Page 9 of The Comeback Tour
Trash the Dress Online Chat
Rachel:Happy divorce anniversary to me! Two years ago, I never thought I’d be where I am today.
Cora:Happy divorceaversary! I can’t even think about what my life might be like two years from now but I know it’ll have to be better than these past two years.
Alexandra:I hope you are doing something special tonight!
Cailin:Wow, I didn’t know this was a thing!
CAILIN MCCALL RUNS INTO A FAMILIAR FACE
CAILIN
Ethan doesn’t posta lot on social media. But when he does, it’s about the lake. He’s on the Board of Directors and apparently working on a fundraiser to renovate the clubhouse. I scroll deeper to search for a recent picture. There’s one from a few months ago. He’s still handsome, in a lumberjack way, beard and all. His light brown hair is cut short, his hazel eyes still shimmer, and his body is toned, but not overly muscular. He surely works out, but I bet he participates in more nature-based activities and sports, like bike riding, swimming, and hiking. I wonder why he’s still single. He’s successful and obviously attractive. I’ll have to ask Gemma. She always comes through with the details.
With that, my curiosity is filled and I shut my phone off and attempt to go to sleep.
It’s weird sleeping alone my first night in my new place. Everything is so quiet and dark here. Back in the City, there’s always noise and lights from the hustle and bustle. But here in suburbia, I can hear the clock tick. Well, I would if I had a wall clock.
My bed, sheets, and comforter are the same. The leggings and T-shirt I’m sleeping in have been worn a million times. They’re familiar, but I feel different. I feel new. Full of possibility. A little scared, but mostly positive. I close my eyes, hug my pillow, and quickly drift off and fall asleep as exhaustion overcomes my body.
Light shines through my window at 6 a.m. and I awake to the sunrise. The sky is pink and purple, but a hint of yellow is breaking through and illuminates a gorgeous glow. I snap a photo and then make a mental note to get black-out curtains. Since I’m up, I decide to make the most of the day and take a walk around the lake.
After I shower, I start to get dressed but debate what to wear. Should I look put together, in case I run into anyone? It’s my first real day out in town since my return. With small lake communities, news travels fast. On one hand, I want to at least have a good outfit for them to talk about when they gossip. On the other hand, it’s early morning and I’m going for a casual walk so I can get away with workout clothes. I decide to blend my two ideas. I slip into a pair of black leggings that have a bit of shine, so they look more lux. Then, I choose a white tank-top that screams casual, but looks chic. I brush my hair and leave it down, and throw on a black baseball-style hat and sunglasses. The motivational bracelet stack on my arm reminds me to manifest my goals and trust fate. I look at my naked left ring finger, slightly missing the diamonds that once shone there, but also excited for the opportunities that can fill my life thanks to that blank space.
When I get to the local coffee shop, I’m greeted by the smell of freshly ground beans. I don’t recognize anyone as I make my way past the couches to the register, but the barista is friendly. She doesn’t even ask my name for the order, because in this town, everyone knows each other. I leave with a black Americana in my hand, and faith that the barista will have my order ready for me as soon as I walk in tomorrow, and drive four minutes to the lake.
A familiar musty smell welcomes me. The lake is the same as the pictures ingrained in my mind. There’s a narrow beach, a playground for the kids, and picnic tables. The clubhouse does look run down. I have so many memories there and think about all the little kids who are enjoying it these days. I hope Ethan’s renovation project is a success.
I walk over a little worn and torn bridge near a small waterfall, and stop to admire a mother and baby geese as they swim.
Someone yells out, “Careful, that bridge is a little unstable in the middle.”
I turn around and see a glistening guy in a tank top, shorts, and sunglasses, wearing a bandana across his head. He’s holding a blue water bottle in his hands and stops jogging to lift up his sunglasses. As he wipes beads of sweat off his forehead, I register his identity. It takes me one second to look at those hazel eyes and realize this is Ethan.
“Oh, thank you,” I say. I’m suddenly off balance. I’m unsure if he recognizes me, so I take off my sunglasses. I awkwardly pause and let space fill the air.
“I heard you were moving back, Cailin. Good to see you.” Ethan pets his beard and takes in every inch of my body. I don’t mind one bit.
“You too, Ethan.” I let my eyes drift down to admire his toned calves and arms, but catch myself and bring them back to his eyes. All I can do is take in the glimmer as the sun hits his pupils just right. The corners of his eyes have a few lines. He’s aged well.
“So, what do you think?” Ethan asks. “Still breathtaking?”
Yes.I almost say it aloud. That comment catches me off guard. For a moment, I think he’s referring to himself. Then, I realize he means the lake.
“Oh, yes,” I say. “Everything looks the same, just with more history. The clubhouse has certainly seen better days, though.”
Ethan lights up at the mention of the clubhouse and tells me, “It’s definitely worn down and falling apart. There’s so much work that needs to be done on it, that I’m trying to raise money to rebuild it from scratch. So many of us have happy memories here and I’d hate to see them end. There’s a new generation of families that deserve the same opportunities we’ve had here.”
He takes a sip of his water and I watch as he swallows. His Adam’s apple is prominent now. Suddenly, I find Adam’s apples sexy.
“That’s a great idea. If there’s anything I can do to help promote it and get the local media involved, let me know. I’d love to give back for such an important cause.”
“I’d love that,” Ethan says. He places his hand on my shoulder and lets it drift down my arm, making it tingle. This is the first man who has touched me since Collin. I didn’t know my body could still have physical reactions to men. “I’m just out for my morning run and have to get showered and ready for a client meeting, but how about we meet up later? Or whenever you’re free?”
“Sounds great,” I say. “I’d like that. Here, let me have your phone. I’ll give you my number.” I’d rather leave the ball in his court.
Ethan hands me his phone and I type in my number. He takes it, flashes me his pearly whites, and puts it back into his pocket. His shorts tug down, revealing the V-shape of his abs. “It was really great to see you. I’m glad you’re back.”