“They’re picking up the storage trailer. I packed her stuff up and am shipping it down.”
“A whole trailer full?”
“Yeah. I don’t want any of it.”
She nods and grabs my hand. “I wish I could be strong for you. I’m so sorry about all this.”
“You don’t need to worry your pretty little head about my crap. I got it.”
“I really wish I could help you.”
I smile, kiss her hand, and then open the driver’s door. She climbs in and readjusts the seat. I buckle her, lean in to kiss her, and then force myself to pull back. She grabs my face, pulls it to hers, and kisses me. Unable to pull back, I kiss her harder. She opens her mouth, letting me inside, and I cautiously enter. I caress her tongue, and she does the same to mine. When I pull away, she closes her eyes. I kisses her nose and steps away.
“See you soon, baby?”
She nods. “You better, bud.”
I watch her pull down the road, and then I turn to face a chapter closing in my life.
As I walk across the yard, Ryan pulls in. I wave at him and continue to walk.
Ten minutes later, my phone beeps, alerting me of a message.
- Thank you. Weird, but this song started playing as soon as I pulled out of the driveway. The radio says “Come To Me” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Something about a sweetest friend and growing old. I thought of you … TT
I punch it into iTunes and buy it without even listening to it. And yes, because I’m a fucking love sick bitch, I buy the acoustic version ringtone, too. I set it as her message alert and ringtone.
My phone then plays the ringtone.
- Okay, it was deeper than I thought, so don’t listen to it … TT
- You driving? … LYA
- Yep … TT
- Stop fucking texting then, baby … LYA
- Bossy … TT
- Good at it … LYA
- Lots to live for, so I will accept the friendly advice. Harper is having a girl … TT
- Loving my new ringtone. And that’s great. She’ll be beautiful. And holy shit, I banged a grandma … LYA
- I should be scolding you! But you made me laugh and let me sleep, so I’ll let it go … TT
- Stop fucking texting … LYA
“You done playing with your phone?” Ryan asks, making me jump.
I look beside me at him. “Yeah.” I shove it in my pocket.
“You done pushing everyone away?”
I look at him and say nothing.
“Come on, Lucas. We’re—”