Things We Never Said (Hart's Boardwalk 3)

“Ivy is Bailey’s friend,” I said. “They were best friends growing up. You’ve heard me talking about Iris and Ira? Ivy’s their daughter.”

Dad nodded. “I remember you mentioned their kid was in Hollywood.”

“Wait, what?” Davina asked.

“Iris and Ira Green own the pizzeria on the boardwalk,” I explained. “They’re good friends of ours. And Bailey grew up with their daughter, Ivy. Who is … was engaged to Oliver Frost.”

“Oh, wow.” Astrid patted Bailey on the shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

Bailey gave her a pained smile, then turned it on me. “I’m going to call Vaughn for an update.”

“Of course.”

* * *

The news shadowed my last night in Boston. I could feel Bailey’s concern even though she pasted on a smile and tried to make conversation at the dinner table. Vaughn didn’t have much news for her; however, he promised to stop by Iris and Ira’s place to find out more.

After dessert, Vaughn called and told Bailey that Iris and Ira were flying out to California to be with Ivy. He’d passed on Bailey’s words of support, but I knew that wasn’t enough for her. She wanted to be there for them in any way she could.

Her inner brooding was put on pause when my family departed. Levi and Leo were tired, and it was well past their bedtime.

My heart was full to bursting when I got hugs from them both, and Leo asked me if he could come to stay with me. Of course, I said he was welcome anytime, and I was excited for when Darragh and Krista would let my nephews stay with me. I’d spent only a few weeks with the boys, but it was amazing how quickly I’d fallen in love with them. I would miss them.

Krista hugged me, kissed my cheek, and whispered tearfully how glad she was to have me back and that she’d see me soon. However, it was Darragh who almost brought me to tears. Mostly because he didn’t say anything. He hugged me, tight, his chin resting on the top of my head, and he wouldn’t let go. Krista murmured to him about the kids, and he reluctantly pulled away.

“See you soon, baby girl.” He gave me a little chuck under the chin like he used to when I was a kid.

I grinned, “giving him my dimple” as he called it.

Davina was pissed about my leaving. “You better come back at Christmas,” she’d ordered with a bite in her voice. Then she’d promptly enfolded me in a hug, and her breath hitched as I clutched her.

More swallowing of the tears for me.

I waved her and Astrid goodbye and then turned to Dermot.

His hug wasn’t as long, but it was brutally tight. “I’ll call you soon,” he said. “Finally have you back for girl advice.”

I smirked. “Dermot, if you’re still dating girls, I’m going to guess that’s part of your problem.”

“Smart-ass.” He punched my shoulder gently and then turned to Bailey. “As for you, let me know if you decide to get rid of your fancy businessman.”

Bailey gave him a quick hug, but as she pulled back, she replied, “It’s doubtful.”

My brother laughed, bid my dad good night, and walked down the porch steps. I waited for him to get in his car and drive off before I closed the door.

Saying goodbye was emotionally draining. Yet it was good knowing that this time it wasn’t permanent. Not at all. For the first time in many years, the pieces of me that had been missing slotted into place. They fitted differently than before, but they still plugged the hole in my chest.

There was still two missing pieces. Two wounds.

But for the sake of holding onto the peace that my family had brought me these last few weeks, I ignored those pieces. Time and distance. Maybe time and distance would heal all wounds.

At least this time.

* * *

Our flight was early the next morning and as was usual with early flights, I couldn’t sleep through the night, knowing I had to get up in a mere few hours. Lying in bed, it was all too easy to fall into the memories of last night. To feel Michael’s hands and lips. To remember what it was like as he pushed inside me. I flushed hot, writhing in my sheets with frustration. Being with him was a kind of ecstasy I wouldn’t ever be able to explain or understand. It was also an addiction because as I laid there, I berated myself for not taking more from him while I had the chance.

Now I’d never feel that with him again.