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What if We Drown Epilogue
"Where are you taking me?" Derek's laughter carried on the sea breeze while he ran, hand in hand with Ashlyn, down the boulevard.The smile in Ashlyn's cheeks was enchanting, her heart swelling beyond its confines until it illuminated every facet of her expression. A childlike joy danced upon her lips, her giggles falling back to meet him as she turned to glance his way.'You'll see,' the glint in her eyes said. Squeezing his hand tighter, she continued to run, every fragment of fear and every splinter of doubt falling behind her, the remains of the walls she'd nursed for years crumbling like dust beneath her canvas shoes.Her steps continued to carry them through streets lit by twilight, the breath in her lungs escaping with a giggle when she stumbled on a crack in the pavement. Catching her waist, Derek pulled her back against his chest, his hands resting on her hips."Are you going to tell me why we're in such a rush?" His breath was hot, his lips teasing as they brushed the si
What if We Drown 1
"... The storm is gaining strength as it heads towards Maine. Heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves are expected. All residents of the coastal areas are being urged to remain indoors, and where possible, evacuate to higher ground..." The radio crackled in the corner of Val's Diner.Ashlyn watched in shock as the waves crashed furiously over the pier and onto the streets outside. The angry wind growled, plants and rubbish tossed carelessly down the road. The men moved quickly around her, boarding all the windows and doors; the Diner growing darker and darker with each board fitted."Just a precaution." One of the men smiled as they tousled her hair. But the smile never met their eyes. Ashlyn nodded, uncertain of their assurances, and bent to look under another board. A crack of lightning caused her to jump back and squeal in shock."Ashlyn? Ashlyn! Get away from the window," her Mother, Cassia, cried out from across the room as she unsuccessfully tried to soothe the wailing child i
What if We Drown 2
"Abel's asking after you, Ash." Kassandra Sandoval chuckled, pinching Ashlyn in the ribs as she reached around her to grab the milk jug.With a playful smile, Ashlyn bumped her friend back, accidentally knocking the bottle of soy milk from her hand. Kassandra squealed and jumped back, crashing into Ashlyn, laughing at the mess they had made. No one in the café was at all surprised by this behavior as they continued with their conversations. It was one of the many things people loved about Salt on the Dock. While the food and the coffee were of the highest quality, it was the joy and love that the café and staff exuded that made the cafe so vibrant.Before Ashlyn could make a move for the mop, Kassandra was shooing her away.Kass, let me, she signed, collecting the sodden carton from the floor, her canvas shoes leaving dirty footprints where she walked."I've got this, go. Abel's coffee is getting cold." Kassandra winked as she scooped two chocolate Danish's on to a plate and handed it
What if We Drown 3
It was a good day for Salt as waves of people washed up on the threshold, their bodies drifting on the pleasant scents that carried them in, and each one was met with a warm smile courtesy of Ashlyn.A loud and exaggerated groan came from behind Ashlyn as the phone was hung up none too politely."Sometimes Marcus really grinds my gears. Can you believe he wants to start charging double for produce?" Kass grumbled. Ashlyn rolled her eyes at her best friends' attitude as the customer next in line chuckled.The queue quickly progressed as Ashlyn continued to take orders and make the drinks, while Kass worked on preparing their meals. Lunchtime had always been busy for them since Salts opening six years ago. The flavors that Kass captured in all the food she made, and the constant changing menu, were alluring and tasteful. Salt was undoubtedly the guilty pleasure of many."I saw what you did earlier. Giving that money to Abel was nice and all, but what about Venice? And Athens? You've bee
What if We Drown 4
There was a gentle knock at the door. A moment later a second knock followed when Ashlyn did not answer. Brushing any evidence from her cheeks, she opened the door and stepped around Kass to move towards the front of the building."Ashlyn, I'm sorry. I couldn't just let her speak to you like that." Kass followed and caught her arm. "Please, Ash." She was desperate for her to understand, and she did, but that didn't mean that she approved.You didn't have to speak to her like that. Ashlyn's disapproval was apparent in the weighted movements of her hands as she turned to her friend. She had always admired the passion and fire that burned beneath the bronzed glow of Kass' frame, but sometimes she went too far, and Ashlyn worried if she would ever realize that herself."I'm not going to stand by and pretend like her words don't hurt Ash. They do, for me and you." Kass' eyes were pleading. She knew how her best friend felt, and it deeply pained her that she couldn't take all of that away.
What if We Drown 5
IN MEMORY OF JAMES HOLLANDA MAN WHO EMBODIED THE VERY HEART OF GLASSMONT1964 – 1998The ridges formed in the words were smooth to the touch, bronze emblazoned on a plaque for generations to come. Ashlyn's fingers roamed over the ornately carved macrocarpa, her fingers dipping and gliding over a series of rises and falls. A flock of cormorants nested on rocks and grassy outcrops at the base of the pole, a ship sailing on the still sea progressed up the side. Ancient symbols and detailing circled the remaining surface as it twisted towards the top. Each carving told a story of love and companionship, strength and peace, the life of her father depicted in a series of strokes and symbols...Abel had spent the first month after James' passing working on this project, his own contribution to the memoriam of his first faithful friend. Ashlyn could still recall the days spent in his workshop admiring the skill and precision that went into this particular project, and the connection to her f
What if We Drown 6
"Derek, I'd like you to meet my best friend and business partner, Ashlyn." Kass beamed as she approached from behind. "Derek's the new 1B," she added coming up beside Ashlyn.Derek grinned as he waved from where he sat, his navy jacket popping against the grey armchair. "Nice to meet you again, Ashlyn."Ashlyn withheld a laugh upon noticing her name still inscribed on his palm. She waved in response, her smile friendly."I don't understand. You guys know each other?" Kass enquired as she glanced between the two of them with confusion, her gaze missing the cursive ink that decorated his palm."Ashlyn was kind enough to help me with some, uh, map difficulties." He chuckled, his palms flexing against his jean legs. Kass' gaze focused on Ashlyn as her cheeks warmed, a light flush making itself known.It was nothing, really, she signed before scratching her forearm and looking away, a nervous habit she'd developed through her periods at the hospital. Kass' hand was firm, but comfort
What if We Drown 7
"Uh-uh, tonight's all about you bud," Kass chastised, wagging her finger as though he were a misbehaving child. "I have a question for you, and I expect you to give me a serious answer." Ashlyn could hear Derek's gulp from where she sat. She released the breath she had been holding, thankful for Kass' quick thinking."What is your spirit animal, and why?" She rested her chin on her fists, expectant.Ashlyn rolled her eyes and smiled apologetically. She should have known this would come. Kass asked everyone she met this question, for she believed a person's answer told her all she needed to know about a person. A moment passed as Derek thought about his answer."A Deer? I'd like to believe that I am a gentle, loving, and compassionate person, but still strong when the need arises."Ashlyn nodded. From the little she'd already heard in the way he spoke about his family, she believed it. He had a gentle heart for his sister and his nieces, and no doubt towards many others.Kass nodd
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