That part still hadn’t returned.
And I desperately wanted that piece of me back.
THIRTY-ONE
JARED
I ENTERED through the main lobby of Morgan Security, saying good morning to the receptionist before slowly making my way toward my office. Every few feet, I was stopped by an employee to talk, and by the time I got in my chair, my coffee was cold. I called my assistant, asking for a new one, as I waited for my computer to turn on.
After entering a series of passwords, I clicked on my email. There were hundreds waiting to be opened. Only one mattered. It had come in around three this morning, and I had been awake when my phone buzzed.
I’d read it enough times that I knew it by heart.
Each time, I heard it in her voice.
And each time, she got quieter.
As I mentioned in my last email, I was one of the passengers on Flight 88 that you’ve been hearing about recently on the news. It’s been extremely difficult, adjusting to life after the crash, and I’m afraid my healing has just begun. Even though I previously requested an extension on our contract, I’m writing to let you know that I won’t be able to fulfill it in the way we agreed.
* * *
To put it simply, I’m just not ready to get on a plane and fly.
* * *
I understand that traveling to your restaurant is a requirement, and your establishment is too far to drive to, so I would like to offer another option before you cancel our contract. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be starting a new feature, allowing restaurants to air thirty-second spots on my social media channels. I ask that you show your kitchen and preparation, cooking demonstrations, plates, your staff, dining room—whatever you can fit in without exceeding the time limit. With the reach that I have, I feel this would be a wonderful opportunity to show a unique part of your business to a worldwide audience of eaters.
* * *
To help make your decision, I’ve attached the demographics of each of my channels and a detailed report of my engagement and click rate. If this is something you’re interested in, I’m happy to discuss it in greater length or send a revised contract. If you would like to cancel the contract completely, please let me know, and I’ll send you that form.
* * *
Please know, this wasn’t an easy decision to make. I’ve dedicated my life to this job, and I want nothing more than to return to it, eating my way across the globe. One day soon, I hope that comes true.
* * *
Noodles and Toodles,
Billie Paige
“Here’s a warm one,” my assistant said.
I dragged my eyes away from the screen to see her putting a new coffee on my desk before she walked back out of my office.
I didn’t want it.
Nothing in that mug was going to make the situation on my screen look any better. Billie was struggling, and I saw it in every word but her sign-off and signature, and those had been auto-generated. She was apologizing when she didn’t have to. Justifying when she didn’t need to do that either. The weight of the plane was on her back. Her entire world felt like it was falling apart, and she was barely hanging on.
That was the reason I could help her.
I knew what that felt like … better than anyone.
But it meant reaching out and spending time with her when I’d purposefully been staying away.
“I’m afraid my healing has just begun.”
That line kept catching my attention.
I read it again.
And again.
Knowing this was going to be one of the most challenging things I’d ever done—and probably something I’d regret—I took out my phone, pulled up a new text box, and typed in the number at the bottom of her email.
Me: Let’s meet for coffee.
I set my cell beside my desk and returned to my computer, working my way through my inbox. I was penning my first reply when her message came through.
Billie: Who is this?
Me: Jared.
Billie: Wow.
Billie: Hi!
Billie: How did you get my number?
Me: Are you free this afternoon?
Billie: Yes.
Me: I’m going to text you an address. Meet me there at 3.
Billie: Okay.
Billie: See you soon, Jared.
THIRTY-TWO
HONEY
SPRING 1985
HONEY WAS SET to marry Andrew on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of March, three months after he proposed. She chose to have the ceremony outside in front of a lighthouse despite it being a little chilly. The scenery was one they both loved, and it felt like the perfect place to exchange vows.