Complete Without You (ONC 2022)

Chapter 11 - Staircase to the Moon (Neil)

My phone died before I got an answer from Sadie, but I waited at the popular tourist spot along the beach anyway. She wasn't among the crowd of visitors snapping blurry shots on their phones and tablets. She may have never wanted to see me again, but I had to try. My stomach twisted into knots with each passing minute.

As the moon rose over the mudflats, its reflection created a golden staircase effect in the leftover water. I distracted myself by taking photos, even if my shaking hands ruined most of them. I should have brought my tripod.

"Here I hoped you showed up for me," said a familiar voice.

I whipped around to find her in the fitted camisole she wore at supper, and her hair fell in waves past her shoulders. But her most beautiful feature was her smile. "Goanna, you came."

The full moon illuminated her oval face as her grin widened. "Had to make sure you were okay, Tiger. You are the last known sighting of a species that went extinct in captivity in the 1930s."

It warmed my heart that she knew that and was trying to cheer me up. "I'm an idiot."

"You got terrible news you weren't expecting. You must feel better if you're here and off your phone."

She was perfect. Why she'd returned was a mystery, but I could redeem myself. "It died after I texted you, but not before I blocked Ally."

Sadie's jaw dropped. "What? That's a huge step."

"I spoke with my sister, and she saw things my way. She talked me into it. Better late than never, I suppose. How was your evening at the market?"

"A little shocking."

"Streakers?"

Sadie laughed, bringing another charming smile to her lips. "No, oddly enough, that would have been nicer. I ran into my ex, or rather he tracked me down."

My skin chilled as I recalled the effort she took to avoid him. "Are you okay? What did he want?"

"To apologize and to get back together."

My stomach churned again. Had she said yes? She wouldn't have met me here if she had, right? "Didn't he end your relationship?"

Sadie nodded. "After my friends shared my secrets, he thought he could change to make it work."

As much as the answer scared me, I needed to know where Sadie and I stood. "Do you think he could?"

She tucked her hands into her jean shorts pockets. "I believe he was sincere about trying, but neither of us would be happy. I'm done with that chapter of my life. Some actions are forgivable, but his aren't."

I must have looked like the Cheshire cat if my expression contained half as much excitement as my tingling limbs. "Must be a great feeling."

"Fantastic. Even though I dreaded seeing him, getting closure where we both understood why it could never work and hearing he regretted his actions was satisfying."

"Should we celebrate? Plenty of edible choices ahead," I clarified, so I didn't freak her out again. "I owe you after ruining dinner. I am truly sorry to have acted so indifferently. My mind was stuck on how worthless Ally's choice made me feel. What you said... it means a lot to me."

Sadie fiddled with her bracelet. "I'll give you a pass since I've been there, but just this time."

"I will be ultra enthusiastic about the next dinner." My excitement intensified thinking about it. A romantic evening unmarred by my ex or hers.

"I hope so since it's your turn to cook it."

Laughter sprang from my lips as we walked in the market's direction. "Even after the baked beans?"