Escape To Sunset - Sharon Hamilton Page 0,59
amongst the billions of other specs of sand. She’d found hope and healing here. That was going to be important to remember. She doubted she’d ever be able to bring herself to return here. But who really knew?
Kiley brought a baggie outside with her and filled it with bits of sandy shells without even selecting anything special. When she looked up at the moonlight on the ocean’s undulating surface, she remembered Jason throwing the ashes of his best friend into the wind. Part of her would be left behind as well. All those wishes and fantasies scattered randomly, released forever.
Back inside, she zipped the top of the baggie closed, rolled it carefully, placed it in a paper bag, and added it to her carryon bag. She sat, took out her cell phone, and dialed.
“Hello?”
“Christy, we haven’t met. I’m Kiley, a friend of Jason’s. I met him here in Florida.”
“Oh Jason. I love that kid,” Christy said. “Kyle’s told me Jason’s quite fond of you. What can I do for you?”
“I’m not sure if he’s told you, but I’ve gotten myself into a jam, and I have to return to Portland to help straighten out the mess I made of things.”
“Oh, what kind of a jam?”
“Just stuff. It’s way too much for me to explain right now.” Kiley felt hot tears collect at the edges of her eyes. “I’ve hurt a lot of people. I didn’t realize the consequences of my actions, and it’s not right. I’ve exposed a lot of people to danger.”
“I’m so sorry for what you’re going through, but how can I help?”
“I just wanted you to tell Jason that—oh gosh, this is so hard to say.”
“You sound like a sweetheart, Kiley. Wouldn’t you rather tell him yourself?”
“I’m not sure I’ll be given the chance to do that. Just tell Jason something I never told him myself, and I should have.” The tears were really coming down now. She sniffled and wiped her cheeks.
“Are you all alone? I wish I could come over there and give you a big hug.”
“I’m going over to see Aimee and Andy. They live just a few houses down from me on the beach, Sunset Beach.”
“We’ve heard so much about it, Kiley. Such a beautiful place. Kyle’s wanted to take me there, take the whole family there for a vacation some time. We all wish the two of them well and wish they hadn’t decided to stay in Florida. But that’s a good idea. You don’t want to be alone, Kiley, not tonight.”
“In the morning, I’m going back to Portland. I want you to tell Jason that I’m going to try to fix everything, take responsibility for all the damage I’ve caused. Just tell him that, in case—”
“In case what? Are you in some kind of danger?” Christy asked.
“He knows all about it. He won’t be surprised. Tell him I wish we’d had more time.”
“Listen, Kiley, you need to get over to Andy’s right away. Promise me you’ll do that.”
“Oh, don’t worry. After I hang up, that’s where I’m going.” She faltered. “I want you to tell him that I think I’ve fallen in love with him. He made it so easy for me. I mean, not at first. I thought he was a stalker or worse. But, Christy, I’ve never felt so loved before.”
“That’s the way these guys are. It isn’t always easy, you know, but I’ve told that to many women over the years, that they will never meet anyone who will love them so thoroughly ever again. It takes a special man to do the things they do. They’re the real deal, Kiley.”
“Well, I’m going back to right some wrongs. Who knows, if I succeed, then maybe I’ll get to tell him all these things myself.”
“I hope so, Kiley. What else can I do for you?”
“You can pray.”
“I will do that. And I’ll pray for Jason too. I hope you guys will be able to finish all those unfinished conversations, Kiley. It’s hard when they leave, but so special when they return. You’ll see.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Why don’t you go get some rest, and when I can, I’ll deliver a message to Kyle for Jason on your behalf. I’ll make sure he knows all about our conversation. So take good care of yourself and call back if you need anything else, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am. I will. Thank you again.”
“Good night.”
As she took one last look at the cottage, she wondered if she’d ever find such a special place again.