“Yes. Grace made these special holiday mimosas…” She paused. He could only assume she was taking another sip. “I don’t know what’s in them, but they’re delicious. We’ve been drinking them most of the day.”
He knew her first stop was the cemetery to see her parents. Drew worried about her but was happy she was enjoying herself. “I’ve been thinking about you.”
“I’ve been thinking about you too.” Her voice sobered up a bit. “Sorry I haven’t called; I didn’t want to interrupt your time with your family. But I got your gift—thank you, so much. I even told my parents about it this morning.” She went quiet. “I didn’t even know that picture existed.”
“I didn’t, either, until Ethan showed me. God, I miss you so much.”
“Me too. Once the holidays are over and things get settled at work, maybe we can see each other. What about Valentine’s Day?”
“February?” How much had she drunk? No way would he wait that long. Knowing this wasn’t the best time to have the conversation, he decided to end it for now. “Go enjoy your friends, and I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay, bye, Drew.”
Before he could say anything else she disconnected the call. He stared at the black screen and whispered,I love you, Lacey.
Drew’s sister walked up to him. “Was that her?”
“Lacey, yes. She’s at her friend’s house.”
Natalie’s brows furrowed. “Not with her family? Do they not live in New York? I can’t imagine not being with all of you for the holidays.” He knew family was the most important part of his sister’s life.
“She’s an only child and her parents passed away in a car accident when she was eighteen.” Immediately, Natalie’s hand went to her chest. “I know, it’s horrible.”
“I’m so sorry, Drew. Poor thing. You should have invited her here.”
He smiled, happy knowing Lacey would have been welcomed with open arms. That was just how his family was. “I did, but she had plans. Maybe next year.”
“Wow, you must be in love if you’re planning for the future already.” Drew nodded. “I’m happy for you.” She flung her arms around him and squeezed him tightly. “Can I ask you a question?”
Drew released his sister and took a step back. “Are you going to go psychologist on me?” Natalie had been fascinated with psychology since she was a young girl, and it didn’t surprise any of them that she became one of the top therapists in the city.
“No, but I can if you’d like to lie down on the couch.”
“Do patients really do that?”
She laughed. “Not really, but you’re avoiding.” Drew let out a breath, waiting for her question. “Does she love you?”
He felt the corners of his lips twist. “I hope so.”
“Then what are you doing here?”
“Trying to get rid of me?” Drew chuckled in an attempt to cover the thought that had been burrowing in his head since he stepped off the plane at O’Hare.
“No, but if Greg and I didn’t live in the same place and I couldn’tleave, I’d hope he would come to me.” She shrugged. “All I know is that time can’t be taken for granted. We think there are so many years ahead of us, but we all know that’s just not true. I’m sure the holidays are tough for Lacey. Losing the people you love in a tragic accident… puts things into perspective.” She took Drew’s hands. “Life doesn’t wait for things to happen. Sometimes we need to control our own fate.”
There was that word again. Drew knew deep down in his soul that he and Lacey were meant to be, but she didn’t believe in fate. He shared that thought with Natalie, and she shook her head. “Make her believe it. There was a reason you two were brought together. Yes, the circumstances may seem odd, but it still happened. I’m sure you weren’t the only single man on the beach that day.”
Just thinking of another man being the recipient of Lacey’s searing kiss made Drew antsier than he’d like to admit. “I know, I’ve thought about that.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I feel like I’ve known her all my life. How is that even possible?”
Natalie smiled. “Two souls meant to be together… that’s how.”
“That doesn’t sound very clinical.”
“It isn’t. Drew, this isn’t your sister the doctor talking. It’s your sister the romantic. The one who believes in love. The one who believes in fate and the one who believes that you haven’t stopped thinking of her since you came home.”
“I haven’t. But no matter how much I’ve tried, I don’t think she believes in long-distance relationships working. I think she has too many doubts.”
“So, I guess you know what to do.” She hugged him once more.