Nowhere

Chapter 36

We're now right at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. It's funny how time flies by when life is going well. Summer is starting to feel like a distant memory from another life. The water is now freezing, and the wind blows cold, which means that there's no one on the beach anymore. Aside from some couples, like Matt and me, that go for the occasional stroll when the sun is out, and some people that take the opportunity to walk their dogs.

New guests come and go, aside from Jack, of course. But none of the guests will ever feel like Jack, Lily, and Garret or Monica. I think I met them at a time where I needed to, and in different ways they all helped me, and for that, they will always hold a very special place in my heart. Monica and I actually text and call each other a lot. Somehow, we're making this friendship work. And Matt and I just received earlier today an invitation to their wedding. It will be a spring wedding in late March next year. Monica also cryptically said, during a phone call, that she hopes to have more important news soon, too. I wonder what she's talking about. I hope she's okay.

Also, I think Jack is officially retiring here. Last weekend I went with him to see a property. After dozens of properties, this one seems to have finally won over his heart and he seems ready to make an offer. He also told his family about it and showed them pictures of the property. They too seem to be very excited about it and are already planning their next summer holiday at Jack's new house. Let's hope he gets it, because truth be told, I'm tired of helping him search. Nothing aside from this house as made him happy. There's always some flaw that's too big for him to overlook. So, I think this might finally be the one. And if it's not, we're running out of options. It's a small town and I think Jack has already visited every property that could fill his requirements. Although Jack did confess to me, over a cup of tea, that it wasn't just about the minor flaws that the houses have.

"I'm afraid of letting go of the place I lived with my wife. We didn't have as many years as we could've, but they were some of our happiest years. But if she was still alive, she would've already made an offer on that house and put ours for sale." He sadly smiled at his cup of tea. We had just got back from visiting the house and sat in the living room. "I want to make sure I pick the right house for her, too. Even if she's not with me anymore." I smiled at him and grabbed his hand gently.

"What do you think she would say if she were here?"

"Make an offer, Jack. Now!" We chuckled.

After that, Jack went to his room to tell his family all about the house and that's when they started to daydream about next year's summer holiday.

Lately, life seems too perfect, too calm. Which makes me wonder if this is the calm before the storm or if I'm finally where I belong. When I catch myself having thoughts like these, I find myself looking for Matt's smile. I usually glance at him with a worried frown and he smiles at me, kisses my forehead and my worries temporarily seem to melt away. Maybe one day my worries will be gone for good. I sure hope so.

I glance out the window in my office. It's night already. The moon is full and shining above the water. It's a beautiful, clear night. I hear a knock on the door.

"Come in."

"You're done for the day?" Matt asks as he sits on the couch.

I get up from my chair and join him on the couch. Putting my legs on top of his and cuddling in his chest. "Yes. I think I'm finally done, actually."

"You finished your manuscript?" He smiles from ear to ear.

"I think so. I want to give it a last read before sending this last version to my editor."

"When can I read it?"

"When it comes out." I grin.

"Come on," Matt sighs. "Can't you at least tell me a little more about it?"