The Heart of Us, page 11
“So this is actual glass?”
Easton nods. “Yep, from broken bottles that have been weathered. It’s smooth around the edges, almost like a rock.”
“Yeah, wow. I guess I never realized this was a thing.”
“A lot of jewelry makers use it.” He’s standing close, almost too close, but I don’t want him to pull away.
“Is it rare?”
A chuckle escapes him, almost as if he’s nervous that we’re standing so close. There are too many unspoken words swirling around us. I dig my toes in the sand, unwilling to create space even though I should.
“Depends on the color. Oh look,” he says, pointing at another piece on the ground.
I pick it up, and it’s an amber color.
“Sometimes, when the sun hits it at the right angle, it reflects the light. That’s a nice one.”
Holding my palm open, he scoops it into his hand, then lifts it up to the sky. Seeing him find joy in something that I’ve always wanted to do makes me happy. Of course, I’m still wound up and anxious, but Easton makes it easy to forget all the bad.
He hands it back, and I place it in my bucket. We make small talk for the next hour, and I take the opportunity to learn more about him.
“When did you know that you loved surfing?” I ask, curious.
“Oh, that’s easy. The first time I got on a board. There’s something about catching a wave and using your body to maneuver across the water. People say magic doesn’t exist, but anytime I surf, I can’t help but think it does.”
“That’s amazing. It’s a great hobby.”
“So is yoga,” he finally admits. “Even if I’m terrible at it.”
“It’s fun. Keeps me busy and focused on other things. Plus, it keeps me flexible. Other than that, I don't have much going for me. At least not like you.”
He tilts his head, meeting my eyes. I like it when he looks at me with that intense fire behind his gaze. “I might own a business, but what else do I have? It seems great, but sometimes, it’s lonely too because most people don’t understand that sort of responsibility. At least not anyone my age.”
“I get that,” I say.
“I don’t have someone to share any of this with. No one to spoil or celebrate with.” He slows his pace. “Family’s great, and I love my job, but I can’t help feeling like something major is missing in my life.”
I open my mouth and close it, trying to come up with the proper response as the waves crash beside him.
“When the right person comes along, you’ll know. Being with someone, getting married, and doing that whole thing is overrated when you rush into something. Waiting to find the one is worth it.” I try to lighten the mood and shoot him a wink. “Coming from personal experience and all. I mean, I’m no relationship pro or anything.”
Easton gives me a side smile. His shoulders relax, and we continue walking. Our arms brush together, and I like being this close.
“I’ve been thinking about something,” I admit. “You asked me recently why I stayed with my ex for so long.”
“Yeah,” he says with a soft tone. This time, I stop and turn to him.
“It’s a question I’ve been asking myself for a while, and yesterday, when I was meditating, I realized the answer.”
He waits for me to continue.
I swallow hard, feeling the knot form in my throat. “I couldn’t give him a family, and I felt broken. In a way, I believe that if I gave him the babies we dreamed of having, it would fix our problems. That I owed it to him to keep trying, to stay with him, to fit the mold of the doting wife regardless if I was nearly swallowed whole by my depression. I knew there were deeper problems, but I ignored them and blamed myself. It was easier.” A few tears spill down my cheek, and Easton sets down his bucket and wraps his arms around me. As he holds me tight, I give myself permission to let it out because I kept it inside for so long.
With him holding me like I’ll slip through his fingers if he lets go, I feel safe.
“You don’t owe anyone anything, Tatum,” Easton whispers. “You’re enough just as you are.”
Sobs escape me because no one has ever said anything to me like that and meant it. “I’m a failure.”
He pulls away and wipes away my tears. “You’re not. You’re strong. Beautiful. Caring. And it destroys me that you can’t see that. Your ex was lucky to have someone like you, who stayed and was willing to sacrifice their own happiness. But that’s not how it’s supposed to work, sweetheart.”
“I was brainwashed into believing everything was my fault. Then one day, I woke up. It’s like the blinders were removed, and I saw how toxic his persona was. Leaving was the only choice. More like escaping. If he’d known what I was planning, he’d have killed me before I tried and blamed it on my depression. Then I saw the signs outside of your shop about the job and apartment, and my entire life changed.”
Easton smirks. “For the better, I hope?”
“Absolutely. I think sometimes people come into your life for a reason. I have no idea why, but I wouldn’t have been able to navigate on my own without you. I was handed the freedom I desperately craved because I could never go back to Nebraska. For the first time in my life, I did what I wanted. It was exhilarating but frightening.”
“Life is strange like that sometimes, and things just work out. I’m glad I met you, Tatum.” He smiles.
“Me too,” I admit, and we go back to seashell hunting. I find more glass, and when we decide to head back because we’re both starving, my eyes widen.
“Oh my God!” I yell, bending over to pick up a fully intact sand dollar.
Easton runs over. “Holy shit! This is incredible.”
“I’ve always wanted to find one of these but didn’t think it’d ever happen.”
“It’s rare to find them not broken. When we were kids, we called them mermaid coins.”
“Really? That’s kinda adorable,” I admit, ecstatic.
“Yeah, it’s actually really lucky. They say they’re a good omen and a sign for good things to come.”
I look down at the sand dollar in my palm and am overwhelmed with happiness. It holds way too much meaning for me, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t give me a sliver of hope.
Easton gives me a high five, then we head toward the house. Maybe, just maybe things will get better. I hold the sand dollar tight, hoping and praying it will.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
EASTON
DAY 14
After a day of taking and making calls, I feel mentally drained. Apparently, the investigation into what happened to my shop is still ongoing, but I’m hoping to hear something back next week. While I don’t want them to rush their review, I’m growing impatient.
Tatum has been such a huge help, and we were able to get the inventory sheets together and submit them. There was more in the shop than I realized, and all I want is for everything to be the way it was before so I can try to recoup some money from the shop being closed. It was the absolute worst timing, but it usually is when disaster strikes.
After I take a shower, I change clothes and meet Tatum in the kitchen, where she’s cooking something that smells amazing. I move toward the stove, and she looks over at me with a smile.
“Wow, whatcha making?”
“Thought we could do some shrimp tacos and black beans. I even made homemade tortillas.”
My eyes widen. “We had the ingredients for that?”
She chuckles. “Yep, and they turned out perfect.”
My mouth immediately waters when I see the guacamole she made. “I’m so relieved you know how to cook. Honestly, if I were here alone, I’d be living off tuna and Spam.”
She pretends to throw up in her mouth. “Spam? Disgusting.”
“Hey! It’s not so bad when you put it in a skillet and heat it up.”
Tatum holds up her hand to stop me from saying more. “The smell is enough to make me barf. Canned meat is a big no for me.”
“It’s a bachelor’s specialty. Ooh, you know what goes good with tacos?”
She shrugs.
“Mojitos.”
“Not sure I’ve had one before.”
My jaw drops. “What? Never? Okay, we’re going to change that right now.” I go to the liquor cabinet Piper had stocked and pull out the ingredients. Considering I grew up in a beach town, this drink is always paired with seafood. I have the recipe memorized.
I set the rum, mint syrup, and lime juice on the counter, then grab some glasses and fill them with ice. After I pour the perfect drink, I give it a stir, then hand it to Tatum to sip.
“It’s missing one ingredient,” I admit.
“What’s that?”
“A mint leaf,” I tell her.
She snorts. “That sounded so pretentious.”
“I try,” I say with brows raised as she takes a sip.
“Okay, I think I’m in love,” she blurts out. “With a mojito,” she corrects.
“Not a bad thing to be in love with.” I make mine in the other glass. Once she’s made her tacos and added cheese, I grab everything and set it on the table.
Once it’s all laid out, I observe her brushing loose strands of hair from her face.
“You could be a chef. Look at this.”
“I’ve always loved to cook, but Justin loved the same meals, so I never got to experiment.”
My face softens. “I love to eat, and I’m always down for trying anything you want to feed me. Otherwise, it’s Spam and cheese sandwiches.”
“Don’t mention that again. The visual has my stomach roiling.” She gags, and we sit.
I grab a few tacos, and she opens the chips.
“I read a funny surfing joke today,” Tatum says.
“Really?” I ask around a mouthful. “Tell me.”
“Okay, it’s corny, but I chuckled.” She takes a sip of her drink. “Why do surfers eat cold food?”
I shake my head, waiting for her answer.
“Because they hate microwaves.”
I nearly choke on a shrimp and clear my throat.
“Holy shit, are you okay?” she asks with worry in her eyes.
“Yes,” I say, sucking in air. “That one caught me by surprise, but it’s hilarious.”
She grins. “I was looking up surfing facts, and I saw that one on a forum. I usually suck at telling jokes, so I’m glad I didn’t ruin the punchline.”
“I think it did the job.”
She chews on her bottom lip. “Good thing I know how to do the Heimlich maneuver, thanks to my sister.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, loving how she’s sharing so much about herself. Though we’ve been here for a while, I feel like she’s just started to share little things about herself she may have never shared without the fire. Guess I can be grateful that it brought us closer together, even if spending time together won’t last forever.
“One of Oakley’s friends nearly choked at a party. They didn’t know what to do, so she forced me to take a class with her. I didn’t want to go, but it’s a good skill to have. You never know when you’ll need to save someone’s life.”
“Do you know how to do CPR too?”
She nods. “Everyone should know those things just in case you need to use them.”
I pop a chip with chunky guacamole in my mouth, then notice Tatum finished her drink.
“Want another?”
“Absolutely. Keep ’em coming. I really like them!” Tatum says as I scoop up her glass. I chug mine and make us another round.
I return to the table with our fresh drinks and sit. “Be careful. They’ll sneak up on you.”
“Perfect. It’s been a while since I’ve had a buzz. Actually, I can’t remember the last time.”
“Then I’ll go heavy on the rum for the next one.”
She snickers. “I won’t complain.”
I finish my tacos, then snatch up another. Tatum does too. When we’re finished eating, I offer to clean up the mess and put everything away.
“Ooh, refill time,” I announce, quickly making and bringing her another. I barely feel anything, but I can tell Tatum is growing tipsy. She lifts it to her lips and chugs it down, then hands me the glass.
All I can do is laugh, but when I return, I hand her some water with her drink. “Don’t want you to feel like shit tomorrow.”
“That’s thoughtful. Thank you.”
I plop down in front of her. “So now that we’ve had dinner and drinks, what do you wanna do.”
Tatum looks at me with hooded eyes, and my cock springs to life. I have to remind myself that she’s my employee and not ready for any kind of relationship. I’ve always been intrigued by her, and I can never get her off my mind, even when she’s sitting right in front of me.
“What about a game?” she offers. “Any suggestions?”
I go to the game closet and start reading off the titles.
“Instead of choosing any board games, let’s play two truths and a lie. When I was in high school, it was always a fun one,” she says.
Grabbing the bottle of rum from the counter, I walk back to the table and sit directly in front of her. “You sure?”
“Why not?” She shrugs, and I actually kinda like this free-spirited version of Tatum.
“Who goes first?” I ask.
“You can. Just remember one of them has to be a lie, and I have to guess which one it is.” Tatum lifts her glass to her lips and drinks.
“Those are the rules, and I’m sticking to them.” It takes me a minute to think of something, but I eventually do. “I’ve never broken a bone. I’ve had a threesome. I never learned to write in cursive.”
Tatum stares at me as I give her my answers. “Hmm. Now that’s a hard one. But I’m gonna guess the threesome.”
I chuckle. “That’s true.”
Her eyes widen, and her jaw drops as if she really didn’t think that’d be the correct one. “No way! When?”
“During my early twenties. These two best friends I met at a bar were fighting over me, so instead of making me choose, they decided to share. It was…an experience.”
“Wow…that’s wild.”
“Definitely was…but I’m a guy, and I wasn’t about to turn down the offer.” I chuckle.
“Did it happen more than once?”
“Yeah, went on for a couple of months until I realized that it’d never go anywhere. So I ended it. Then I met my girlfriend Brynne less than a year later, and we dated until I opened the shop four years ago.”
“Well, regardless, I bet that was a fun experience for you. Two women at once. That’s a guy’s wet dream.” She picks up her drink and gulps the rest of it down.
I shrug. “I suppose. After a while, it’s exhausting, and you kinda feel used. Not all that it’s cut out to be. Plus, the jealousy between the two friends never ended. More trouble than benefit, if you ask me.”
“So what was the lie?”
“No broken bones. However, I broke my arm when I was eight. Rollerblading accident. Your turn. Bet you can’t fool me.”
She lets out a steady breath and stares intently at me. “Cocky, aren’t you?”
“Maybe a little.” I smirk.
She clears her throat. “I’ve never had an orgasm during sex. My favorite food is sushi. I can whistle really loud.”
“Easy,” I scoff. “Orgasming during sex.”
Tatum slowly shakes her head.
“What? How is that possible?”
She shrugs. “It just never happened for me.”
“It’s because you haven’t been with the right partners,” I explain. “Sometimes, it’s really about the motion in the ocean.”
Tatum bursts into laughter.
“So you like sushi?” I ask.
“I love it,” she admits. “And I can’t whistle for shit.”
“Damn, this game is going to be much harder than I thought.”
“You’re telling me,” she says, taking the top off the rum and gulping down a shot.
“Guess it’s my turn again, then. Hmm.” It takes me a minute to think about what I’m going to say next.
“Scared?” She arches a brow.
“No.” I chuckle. “One of my biggest fears is being bit by a snake. I’ve never had a roommate. I used to be a vegetarian.”
“Vegetarian? That’s the lie.”
“Absolute truth,” I counter.
“Really? Why the change of heart?”
“I go through different phases. I watched this horrible documentary and gave it all up. I love animals and try to limit my intake but realized it wasn’t sustainable for me long term.”
“Wow. Takes a lot of courage to admit that. So is the lie snakes?”
“Yep. My biggest fear is losing a family member, especially my brother. He was in the military and had a close call, and I just remember being in such a dark place, thinking he wasn’t going to make it. Of course, he did, and he’s happy now. He’s basically my best friend, and I’d do anything for him.”
“I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”
“Oh it absolutely is.” I think back to the conversation Tristan and I had the other day. I know my brother cares about me just as much.
Her face softens. “I’d do anything for my sister as well. Since she’s so much younger, I am very protective of her. I just don’t want her to go through the same things I did when it comes to being in a relationship. But then again, she didn’t stay with the first man who told her he loved her, so I think she’s in the clear.”
“And all that is in your past now. Time for you to start thinking about the future and what you want to do.”
Tatum grins. “You’re absolutely right.”
“Have you thought about any of it?”
She chews on the edge of her lip, and I find it adorable. “A little. I’m hoping all of this blows over with Justin, and I can enjoy being in Florida without constantly looking over my shoulder. I want to move on, and I hope one day I really can, but with that being said, guess it’s my turn again.”
The alcohol is starting to affect me, and I know Tatum’s feeling it too.
