The Summer Getaway: A Novel(99)

“It’s pretty early here, Jase.”

“Oh, the time difference.” He paused. “I apologize. Did I wake you?”

“No. I was up.”

“Still on Florida time.” He chuckled. “You should probably think about coming home so you don’t lose that.”

“Jase, why are you calling?”

“I miss you.”

“That’s not possible. We were never that close, and now we’re done. It’s over.”

“Robyn, please.” There was a hitch in his voice. “I made such a mistake, letting you go. Please give me another chance. I’m in love with you.”

Unexpected. She sank onto the bed she hadn’t slept in.

“Jase, don’t say that. We—” She didn’t know what to say, then settled on the truth. “I’m seeing someone.”

“What? How is that possible? Were you cheating on me?”

“No. I met him here, in Santa Barbara. He’s...” She realized Jase didn’t need the details. “I met him here,” she repeated. “I don’t want to hurt you, but we’re finished. Stop calling. I won’t answer you again.”

Actually, when they hung up she was going to block him, but saying that seemed cruel.

“I see.” His voice was curt. “All right. You’ve made your point. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

Guilt swamped her, but she ignored it. If she was advising her daughter on a situation like this, she would tell her not to engage. That being friendly would only make him think she was playing a game rather than stating facts.

“Goodbye, Jase.”

She hung up before he could say anything, then tossed her phone on the bed. She had breakfast to prepare and a day to plan. She didn’t have time for her past—not anymore. There was too much present to be lived.





twenty-eight



ROBYN HAD BARELY finished breakfast cleanup when she started planning dinner. She figured everyone could grab lunch on their own. The morning fog had cleared, leaving the day warm and beautiful. Mason, Harlow and Austin had gone sailing. Mason had joked he was going to have the kids teach him some moves so he could impress her the next time they went out. Cord, Mindy and Payne were in their rooms. Lillian was watching CNN and talking back to the reporters.

She glanced at the calendar, surprised by how much time had passed. In a few weeks, she would need to get back to Naples and sign the paperwork to sell the house. And from there...

She smiled. Funny how she was back to not knowing what to do with her life.

Oh, the basics were in place. She was going to continue with her online classes and get a job where she could learn the antique business. That part was easy and set—it was the where that was more complicated.

“Knock, knock.” Mindy walked into the kitchen. Her friend looked relaxed and happy.

“Breakfast was delicious,” Mindy said with a smile. “You’ve been a very understanding hostess, as has your aunt. I wanted to tell you that Payne and I are grateful, and we’re leaving for the airport.”

Robyn tried not to show her glee. “You are?”

“Yes. We appreciate everyone’s understanding while we hashed things out.” Her smile faded. “You were right about Dimitri. I was a fool. I almost lost what matters most to me. But Payne wants our marriage to work, and I know now I want that, too. We’re both committed to giving all we have.”

Her humor returned. “And getting a good therapist.”

Robyn stood and hugged her. “I’m happy to have been somewhere you could run to.”

“Me, too. Thank you for everything. And next time I want to screw up my life, I promise to listen to you.”

Robyn laughed. “I doubt that, but thanks for saying it.”

“You’ll see. Okay, I’m going to say goodbye to Lillian, then we’re driving to the airport. Will you be home soon?”

“In the next few weeks. I have to get the house ready to sell.”

“And after that?”

“I’m not sure. To be determined. Fly safe.”

Mindy waved and left. Robyn turned back to her menu, but couldn’t focus. Not on that. Her friend’s question was the same one she’d been asking herself.

After she sold her house, then what?

She made her way to Lillian’s study. Her aunt had turned off the TV and settled out on the balcony, in the sun. A colorful blanket was pulled up to her waist, and her ever-present cup of tea was beside her.

“Sit with me,” Lillian said, holding out her hand. “I could use some good company.”

Robyn complied, stretching out her legs on the chaise next to Lillian’s. It was still a bit cool. but the sun would warm things up quickly.

“Mindy and Payne are leaving,” she said.

“Yes, she stopped by a few minutes ago.” Lillian’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Not that I don’t enjoy all the company, but even this house was feeling a little crowded. You must be relieved she and her husband worked things out.”

“I’m happy for her. I’m sorry she made such a boneheaded decision, but hopefully they’ll get past it. I do worry that Payne won’t be able to let it go as quickly as he thinks and she hopes.”