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I began telling him how I was battling with all the feelings of coming home, and he looked at me kind of funny... surprised almost.
“What is that look for?” I asked.
“Really Aubrey? When I was talking about going to the NHL, you were willing to figure it out and let’s be honest, we thought we loved each other, but we were just comfortable. We weren’t really in love.”
I gave him a surprised look. He held up his hand. “Let me rephrase that. I was in love, which I didn't realize until you finally left me. You on the other hand were not. You just thought you were, but you just wanted to fix me. I was so scared to love you that I fucked it up on purpose. You and him have real love, Aubs.”
My eyebrows went up in surprise. “Wow, Max, I um… I don’t really know what to say to that.”
He looked at me with what looked like pity or maybe concern. “Give him a chance Aubs. It sounds like he royally fucked up and he knows it… it’s not his fault I hurt you, and I’m the one who gave you all the insecurities. Don’t take that out on one mistake he made. He deserves a chance. You deserve to be happy finally, don’t you think?”
I looked down and sipped my coffee. This conversation was getting a little deeper than I was expecting. I spoke without looking at him. “How do you know I haven’t been happy?”
When I looked up at him, he smiled at me with a sad smile. “I have my ways.” He looked a lot more serious now. “I never stopped worrying about you, and I missed you since the moment you left that day. I knew it was the biggest mistake of my life.”
“You didn’t try to fix things,” I said matter-of-factly.
“You were better than me. You would have taken me back to make me feel better and not think about yourself at all.” He smiled again. I’m sure he was trying to break the tension. “I’ve kept up with my internet stalking skills a bit to check on you.”
I laughed and changed the subject and asked about him because I have not kept up with my stalking skills and know nothing about what he’s been up to.
“I’m moving to Boston next season to play for the Bruins.”
“Max, that’s great. That’s always been your dream, right?”
He looked surprised. “Yes. I’m flattered that you remember.” He looked at his watch. “Crap, I need to get to the hospital to relieve my mom, but I’ll see you around, okay?”
“Sure, and please let me know if your mom or dad need anything if you’re not here. I loved them so much. I would love to see them when your dad is back home.”
“They loved you too, Aubs. More than me, I think. You wouldn’t believe the shit I got when we broke up.”
“I can imagine.” I smiled at him.
He grabbed my hand as we were saying goodbye and gave it a light squeeze.
“Be happy, beautiful girl.”
He kissed my cheek and walked out the door. I needed that closure more than I knew.
CHAPTER FORTY
Lincoln
May
It’s been about two and a half months since I saw Aubrey. We’ve messaged a little here and there, but I haven’t let her in on my plans yet. I’m hoping no one involved ruins the surprise.
I hoped she would come today, but I haven’t heard from her in a few days. I’m guessing she forgot. I’m really trying hard not to think about it because this show needs my focus. It’s going to be awesome. These kids have been working their tails off for this production, and today is the last day. It will also be my last as their teacher. I’ve resigned since I’m going to be doing some traveling soon.
Watching these kids perform makes me realize how much I love what I do and that, when I eventually settle, I want to continue helping young minds find their passion for acting and music. The curtain is about to go up, and I keep scanning the crowd for her, but no luck. I will not give up on her, even if she gives up on me.
I clapped my hands to get everyone's attention backstage. “Break a leg, everyone. Let’s make it the best.”
The first act went amazingly. I feel like every show is better than the last. These kids impress the hell out of me every time they open their mouths. At intermission, I was in the back, just taking a moment alone. I heard the door to my office open, and there she was. She was standing there with her hair down, in her pretty sundress and flip-flops.
I ran up to her and lifted her off her feet.
“You’re here…but I didn’t see you in the audience. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I could have picked you up or something.”
