Chapter 12

Elle

I sit on my porch, my mind consumed by images of last night with Asher's expression and the hurt in his green eyes when I left him alone on the beach.

When I think of him, my heart beats hard, and butterflies take flight in my stomach. I've never felt like this before. Falling for Asher is like diving headfirst into uncharted waters, but I can't help myself. He's charming, kind, and fiercely dedicated to his team. I want to be there for him, to support his dreams and share in his happiness.

But I failed him last night. Instead of comforting him, I let my fear of losing my job take control and ran like a coward. I chew nervously on my thumbnail, the habit offering little comfort now.

"Enough," I whisper to myself, determined to set things right. I need to find Asher and apologize, even if it means looking like a fool. It's time to prove that I can be my own person, separate from the unethical ways of my gypsy upbringing, and not sacrifice those I love for my own goals in life by pushing them away despite the outcome.

I bound off the porch, hop in my car, and make my way towards Pawleys Island. I scan the few streets, searching for any sign of Asher, but I don’t see any. So, I park back in my community and walk Love Beach.

As I walk along the shoreline, guilt and remorse weigh heavy on my chest like an anchor. I know I hurt him, and the thought of causing him pain makes my heart ache. If I want any chance at building a future with him, I have to take responsibility for my actions and be honest about my feelings.

I look up toward the restaurants lining the seawall street and I finally see him sitting inside one at a table.

I spot him through the window of The Sand Dunes Bar & Grill, where he’d said that he often goes to relax and unwind. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that sooner. Taking a deep breath, I muster the courage to approach him. As I step inside, I'm greeted by the lively hum of conversation and the scent of sizzling burgers.

"Hey, Asher," I call out softly, my voice barely audible over the noise. He looks up, surprise flickering across his expressive green eyes as they meet mine. I offer a nervous smile, my thumbnail once again between my teeth.

"Elle, hey," he replies, a guarded expression on his face. "What brings you here?"

"Can I sit?" I ask hesitantly, gesturing to the empty seat across from him. He nods, and I slide into the booth, feeling the weight of the words I need to say. "Asher, about last night... I'm really sorry for leaving you like that."

"Is everything okay?" he asks, genuine concern etched within his gaze.

"I just...I had to go to work, and I couldn't say no to my boss, you know? But I shouldn't have left you, especially when you were so open with your feelings." My heart races as I confess, my cheeks flushing with shame. "I want to make it up to you, Asher. I want you to be able to trust me."

As I look into his eyes, hoping he'll understand, I realize how much he means to me. How much I want to be there for him, to support him, and be the person he can lean on. I silently pray that he'll accept my apology and give me a chance to prove I'm not going anywhere.

"Elle," he says softly, reaching across the table to place his hand on mine. "Thank you for being honest with me. We all have our reasons for doing what we do. Let's just move forward and see where this takes us."

"Thank you, Asher," I breathe out, relief washing over me like a wave.

We sit there, hands still intertwined, content to share the right here and now moment.

"Hey," Asher says suddenly, breaking the heaviness. "Why did the hockey player get thrown out of the pancake house?"

"I don't know, why?" I ask, already amused and giggling.

"Because he kept trying to ice the syrup!" Asher exclaims, his laughter contagious as I join him, feeling the lingering tension dissolving.

"Okay, okay, I got one," I say, trying to catch my breath. "Why don't some couples go to the gym?"

"Tell me," Asher says, his green eyes twinkling.

"Because some relationships don't work out!" I deliver the punchline, and we both burst into laughter again.