What Hanna says next is something I do not expect. “Wake up, Jess. You’ve got a good thing in that man.”
She’s got that little wrinkle between her brows. It’s her signal that she’s saying something difficult and she knows it. But she means it, too.
Though it lasts only a moment, I think it’s a kiss that is forever engraved into my soul.
The spectacle of clear water crashing blue and white over a tumble of dusky brown rock stopped the women in their tracks.
Here is the next chapter in my #pandemic #romance: Dan: What the doctor ordered. The symptoms may—or may not—be from covid-19. Dan is not only feeling lousy physically, though. He’s missing Jessica and his conscience is making him feel guilty and stupid. If that’s not enough, and it is, his dog and new cat are driving him crazy.…
Every Thursday, I’m going to introduce you to one of the magical settings of my new book, INN BY THE LAKE, which will be published next month by Champagne Books.
I wash the mess off my hands and take a deep breath, gathering my courage before I punch in Dan’s number.
What to say, though. How are you, Dan?
Need anything—like my forgiveness?
No. No. No.
My hands feel like they are in the middle of “The Great British Baking Show” and my mind is somewhere between confession and a soap opera.
A paper cup of soda left last night on the coffee table has been overturned. When I realize it, I’m suddenly fully awake, holding my breath as I check my computer. Last thing I remember, I left it on and open.
I’m in trouble. That sticky stuff is all over it. Brown goo has pooled between the A and the S and all around the return key. When I type, the A, or rather the aaaaaaaaaaa, taunts me for being a stupid boy. Never leave root beer and a keyboard near each other when there’s a cat in the house.
What do I do about Dan? He promised he wouldn’t mention Lori to anyone.
If I can’t trust him with one little, but very important, promise, how can I trust him with anything else?
I deserve it. Jessica has ghosted me. For more than a week, Jessica hasn’t responded to a text, answered a call, called me back, or answered an email. Yup. I know I did wrong. I know she’s angry. Even without hearing it straight from her.
Mary K. Tilghman, writer 