Whose idea was this weekend? He felt like he was getting hit emotionally from every angle. First after insisting he was, all set, his brother showed up with Jen. This was after he had spent half the time he was watching the Sox lose thinking about her and wishing she'd call or text. He was thinking about how she dressed to meet Sydney, but even more so the way she looked when he went in for coffee. Her legs that didn't quit in her shorts and her face beautiful and so natural with no makeup. He imagined waking up to that face with those legs tangled around his.

So after getting himself aroused by thinking about her all evening, she was in his house. He wondered if Avery thought him a fool because he felt tongue-tied for the first few moments. When the friends went upstairs, his brother said, "Those are two beautiful women." Alex just stood and nodded like a fool.

Then she left him with the lovebirds. Lord, they were so into each other it was enough to make anyone jealous. He wondered about Jen's dress that Avery brought for Sydney's party. He wouldn't overdress because he was the builder. A part of him wanted to look good for Jen to notice him. He wanted her heart to stop the way his did constantly.

On Saturday he drove over for coffee, but didn't see her. Only the Lilys were working. Rick had two high school girls both named Lily who were good friends. One lived year round on The Point, the other didn't. He'd been told many years ago it was always Jen and Megan behind the counter and then Peter joined them. Megan worked weekends in season until she had Abbie. That was how Alex became friendly with her. It didn't surprise him to see Jen working when they arrived for lunch, the line was out the door. He was used to the off-season when he could get his coffee and lunch without a wait.

Jen's phone ruined lunch. He listened as she spoke with the man she married. He wanted to know how a man could cheat on her and let her go. If he ever allowed himself to give in to his desires, it would never be enough. He would never let her go, and that was his problem.

The husband called again when they were walking back from the beach. He heard her friendly greeting. "You can do it. I have faith in you. Definitely call and let me know... I know, me too... Bye." When she ended the call, he stared at her and she looked at him as if to say, what? He just shook his head thinking it wasn't over. She was fooling herself. As much as he longed for her, he couldn't get mixed up in a mess.

His resolve lasted until he saw her dressed for the party. Her blue dress complemented her mocha eyes. It fit perfectly in just the right places. He would have to be blind to not notice her and he wanted her desperately. He watched as she negotiated the room accepting accolades humbly. She often pointed his way and once or twice waved him over.

One couple was considering a house in Maine, but he stayed as they showed interest in her talents for their New York apartment. He heard Sterling's name mentioned, and it reminded him she would always be tied to him through their business. Another couple from Boston was interested in a house at Higgins Beach.

"I have one that I've been considering selling. I can let you know. It's been completely redone, but hasn't had a designer."

"Perhaps we'll be calling you," she said, turning to Jen.

Jen just smiled, but he knew she wasn't looking for clients in Maine. He wished she would only work in Maine. He watched as she greeted more people. Some she knew from her own social circle. Meanwhile, Avery and Tom fit in nicely.

Sydney came up to him and took his arm. She made her way around the room introducing him to everyone as her amazing builder. He smiled and tried to be charming. He normally felt uncomfortable with compliments, but he was proud of his crew's work. They circled around to Jen and Sydney commented that they made a great team.

Jen said, "He wasn't thrilled you hired me. He didn't want to work with a bossy lady from New York."

"But she's not from New York. She's from here," Sydney said.

"Yes, but she's still bossy." He tried to look serious but cracked a smile.

Jen said, "Don't listen to him, we got along fine. Thank you, Sydney this was lovely, but we'll leave you to your friends."

"I'm sorry Sterling didn't come up. Tell him I missed him."

"I will. Thank you."

"Alex, thank you. You built me my dream house." Sydney kissed his cheek.

He smiled while Jen collected his brother and her friend. Once outside, he said, "Drinks at The Beach House."

Avery said, "Sounds good."

Jen said, "Just one then I'm going home."

The patio was more crowded than last week. He and Tom braved the bar for drinks. There were no tables, so they stood by the rail and the crowd pushed them all closer together. He smelled feminine scents, but had trouble telling if it was Jen or Avery. He felt her body push into him. He wanted to put his arm around her waist and protect her as Tom was doing for Avery. Their conversation was difficult with the noise and he let Avery do all the talking. Just as she said she would Jen started to leave.

"Are you okay alone?" Avery asked.

"Perfectly. Good night. See you at the party."

Alex watched her leave. He watched as she stopped in front of a man and threw herself into his arms. The man was attractive, and he had a huge smile for her. Alex watched as he kissed her cheek. He could see Jen laughing with him and the two walked down the steps onto the beach together.

He was jealous of that man who held her and touched her the way he was longing to. About five minutes later, the man came back and joined his friends. Alex wondered who he was. Eventually, the crowd forced them to give up and go home.

Driving by The Landing his only consolation was she was home, and that guy was still out. He would have been a mess if the guy had left with her ─ not that he wasn't already a mess. Avery and Tom had their backs to Jen and never saw her with the guy. Alex couldn't shake the images from his mind ─ the dress, the embrace, and her phone calls. A mess of emotions ran through his head. Would she ever fall into his arms like that? Would she ever really be free from Sterling? Would he ever be able to feel those curves?

Knowing sleep would not come easy he went downstairs to watch the rebroadcast of the game he missed earlier. He woke at first light on the sofa with the television on. He knew being tired would not help him get through her last day.

Sunday arrived warm and sunny. She got up early to go help Megan get ready for the party. It was her last day until she got away over the summer. It was her last day to see Alex, and she longed for things to be different.

Sterling had been calling her nonstop. She was trying hard to be patient, but it was hard. She helped cut up vegetables for salads. She ran across the street to get an onion from Kristi. Seeing her house for the first time, it was beautiful.

"All Alex."

"No. Your colors are beautiful. You have a great eye."

"Wow! That's a compliment." She smiled.

Jen went home to change just before guests were due to arrive. Sterling called just as she arrived.

"Hold on," she said as she walked through the lunch crowd.

Once upstairs, she said, "Did you do it?"

"Yes, they were disappointed."

"Not because of me."

"Yes, I didn't tell them why."

"I didn't tell my parents either. Seriously, they never liked me."

"Not true. All weekend, my mother was saying, too bad Jennifer's not here."

"No way. Sydney's party yielded at least one potential New York client. Listen, I have plans. I'll see you Wednesday. Bye."

She didn't hate him. She just couldn't think about him with Trevor. She wore a summer dress over her bikini and packed a bag with her towel and sunscreen. She was walking back to Megan's when Alex's truck drove by.

Avery walked back to meet her after they parked. "Are you ready to meet Megan?"

On the front porch, Alex was already talking to his best girl, Sophie.

Jen said, "That's one of the twins, Sophie. They're in love with each other. Hi Sophie."

"Hi, Jen. Alex is going to let me bury him."

"Nice!"

Just then Peter stepped out. "Hey Jen and Avery! Welcome to the beach!"

"Peter, you look happy. Meet Tom."

"Alex's brother. Nice to meet you. Small world." Peter laughed.

Jen heard Sophie telling Peter about burying Alex, as they went inside. Megan was still in the kitchen and said, "Oh Avery! I feel like I already know you and Alex's brother, I see the resemblance."

Others arrived but Alex stayed outside. Eventually, they all moved outside to walk to the beach. Alex was with his sister and holding his nephew. Her heart lurched seeing him hold the tiny baby.

She walked across the street as everyone was gathering and making introductions to see if Kristi needed help. She followed as Kristi threw herself into the group. Jen stayed to the side as the whole group meandered towards the beach.

Once on the beach, they staked out a large spot and Jen sat on her towel. She was looking out at the water when Megan's brother, Drew, came and sat next to her. Things had changed from when he treated her like an annoying pest. Now they were adults and glad to see each other. Peter and Abbie joined them and eventually Megan. She saw Alex looking at her, but he stayed away. He looked sad, and she wasn't sure why. She tried to enjoy herself without thinking of him.

The children played. Sophie buried Alex. She watched Avery getting to know Tom's sister and her husband. Megan spent some time holding the newborn and Jen never saw Megan with babies.

Eventually, Megan came over. "You seem sad."

"No, just thinking I never saw you with your babies."

"I know I pushed you away."

"I think we both had a role in letting our friendship go."

"I will miss you, but you'll come back this summer right?"

"I hope so if I can get away."

The men started a game of football, and she watched them. Alex had been covered in sand and went to rinse off. She watched as he came out shirtless and dripping wet. Thank goodness for sunglasses. He looked her way with a sad expression. Why was it they were both miserable among friends?