Free Return to Gray Harbor by J.J. Bryant Page A

history, a shared experience — but not exactly a pleasant one that connected them. But there was something more to it than that. Anyway, it didn’t matter. Even if she could get beyond the memories of Jenny he dredged up and their own past, he said he’d only be here a few weeks. Also, who could take off a few weeks these days…and why come here? Even though it was a beautiful little town, she never expected to be living here as an adult.
    She snuck another look at him. It was startling how much someone could change in thirteen years. She had also changed, but she didn’t feel like it was nearly as dramatic. His blue polo shirt stretched over his taut muscles and tight stomach. It looked like he spent a lot of time in the gym, but he wasn’t ultra muscular and didn’t have the look of a “meathead.” He looked lean and fit. She liked that. He was also clean-cut. And although the glasses hid his handsome face somewhat, she had to admit they made him look hot.
    She always kind of liked nerdy guys — which was why she was attracted to him in high school, instead of his brother, whom everyone worshipped. She had never really liked Jesse. And she liked him even less after that night ... the night her sister died. She guessed it was because he had seemed privileged and worshipped. She knew Michael came from the same family but she had felt differently about him; he was an outsider looking in, just like she had been. Sure, she hung out with the cool kids but it was only because she played basketball. She did that so she could get a scholarship, which she did. But she always felt out of place. Maybe it was because she was poor, maybe it was because she was taller than everyone and a “Ginger.” Ginger was her nickname in high school, not one that she particularly enjoyed but it beat carrot top. Jesse Malone and his crew could be mean about it, despite his relationship with her sister. What made Michael any different?
    She had to remind herself that he hadn’t exactly been an insider in high school, either. He was always a solitary figure and was always busy working at the market. She wondered what he was doing now, and again, why he was in town? Why now?
    At least he had a good appreciation for food, she thought. She looked over and watched him eat his steak; he really looked like he was enjoying it. She went back to work on her menu for the next day. Then she looked over at Michael again. He had pushed his plate to the side and was just staring at his beer. She looked at the clock; it was already ten thirty. She hurriedly moved from her seat and got behind the bar. It was just the two of them in there.
    “So, how was the steak?” she asked.
    Michael had been deep in thought, but at the sound of her voice, he came to and said, “Oh, the steak was great, thank you. I really enjoyed it.”
    He looked around the bar, which was empty. What had he been doing all this time? He was off in space, thinking about what he was going to do for his family. Could he even help them after what his dad had said? He knew he had to. He also thought about Beth and how her black pencil skirt fit so snugly against her hips, and her white collared shirt really emphasized her long, lovely neck. And those eyes, that face, and her hair—.
    “Would you like anything else?” she asked.
    He came back to earth. He knew the bar closed at eleven on Mondays, so she probably wanted to get home to her boyfriend or husband. For some reason, the idea of her with another man waiting for her at home annoyed Michael. Not that he thought he had any right to feel that way.
    “A glass of water and the check would be great.”
    He should be good to drive, but after what had happened to Jesse, he was always extra cautious about drinking and driving. Living in New York he rarely had to worry about it, but whenever he traveled, he would always be mindful. Some people thought he wasn’t as fun as he could be because of it, but it mattered to him.
    She came back