Free Memory of You (A Misty Cove Love Story) by Dori Lavelle

That’s why people are wagging their tongues. But believe me, they will soon get bored and move on to something else.”
    “It could take years,” I said softly.
    “Or a few days. One can never say.” She erased the hearts she had drawn and dusted off her hands. “I cannot believe you stood up to them back there. I’m so proud of you.”
    I smiled broadly. “I’m proud of myself. Maybe they will actually think twice about gossiping next time. They should have at least waited until I was out of earshot. They are plain disrespectful.”
    “I agree. Sally’s face is one to remember. I thought she was going to bolt.”
    “I used to like Sally,” I said. “When her first husband died, Gran and I baked her a meat pie. I took it to her place and we ate it together. She was so kind then.” Her husband had been hit by a car while crossing the street to meet Sally on the other side. His death was one of the well-known tragedies of Misty Cove.
    “I know. Do you know she’s married again?”
    I raised an eyebrow. “No, I had no idea. To whom?”
    Erin nodded. “To her husband’s best friend, of all people.”
    “Wasn’t that Chief Spencer?”
    “The one and only. He retired two years ago.”
    “Well, I hope they’re happy.” I could still remember the tears sparkling in Sally’s eyes that night when I brought her the pie. She had poured me freshly pressed orange juice and told me then that she would never, ever marry again. Maybe hearts really did heal.
    Erin nodded. “They seem happy enough.”
    I looked at Erin seriously. “Do you think they will stay in Misty Cove… after their wedding?”
    “We’re not talking about Sally and Chief Spencer anymore, are we?”
    “Bryce and…”
    “Lori?” Erin shifted. “I wish you didn’t ask me that question.”
    “What do you know? Tell me. You’re my best friend.”
    “I think they’re staying. Word around town is that Bryce will be renting out his parents’ cottage and building a new house on the plot… the plot—”
    “The plot he’d bought to build our house on,” I said softly. I bit back tears. I couldn’t help feeling betrayed in the worst possible way. Even though I had no right to feel that way. It was his plot, after all. “I know it’s selfish, but I kind of hoped he would sell it.”
    “I know it hurts. Should I have lied to you?”
    “Don’t you dare!” I nudged Erin. “Doesn’t matter. He can do whatever he wants. Let’s eat some tarts.”
    For the next ten minutes I pretended to be fine, to enjoy my lemon tarts. But I didn’t taste a thing. One thing was clear: This was going to get more painful before it got better.
     

Chapter Sixteen
     
    I stood in front of the display window of Petal & Pearls, one of the two bridal stores in Misty Cove.
    My heart came in quick gasps as I stared at the dress in the window—strapless and simple with tiny pearls scattered all over the bust. The chiffon skirt was slightly short at the front and long at the back but barely touched the floor. The perfect beach dress. Even after all these years, it was the one. It was so different from the gown I'd worn when I married Milton—an expensive princess gown that was beautiful but never felt like mine.
    My hands trembled as I placed them on my lips. Five years and they still sold the dress I’d nearly married Bryce in. Didn't they adjust to the trends? I had to admit that the dress was classic enough to withstand time and the unpredictable nature of fashion. It was still here, still taking my breath away. It had been heart-wrenching telling Erin to return it barely worn but not unloved. Much like Bryce. I had given him up even though I still loved him.
    He has made his decision, Jade, and it doesn't include you. Deal with it. I’d bumped into him on the beach last night. We had both been out for a Sunday evening walk.
    Although we had greeted each other and exchanged a few words, we had felt like strangers. Before he left, I couldn’t help