, rubbing numb fingers against my palm. “My crew will be arriving soon, and so will Quinn. I’m sure she’s been missing you.”
Leif nods, but neither of us moves right away. The water taxi’s horn sounds again, closing the distance fast.
“Thank you,” he whispers.
“For what?”
“For not shutting the door completely.”
I meet his gaze. “I meant what I said. Saturday dinners are still happening.”
A faint smile warms his features. “I’ll bring dessert.”
“That sounds like a bribe.”
“Maybe it is.”
For a moment, the old rhythm slips back between us, familiar and easy.
Then it fades again, leaving the space between us wider than it used to be.
We start back down the boardwalk together, the harbor stretching gray and restless beside us. People’s heads still turn as we pass, whispers trailing in our wake, but Leif keeps his shoulders straight, facing forward.
At the dock entrance, we head down the ramp toward the parking lot, where my old truck rests beside Leif’s sedan. Jared leans on the railing, silhouetted by the churning water behind him.
My steps slow. “Your cabin will be ready for move-in by the end of the week.”
Which means he’ll have no excuse to continue to stay at the cottage.
He stiffens, a wince crossing his features, but he puts on a brave front. “It will be good to live on the island, closer to Quinn.”
On the island, and that much further out of reach. My heart aches all over again. “Yeah.”
Jared turns, spots us, and lifts a hand in greeting.
I turn to Leif. “Well, have a good day.”
He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “You, too, Em.”
He hesitates, then offers a small wave before stepping toward the dock and the incoming water taxi.
As he walks away, his coat snapping in the wind as he heads down the dock to greet Quinn, I almost call him back.
The impulse is so strong that my fingernails dig into my palm.
The wind carries the sound of Quinn’s excited shout down the dock when she spots Leif, pulling him those last few steps.
I turn away, letting him go.
This isn’t goodbye.
But it is the end of what we had.