Anxious Hart

Chapter Six

The wind whipped my hair across my face as I breathed in the cool, salty ocean air. I wiggled my toes, burying them deeper in the gritty, cool sand before the wet surf lapped over my feet and ankles. The sun was starting to make an appearance, burning through the gray clouds and warming the day.

I needed this. Out of all the madness in the world, the ocean was my calm. It always amazed me how it was so simple, yet so grand. It almost put the world into perspective when everything seemed so complicated, like a reminder that humanity is still connected on this earth. The ocean has been a wonder for centuries, a mystery. Man cannot tame the ocean. It just needs to be respected and appreciated for the true wonder that it is.

Obviously, I could not have these moments in Omaha. Sure, there were local lakes and I could look at the Missouri River. But to be in my element by the ocean was truly home.

I felt a lick on my palm, bringing my thoughts back to the moment. Looking to my side, Riley smiled up at me over his newest discovery: a large, water-soaked branch. It was easily the size of my leg, but I could tell my wet companion was beaming with pride.

“What did you find? Did you find a stick? That’s a big stick for a good boy!” I laughed and played with him as he bounded in the sand, clearly enjoying his new environment.

After a few playful exchanges, Riley barked and ran towards the house. Crossing my arms, I watched him, but I was still not ready to head back. I needed some more time to think.

I shifted my focus back to the horizon. Burying my toes, I allowed the water to continue brushing across my ankles.

Zack is Grandpa’s lawyer. I will be working with Zack on everything.

Grandpa…what a conniving bastard.

He always loved Zack, so I really shouldn’t be surprised. Grandpa always had Zack work on his 1967 Mustang and Harley with him. He always called Zack over to work on projects around the house with him when we were kids. They became quite the duo, tinkering and tweaking while acting manly. He even let Zack interview him for a history class project, revealing secrets he had never told another soul since the war.

No, I really should not be surprised.

Thinking back, Zack actually did spend a lot of time at my house growing up. His grandparents had passed and he was an only child. His mom was a nurse and his dad was a doctor, so they both worked long, crazy hours. It was very easy for him to just fit into the family dynamic at my house with my grandparents. Furthermore, my grandparents hated the thought of Zack being alone in that large house. My gaze shifted up the beach to the house just up the hill. It was another colonial style home overlooking the shoreline. Painted a dark gray with white trim, the house had not changed over the past several years.

I picked up a stone, throwing into the waves with all my strength. Part of me had wondered if he was still around. Grandpa had casually mentioned information about Zack over the years, but he left out the important details. He had never mentioned Zack attending law school, becoming a lawyer, or being Grandpa’s lawyer. I knew Zack had an interest in pursuing a law degree in high school, but the thought intimidated him. What changed? Did Grandpa help him? Have they been in touch this whole time?

Sighing in frustration, I grabbed a second stone, hurling it at the waves. Then a third, followed by a fourth.

Secrets. Lies. Manipulation.

Why do I suddenly feel like a pawn?

Collapsing in the sand, warm tears began to fall down my cheeks. A week ago, I was a queen. Even though I was living in a castle built on fallacies, I was blissfully and ignorantly content. I felt in control of my life. I felt powerful…or so I thought. Was that truly just an illusion?

Drying my tears, I forced myself to my feet. I really needed to unpack my car. Maybe once I settled in and refreshed myself with a shower I would feel better.

Walking back towards the house, part of me wondered if Zack would be gone, but knew better. He was almost as stubborn as me, so I could practically guarantee he would be waiting for me. I mentally prepared an apology so we could remain on civil terms, at least to allow us to stumble through this nightmare. I’m sure I was going to need someone in my corner against the rest of the family, and a lawyer would be a strong ally.

Walking up the back deck, I was mumbling quietly under my breath. The sun had fully burst through the clouds, lightning up the entire beach with its warmth and energy.

Before walking inside, I could see the back of Zack’s head as he relaxed on the couch. With a deep breath, I opened the sliding patio door and entered the house. Briefly glancing over his shoulder at me, Zack went back to the laptop positioned on his crossed leg.

“Hey,” I said, cautiously circling the couch to talk to him. “Look, I’m sor-“

I cut my apology short when I reached the front of the couch. Lying beside Zack, on his back, bundled in a few towels sleeping was my dog, Riley. He wasn’t just lightly sleeping. The pup was completely out, snoring lightly.

Raising a finger to his lips, Zack tilted his head slightly. I could tell he was amused. “Shhh. Don’t wake the baby.”

“Wha-? That’s impossible. He hates men.”

“Really? Couldn’t tell.” The mischievous smile crossed his lips again. “I guess I’m just lovable.”

I sighed. “Well, not all men. Andrew. He hates Andrew.”

Zack closed his laptop, setting it on the coffee table. “Andrew?” He pursed his lips, pondering the name.

“Yes, Andrew.” I eyed Zack. “And maybe ‘hate’ isn’t the best word. We might even be safe with ‘loathe’.”

“Damn.” Zack scratched his chin. “He sounds amazing. When shall we expect Prince Charming?”

I cleared my throat. With a small smile on my face, I met Zack’s look. “Cinderella will be attending her events solo moving forward.”

“What?”

“We broke up, Zack. I threw the ring in his face after he confessed to cheating on me.” I scoffed, pushing past Zack towards the wet bar. If we were going to have this conversation, I needed a drink.

“He cheated on you?”

“Yes. I should have known.” I poured myself a scotch neat, taking it down in one pull. After pouring a second, I continued. “You know, dogs are excellent judge of character. Riley was a gift from Andrew. You would think there would be a connection? No. Riley always pissed in his shoes. Never chewed on any of his stuff, nah. He would just piss on it.”

“That’s disgusting.”

I shrugged. “Riley doesn’t like cheaters.”

Zack chuckled. “Or maybe it was just Andrew. I’m sure the fact he was a cheater did not help”

Smiling, I finished my drink and returned to the bar. This time I grabbed a bottle of rum, pouring it over some ice.

Zack lifted his brow at me. “Do you really think you should be drinking after taking that medicine earlier?”

“Are you really going to stop me now?”

Rolling his eyes, Zack walked to the kitchen. After a quick rummage through the cabinets, he turned back to me. “This place is bare and you need food.”

“I’ve got my liquid diet,” I smiled, lifting my glass to him as I flopped into the seat behind me.

Zack chuckled. “Doesn’t count. Should we order something? Obviously, I can’t discuss anything legal with you now.”

“I’m still of sound mind.”

“That’s debatable.”

“‘That’s debatable,’” I mocked as I took a gulp of my drink. “Someone is serious.”

Ignoring me, Zack looked at his phone. I watched him, taking in the moment. He looked very handsome, just casually standing there. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, his hair slightly messy. One hand was in his pants pocket as the other scrolled across this screen. The beard quickly grew on me. It really fit him. Maybe it was the alcohol, but I was wondering how it would feel against my skin, with his lips moving down my neck -

“Pizza, wings, sandwiches?”

“What?” I had zoned out while watching him. I could feel my cheeks were slightly flushed and I was holding my glass of only ice against my warm neck.

A smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth as his stare focused on me. “Pizza, wings, or sandwiches?” he repeated slowly.

“Um, why don’t you pick? You remember what I like.” I jumped to my feet, rambling, avoiding eye contact.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

Zack approached me, touching my shoulder. “Hey, are you ok?”

I instantly felt a spark of electricity from his touch. My eyes darted to his, where I was confident I noticed a momentary change. Did he feel that too?

“Yes, I’m fine. You were right; I probably should not drink with that medicine. I might just grab a shower before the food arrives.” I smiled, trying to assure him.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. It’s been a lot these last few days. So much stress and drama.”

“Ok. Well, your stuff is upstairs in your old room. I figured you would prefer that over your grandparents’ room,” said Zack as he returned to his phone.

I stared at him, surprised.

“What?” he asked. “Was that wrong? Do you want me to move them?”

“No,” I finally replied quietly. “No, that…that’s perfect.”

“Great.” He sat down on the couch next to Riley and continued to search on his phone.

I made my way to the staircase. As I reached for the handrail, Zack caught my attention.

“What was that?” I asked.

“I said no tomatoes, right? On your sandwich?”

I smiled. “No, no tomatoes. Thank you, Zack.”

He smiled back at me. “Go get your shower.”

As I made my way up the stairs towards my childhood room, my thoughts were lost. I forced myself to focus on the moment so I would not be too overwhelmed. A lot had already happened and I knew much more was on the horizon.

One step at a time.

Take a deep breath.

One foot in front of the other.

Breathe.