Chapter 15 - Julian Mercer’s QuestionJulian arrived in Newport in March.
He invited Clare sailing.
Nathaniel learned about it from Margaret.
Naturally.
He pretended not to care.
Poorly.
Andrew watched him attack a sandwich at lunch.
“You’re murdering that bread.”
Nathaniel glared.
“Eat your food.”
“Julian’s handsome.”
Nathaniel stopped chewing.
Andrew smiled.
“Old money. Boats. Oxford.”
“Andrew.”
“And unlike you, he didn't abandon Clare in a hospital.”
Nathaniel put down the sandwich.
“That was unnecessary.”
“Accurate, though.”
Nathaniel sighed.
“Yes.”
That evening Julian and Clare sat overlooking the harbor.
Julian had been her friend through everything.
He had never pressured her.
Never exploited her vulnerability.
That was why his question surprised her.
“Are you falling in love with him again?”
Clare stared at the water.
“I don't know.”
Julian nodded.
“Good.”
She looked at him.
“Good?”
“If you'd answered immediately, I wouldn't believe you.”
Clare smiled.
Julian continued.
“He hurt you badly.”
“Yes.”
“But?”
Clare looked toward the horizon.
“But he's different.”
“People can change.”
“You believe that?”
“I watched you change.”
Clare frowned.
“How?”
“You stopped confusing strength with endurance.”
That stayed with her.
Before leaving, Julian hugged her.
“Whatever you decide, make sure you're choosing your future. Not repairing your past.”
Clare watched his boat disappear.
She understood exactly what he meant.
If she loved Nathaniel again, it could not be because she wanted the marriage they had lost.
May you like
That marriage was dead.
Whatever came next would have to be new.
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