Summer Escape with the Tycoon

“That’s a huge deal. Maybe the trip away was good for you on a personal development level, too.”

“I’m a work in progress, what can I say?” He grinned and picked up his sandwich.

She smiled a little. “Aren’t we all? Thank you for telling me, Eric. I’m so glad you and your family are getting along better.”

They each took a bite of their sandwiches, though for Molly it seemed more out of obligation than actual hunger at this point. So far he’d said nothing about their relationship.

Eric dabbed his lips and then put down his napkin. “There’s more,” he said. “About Atlantic Bionics.”

She dipped another fry, trying to stay nonchalant but unbearably curious. “All right. What’s up?”

“I had a meeting this morning. I’m still buying the company, but we’re staying. I mean, we’re not dismantling anything. I’m going to help them fix it. Whether that means expansion or moving the manufacturing arm somewhere else and ramping up R and D, I don’t know. But you were right in the plane that morning. It’s a good company with important work. So EPC is going to invest the time and resources to get it in the black again.”

She nearly dropped her French fry. “Are you serious?”

“Completely.” He smiled at her. “And can I tell you a little secret? It feels really good. I want to see this through. I have you to thank for that.”

So that was his big bombshell for today. He was going all in with the Bionics deal. Apologizing for his reaction in the seaplane. A part of her rejoiced. This was the man who’d been on the trip. Seeing him so happy, so changed...was incredible.

But he hadn’t said anything about them. Nothing about still caring for her or wanting to be with her. When they’d agreed to meet, she hadn’t really known what to expect or what she really wanted. Now that she didn’t have it, she knew what she’d wanted was to be asked for another chance. To give them a try and see if they could make it work.

He hadn’t mentioned any of that. Just that it was good to see her. Thanking her for her “help.”

Her mind darted back to the trip and the nights they’d spent together. It had been transcendent. Maybe the real world was different after all. That was the Eric she wanted back. But it didn’t seem to be what he was offering, and it was hard not to feel disappointed.

“Are you okay? You’ve hardly touched your sandwich.”

She looked down at the lobster roll and felt her appetite disappear. “Oh. It’s fine. I think I’m just hitting post-interview letdown or something. I didn’t sleep much last night.”

Her lack of sleep had had nothing to do with the interview and everything to do with seeing him again.

“I’m sorry. I hope you get it, though. You deserve to be happy, Molly.”

“I’m working my way there, I think.” But her earlier enthusiasm was gone.

“That’s good. Really good.”

The conversation had got stilted, and they ate a respectable amount before Molly pushed back her plate and said she was full, leaving half her sandwich and two-thirds of her fries. “The portions are very big,” she offered and took a drink of her water.

“I should get back, too. I’m staying in Waltham for a few days, working out of a temporary office on site.”

She had nothing on her schedule. Absolutely nothing for the evening. Her empty apartment and a few hours of volunteer work the next day. At this rate she was thinking she’d need to get a cat because she was lonely.

He paid the bill and they walked outside into the September sunshine. It was Molly’s favorite time of year, when the days cooled but the leaves hadn’t really started to turn much yet. The sun seemed to gild everything with a mellow glow. It did a little to pick up her mood, but not much.

“It was really good to see you, Eric,” she said, folding her hands in front of her. “I’m so glad you’re finding your way to being happier.”

“It’s not perfect,” he replied, his dark eyes holding hers. “There are a few pieces missing. But I’m working on it. I hope to have everything in place really soon.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” She offered her warmest smile, while crying a bit on the inside. This wasn’t the Eric she’d got to know in Canada. This Eric was more reserved. Cautious. Or perhaps, less interested.

“Can I call you again, Molly? I’m going to be in Massachusetts quite often as we get this off the ground.”

“Of course.” What else could she say?

“Okay. Take care, all right? And I’ll be in touch.”

He leaned forward and kissed the crest of her cheek. During the brief contact, she closed her eyes and held her breath, trying to imprint the moment on her memory forever. The feel of his soft lips, the nearness of him, the scent of his cologne. All too soon he stepped back. His eyes were questioning as he looked into her face, but he said nothing.