Unfinished Summer by Rachel De Lune

Author:Rachel De Lune [De Lune, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-06-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

ZENNOR

Now

Ever since our lunch, the words I spoke so forcefully to Tegan ring loudly on repeat, as if sounding them out to myself will somehow make them easier to live by.

And as the days tick by—the longer I’m here—the more time I have to consider my long-term future and the real possibility of staying in Tregethworth past the time I thought I’d need to gather myself.

Tegan’s enthusiasm surprised me, and we navigated the rest of lunch to the safer topic of the potential development, which she’s more excited about than I am. With her as a strong ally, it would be easier to win over Mum. Although, I don’t think Mum needs convincing of the idea in principle. My commitment to Tregethworth is what’s in question.

Could this place ever make me happy? Could I ever put everything behind me to do that?

I think about my walk on the beach when I first came back. And I imagine everything I might be sacrificing if I’m to stay in this small town. And isn’t that the problem? I left so I wouldn’t be trapped and I could follow my dream. Did I even find it? Or was I so consumed with being strong and a success, I forgot about finding what would make me passionate—what I wanted in my heart. And I’m back here anyway, so maybe I did something wrong. The irony of my mother now threatening to trap me here is not lost on me and adds to my confusion and doubt over every step I’ve taken.

Tegan has land. It’s close by. I could shift the proposition and see if it would stack up at a location nearby. Still, even as I run the idea in my mind, I know it won’t work as well as Mum’s site, and certainly not if I wanted to build a better relationship with my mother. I’d risk alienating her and making a bad job of an idea that depended on location, just in spite of myself. That’s not right, no matter how bad things are.

Of course, I could just scrap the idea altogether and leave, be a silent investor for Tegan. She all but said she’d want to. Then I’d be out of it and free.

“This is ridiculous.” I slam the laptop shut and pace downstairs, grab my coat, and tie my hair back to keep it under control, judging by the wind whipping up outside. Hopefully, Molly will be working.

She’s behind the counter as I walk in. “Hello, stranger,” I greet her with a big smile.

“Hi, you. What can I get for you?”

“A dirty burger and fries, please.” Not my style, but something glutinous and calorific will help my mood. Day drinking wasn’t something I wanted to slip into the habit of.

She looks at me for a second.

“I know, but sometimes bad decisions make you feel good, even if you regret them afterwards.”

“Sounds like more than just food on your mind.”

“That’s one way to put it—only my entire future. Fitting I’d come here.

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