The Last Goodbye

by Kay Lyons

  "So why did you leave? Where did you go?"

  He turned, needing some room, when he found himself gazing into her eyes once more. He didn't remember a time in his life when he'd felt so divided. "I started back to Atlanta—"

  "Oh." She dropped her purse and the bag she carried onto the dining table.

  "I didn't get very far. I wound up walking for miles at some outdoor mall in Myrtle Beach before I turned around and drove back here. I went to the office first, but you'd already left for the day. Carolina said you were at London's talking with all of the sisters. Should I be scared?"

  A wry smile formed on her lips. "Maybe just a little of Frankie."

  "I'll keep an eye out."

  "Dominic, why did you come back?"

  He met her gaze and fought the frustration gnawing at his insides. Why was this so difficult? Be a friend. Have fun. Enjoy the moment. See what happens? "If I'm honest, I don't know how I feel about what happened."

  "You're freaked out by it."

  "Yeah, I am. It felt… wrong."

  "Because of Lisa. I get it. I don't imagine this is easy for you but… it was just a kiss, right? So all's forgiven. Forget it."

  Yeah, that wasn't going to happen. Not when he couldn't get her out of his head and not when… "Samuel saw us?"

  "He woke up enough for a trip to the bathroom and… yeah."

  Which meant the kid had probably added even more pressure to whatever it was Ireland felt in regard to that kiss. "I'll talk to him. Try to explain."

  "I tried to but… he thinks we're dating now. That yesterday was a date and that's why… If we both say we're just friends and leave it at that, maybe he'll understand and drop it."

  "Are we? Friends?" He read the wariness in her gaze. His question brought up her emotional barriers due to the way her shoulders lifted toward her ears.

  "Of course. It was a mistake but it won't happen again, right? You're still mourning, and if I'm going to be in a relationship, I'm certainly not going to complicate it by making it a long-distance one. Relationships are hard enough without adding that to the mix."

  "So now you're ready to date?"

  "Yeah. Yeah, I've decided that I am. I did a lot of thinking after you left. That kiss made me realize how much I miss being a couple and having someone to talk to and share things with. I mean, that kiss was nice and it—"

  "Nice?" She blinked up at him as though in confusion, and although he told himself the critique didn't matter, he had to know. "The kiss was… nice."

  "Um… yeah. What? Why are you looking at me like… Nice is not an insult.”

  Of course it was an insult. No man wanted his kisses to be nice.

  "What else could it be when you took off out of here like your heels were on fire? The point was it made me think and… Dominic, why are you staring at me like that?"

  "We need to practice."

  "I'm sorry, what?"

  “You heard me.”

  "Practice? K-kissing?"

  "Dating." Though the other was an intriguing idea as well.

  "Practice dating?"

  He liked the fact that his suggestion flustered her. "Someone mentioned to me that I should consider a practice date with a friend. A friend who knows my situation and understands. You just said you do."

  "Well, yes, I do, but—"

  "And earlier Carolina informed me that you and I both live in the past. I'm beginning to think she's right."

  "You talked to Carolina? About dating?"

  "I did. She had some good advice."

  "Seriously?"

  He laughed at Ireland's surprise. "She told me to be a friend to you and suggested we hang out together while I'm here. Then there's no pressure for either of us."

  "And the practice dating idea?"

  "That came from someone else but it makes sense, right? Maybe we should give dating a test drive."

  "Um…"

  "You said you're ready."

  "Well, yeah, but you are—"

  "A friend… in need of a friend. We both now know where we stand, right? You don't want a long-distance relationship, and I'll be returning to Atlanta when my time here is up. I'm not sure I'm ready to date, but this would be a good way to test the waters and break the ice, right? It's a perfect idea."

  "I dunno about perfect."

  "Ireland, let me take you out on a legitimate date."

  She stared at him a long, hard-to-breathe moment. "Are you sure about this?"

  "No. I think we'd agree that neither one of us is entirely sure. But we both want to move forward."

  "That's true."

  "Ireland, you don't want your first attempt at dating again to be with some jerk. That'll discourage you and leave you right where you are now, and I need to sharpen some rusty skills so…"

  "We practice on each other." This time she said it with a little more enthusiasm.

  "What do you say, Ireland? Will you go out with me?" Dominic waited for her response. Watched as her teeth sank into her lip for a moment while she pondered the pros and cons. He could practically see her mind whirling, the wheels cranking.

  "If you're sure you want to do this, I guess it couldn't hurt."

  "That's encouraging." A smile formed on her lips, drawing his gaze.

  "Hey, you get what you get. I can't say I'm not nervous about how this will work. Especially after what happened last night. Speaking of which, we need ground rules for this plan of yours."

  He liked her spunk. "What do you propose?"

  "Flirting is okay."

  "Opening car doors, compliments, holding hands?"

  She nodded. "That's approved, too.”

  “What about kissing?” There. He put it out there. “Because while it took me by surprise last night, I… enjoyed it. Immensely. To me, it was better than… nice.”

  He loved the flush of color that entered her cheeks and parted her beautiful lips so she could take a deeper breath.

  “What if we take that on a case-by-case basis,” he said before she had the chance to negate kissing entirely. “After all, we’re adults and perfectly capable of controlling ourselves.”

  After another long stare from her beautiful searching eyes, she swallowed hard, the sound audible.

  “I suppose that would be okay. Case by case, I mean. But there will be no friends-with-benefits type thing. That’s not me.”

  “Thank God. I’m pleased to hear it,” he said, moving closer to where she stood. He held up his hands as if in surrender. "So, we have the rules for our little adventure?"

  "For now. We can add or adjust as needed."

  He held out his hand and waited for her to place her palm in his. "Deal. Carolina mentioned she would fill in for you anytime at the inn. If this conversation worked out and… we decided to do something."

  "Um, yeah. Carolina is always up for extra hours, so getting coverage isn't a problem."

  "Good. Tomorrow then."

  "Tomorrow? Uh, okay. Wait, what are we doing? What should I wear?"

  He liked hearing that question from her. "I'll let you know in the morning. I'll pick you up here around ten."

  "Sammy—"

  "Isn't invited this time," he told her firmly. "Carolina also said she and your other sisters would watch him."

  Ireland placed her hands on her hips and sent him a disgruntled look. "You've done an awful lot of chatting with Carolina."

  "She made the offer when she told me she'd help me plan a date if something happened to change our minds." Truth be told, he'd nodded his agreement to think about Carolina's offer before leaving the inn's office, but he was pretty sure Ireland's sister would have a date planned before he got back there to verbalize his actual acceptance of it. When combined with an idea or two of his own, he figured it would be a good, toe-dipping first attempt.

  "I'm not sure I like this."

  He crossed the threshold onto the deck but turned to face her. "Too late to back out now. Sweet dreams, Ireland."

  Chapter 18


  The following morning, Ireland paced the screened-in porch and prayed for calm while she waited for Dominic to arrive.

  His instructions had been to dress for a day of fun at the beach but bring a change of clothes for a nice dinner.

  The low, thrumming sound of the Porsche's engine filled the air, and she peeked down to see him pulling in. Her heart rate soared, and she felt like a teenager awaiting her first date ever rather than a thirty-year-old woman.

  She quietly entered the house because she didn't want to seem too eager or impatient and wound up, standing behind the kitchen island as though it would protect her from the onslaught of emotions. Was she ready for this? Dating?

  Dating with rules. There's a difference.

  "Ireland? Okay to come in?" Dominic knocked softly on the open door.

  "Yeah. Of course." He wore swim trunks and boat shoes, and a bright blue T-shirt stretched across his broad chest and hinted at muscle no desk jockey should have. He'd been in the sun quite a bit since his arrival, and it had darkened his face and arms to a honey-brown. The hints of gray mixed in with his dark brown hair sparkled in the sunlight filtering in from the windows, making him a bona fide hunk. "Um, hi."

  "Good morning. You look beautiful."

  "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." She hoped that didn't sound as cheesy as it had to her ears. Oh, why was this so awkward? Wasn't it supposed to be easier because they already knew each other? Had already kissed?

  Maybe Dominic was right. Maybe they did need some practice, and who better to practice on than someone she found handsome and kind but seemingly as limited in experience due to his twenty years with Lisa? Plus, there was the fact it could only go so far since he'd be leaving to return to his regular life soon. That made him… safe. In a sense.

  Actually, it kinda made him the perfect date, because if things went badly, she wouldn't have to see him at all once he returned to Atlanta.

  Way to go thinking positive.

  Maybe it did seem a bit negative, but the more she thought about it, the more Dominic's suggestion made perfect sense. Neither one of them had any expectations of the future because they lived two very different lives in two very different states. They were simply enjoying the moment and a beautiful summer day and… each other's company. Where was the harm in that?

  She leaned over to pick up her bag from the couch and noted Dominic's eyes in the general direction of her legs. She'd caught him looking at her legs the day of the ball game, too, and felt herself flush with awareness. It wasn't like she could take credit for her long limbs seeing as how they were a gift from God, but right now she was pleased by the fact Dominic seemed to appreciate the sight of them.

  She'd gone through her entire wardrobe, debating what to wear, and finally settled on a bright turquoise two-piece. Over that she had on a white tank top, khaki shorts with rolled cuffs, and a white sheer blouse half-tucked. She'd twisted her long hair in a messy knot at her nape and wore a fedora-style hat for some extra shade. In her oversize beach bag, she had the requisite towel and sunscreen but also a flirty little black dress, strappy sandals, and other necessities to freshen up and change into later. "Ready. Are you going to tell me where we're going?"

  Dominic smiled at her, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't feel a flutter in her stomach as a result. Oh, he was a looker.

  "It's a surprise. Let's go."

  * * *

  Her surprise was indeed a surprise and something she'd wanted to do since moving to the island two years ago but hadn't taken the time.

  Ireland laughed as the wind caught her hat and nearly removed it. She quickly placed her hand atop her head to hold it in place and faced the wind as the ferry approached the docking area of Bald Head Island.

  The beautiful island had a no-car rule, and as she and Dominic gathered their belongings and exited the ferry, they searched for the sign leading to the golf cart rental. In short order, they were loaded up and on their way.

  "So what's first, official reader of the map?"

  She stared down at the map in question, getting her bearings. "There are a few trails we can take while we head toward the market for snacks. By then we'll be hungry. But Old Baldy is just a little ways away. Go there first?"

  "Sounds like a plan to me."

  He made a left out of the rental area, and off they went, taking the first left they came to. They parked the golf cart and took a few pictures of the lighthouse from the outside before beginning the climb to the top. After more photos of the view, they climbed back into the cart to go again.

  "Oh, how beautiful."

  Dominic slowed the cart and glanced at her. "Think it's open?"

  "We could find out." She bit her lip, hoping he wouldn't get impatient with her wanting to make another stop so soon, but the chapel was so beautiful from the outside, so she could only imagine what the inside looked like.

  He pulled off and parked once more, and together they entered the church property, pausing along the brick-lined walkway to take in the simple beauty of the painted gray church with its gabled rooflines and arched windows flanked by white shutters. A massive tree on the right shaded much of the front lawn as well as a walkway that led to a handicapped ramp on the side.

  They entered the chapel through the arched doorway, and Ireland inhaled the scent of wood and polish. Massive stained wooden beams lined the interior ceiling and expanse of the white church. "Wow."

  "Yeah," Dominic whispered, seemingly as awestruck as she was.

  He moved down the aisle and continued to stare up at the wooden beams soaring into a peak beneath the steeple.

  "It's breathtaking. Every church should be this beautiful."

  She moved throughout the church, took lots of photos, and hoped her battery would last until the end of the day considering this was only their second stop. She closed the screen and turned to find Dominic seated on the first pew. He sat with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped loosely in front of him. Praying?

  She couldn't see his face but got that impression, so she stepped into the pew closest to her and sat there in silence, letting the peace of the church calm her chaotic thoughts into a prayer of her own.

  After a few minutes, Dominic stood and faced her and she smiled at him. "Ready for the next stop?"

  "Whenever you are."

  They continued on their golf cart journey, pausing here and there at pull-offs to read the island markers and take in the history of the barrier island. Since they were nearing the middle of the island, where the shops and market were located, they stopped yet again to get supplies for the beach.

  Dominic picked up various trinkets and items to check them out, and she shook her head at his antics when he pulled the trigger of a goofy-looking shark's head. It made the shark's mouth open and release, and Dominic approached her with an ornery grin, moving the toy up her arm and shoulder onto her neck as it nipped at her.

  "Think Samuel would like this?"

  Her heart melted at Dominic's thoughtfulness, but she shook her head. "He has at least three of them. Thank you, though."

  Dominic replaced the toy into the bin, and they moved on through the store, taking their time browsing the selections of souvenirs as well as food supplies and drinks.

  They bought hummus and chips, some apples, water, and other supplies to go into the cooler Carolina had provided Dominic and made their way to the cashier.

  "I've been watching you shop," the older lady told them. "You two are the cutest couple. Have you been together long?"

  "Uh…" She looked to Dominic for an appropriate reply and saw him wink at the cashier.

  "It's our first date."

  "Oh! Well, I hope you enjoy our little island."

  "We intend to."

  With those three little words, Dominic put a blush on her cheeks that had the lady smiling at Ireland and giving her a knowing look.

  They left the building, and Dominic caught her hand and held it.

  "I don't remember the last time I
've seen a woman blush. I like it."

  “It… uh, comes with the red hair, I guess.” Her insides fluttered and left her trembling. How was it possible Dominic could do that to her with a look? A touch? She blamed the day and proximity and no small amount of nerves.

  Back on the golf cart, they continued their tour of the island, chatting about people and plants and even the dogs they saw along the way, and the fact that Rocco had become a regular visitor at London's coffee shop, coming and going at will the last several days.

  "Look at the water," Dominic murmured.

  "Wow. It's so blue today."

  Dominic slowed the golf cart and turned toward her, using one long finger to gently tug her sunglasses to the tip of her nose. "Mmm, I thought so. The water matches your eyes."

  He seemed to study them, and she found herself holding her breath, wondering if he was going to make a case for kissing. Wondering if she wanted him to, just to see if the second experience would be as good as the first, or if the trembling she felt inside could be chalked up entirely as nerves.

  A short ring of a bike bell behind them alerted them to someone else on the cart path, and Dominic lifted his hand in greeting as a man on a bike passed, followed by a woman.

  The moment lost, Ireland tamped down her curiosity and more than a little disappointment as Dominic got the cart moving again.

  Chapter 19

  Dominic shook the water from his head and wiped at his eyes as he emerged from the surf on South Beach several hours later. They'd toured the island via the golf cart, climbed to the top of Old Baldy Lighthouse, visited the church, and held hands while walking along the nature trails.

  They ate a picnic lunch beneath an umbrella that shielded them from all but the most aggressive of seagulls, and now Ireland sunbathed in a modest two-piece that boggled his mind and required a swim to distract himself from those long legs of hers and the fact that he'd almost kissed her less than an hour into their date when he'd stopped the cart to look at the ocean.