Serena walked away from the beach, her heart feeling a little lighter after her conversation with Solene. She hadn’t expected to make a connection with anyone here in Carmel, let alone someone who seemed to understand her so easily. It was as if Solene had been sent by the universe to give her the clarity she so desperately needed.
Back at the inn, Serena lay on her bed, her thoughts still tangled with everything she had shared. She hadn’t told Solene every detail about Eli—about the moments that made her heart race, or the doubts that made her want to flee—but it was a start. For the first time in weeks, Serena didn’t feel as though she was drowning in her emotions.
The next morning, Serena found herself heading back to the beach, almost hoping she might run into Solene again. She wasn’
