“Then I assume you’re very much in the same spot I was in when Finn was demanding entry to my heart and my life, and all those walls I’d erected to keep out threats to the life I’d built for myself were crumbling as if they were made of sand.”
Chloe’s words struck at the heart of Gigi’s dilemma where Cooper was concerned. “I always thought my walls were built of concrete and rebar, but since I met him, I’m discovering otherwise.”
Chloe’s laughter echoed through their little encampment under the rocks. “It’s shocking to realize how easily they can climb over and get inside, isn’t it?”
“Shocking and a bit horrifying.”
Smiling, Chloe said, “It’s only shocking and horrifying at first. Once you get past the initial jolt, it’s actually quite lovely to have someone who has your back through all of life’s ups and downs.” She touched the stunning diamond pendant that hung around her neck on a gorgeous chain. “Finn is the best thing to ever happen to me. I’ve never been happier until I allowed myself to let him make me happy.”
Chloe’s words resonated with Gigi. Until I allowed myself to let him make me happy. “I’m glad it worked out so well for you guys.”
“I am, too, and he says he’s never been happier, too, which is just as important to me as my own happiness.” She shrugged as if she hadn’t described life-changing developments. “When it’s right, it’s right.”
Gigi felt like her brain would explode from all the thoughts competing for her attention. So many thoughts, emotions and concerns as her summer on Gansett came to a close. “Thanks for sharing that with me, Chloe. I appreciate your insight.”
“I’ve discovered that when you’re happy like I am with Finn, you want everyone else you care about to find their happiness.”
Hearing that Chloe cared about her had Gigi’s emotions stirring again. What was it with this place and these people? She’d never been such an emotional waste case in her life, even during all the crap with her parents. She’d powered through like she hadn’t a care in the world, but this…
Jordan was right. Chloe was right. This, with Cooper… This was different.
Her phone chimed with a text from him. How was the meeting with Matilda? Mine went great—better than I could’ve expected. Can’t wait to tell you about it. You going with me tonight?
“Are you guys coming to my surprise party tonight?”
Stunned, Gigi looked at Chloe, who laughed. “Finn sucks at surprises. He’s given it away about six times in the last two days.”
“But you’ll act surprised tonight?”
“Of course I will. I’d never ruin his fun.”
Gigi wanted to be there for her new friend, and she wanted another night with Cooper, even if she was aware that every minute she spent with him would make it that much harder to leave when the plane arrived to pick her up next Tuesday.
Meeting was interesting. Decisions to be made. Can’t wait to hear about yours. I’d love to go to Chloe’s party. Be home shortly.
I’ll be here.
Three simple words that said so much: I’ll be here.
She had a few days left to decide if she was going to take a chance on him or stick to the safe route. But the more she thought about it, the less the safe route appealed to her. Nothing appealed to her as much as he did.
* * *
Later that night, wrapped up in Cooper’s arms on the Wayfarer dance floor as he softly sang along to Owen Lawry’s rendition of “God Only Knows,” Gigi understood she was in much deeper with him than she’d previously acknowledged. Him singing, “God only knows what I’d be without you,” to her had her mind racing with scenarios and implications and dread.
She had to go back to LA, where things made sense to her. Nothing made sense on Gansett Island. It was like she’d become someone totally foreign to herself in three short months on the tiny island in the middle of the ocean. How was it possible for twenty-nine years to be wiped out by three short months and a few weeks with a guy who said and did all the right things?
Finn had gone overboard with food and drinks and music. Chloe was glowing with happiness as she danced with her fiancé. Things had worked out well for her friend. She was one of the lucky ones. Gigi had never been one of the lucky ones.
“How do you know this song?” Gigi asked Cooper, desperate for a reprieve from her own thoughts.
“It’s my mother’s favorite. I was weaned on Pet Sounds.”
“What the heck is Pet Sounds?”
“Only one of the most iconic albums of all times. Beach Boys, circa 1966, and thank God we had this conversation before you meet her, or my mom might not approve of you for me.”
“She won’t approve anyway.”
Cooper drew back from her and looked down, his expression full of confusion. “Why in the world would you say that?”
“Along with the rest of the world, she’s watched me act the fool on TV for the last couple of years. She’ll probably think you could do better.”
“You haven’t acted the fool. You’ve made a lot of people laugh and entertained them with your antics.”
“It’s silly.”
“It’s fun. You should be proud of what you and Jordan have created.”
“I am. Sort of.”
He took her by the hand and led her from the dance floor to the veranda that looked out over the beach.
“This is one hell of a spot the McCarthys have here,” she said as she took in the view that was magnificent, even at night.
“It sure is. Now why don’t you tell me what’s wrong, and once again, I have to say don’t tell me it’s nothing, because you haven’t been yourself since you got home earlier.”
“And you know me well enough to say that?”
“I do, yes.”
Gigi folded her arms across her chest, as if that could fortify defenses that were nonexistent when he looked at her in that particular knowing way. “I’m leaving Tuesday.”
His eyes went wide. “As in this coming Tuesday?”
She nodded.
“Why so soon?”
“We finish shooting on Monday, and the network is sending a plane to pick everyone up.”
“So, you don’t have to leave on Tuesday. You’re choosing to leave on Tuesday.”
“My job is done here. I have a ride home. I’m going.”
“Okay.”
“Okay. Can we go back to the party now?”
“Sure.”
As they walked back inside, Jordan and Mason were coming in through the main entrance. Jordan made a beeline for Gigi, hugging her tightly while Cooper stopped to talk to Finn. “The mayor said yes to Mason taking a three-month leave of absence in the winter! We can keep making the show!”
“That’s great, Jord. I’m happy for you.”
“I’m happy for us, Geeg. Three more seasons to be together and have fun while making enough money to be set for life. This is the best day ever!”
“What’re you girls freaking out about?” Nikki asked as she joined them.
“We were offered a big fat deal to do the show for three more years, and we just found out that the mayor is going to let Mason take a three-month leave of absence in the winters so we can film then.”