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I had a foolish idea that perhaps Cam had changed his mind. And when I came home today, I’d see his car in the driveway, and he’d come over when he saw me, and say something about not being able to live without me. Or something like that. I laugh at myself because that was never going to happen. He’s long gone. Probably already in the city, seeing his cool, stylish friends, out in a trendy upmarket downtown bar with a dress code.
I walk up the path and the porch steps to my front door. I rummage around in my bag to find my key then something catches my attention. A huge bouquet is hiding behind the swing seat. They are beautiful. I open the door then pick up the arrangement of daisies, peonies, and sweet peas that are gathered together in a presentation box, the stems wrapped with orange satin ribbon. I walk to the kitchen, place the flowers on the table, and stand there for a moment just admiring their beauty and inhaling their fragrance. I wonder if they are really for me. Perhaps there’s been a mistake and these gorgeous blooms have been delivered to the wrong address.
There’s a small white envelope tucked into the ribbon. I pull it out, open it, and read.
For Molly, with all the love in my heart. From Cam x
My heart pounds. I’m dizzy with delight as I read Cam’s words over and over. I’m overwhelmed and sit down. Then I find my phone and dial Cam’s number. I want to thank him for his beautiful gift and his kindness and care in fixing up Ernie’s house. The phone rings. I want to tell him that he has all the love in my heart. And that whatever the future holds for us, I will be here for him. More ring tones. I want to say that he is the best thing that has ever happened in my entire life. The call clicks to answerphone.
“This is Cam. Please leave a message and I’ll call you right back.”
I hesitate for a second then hang up.
Chapter 18
Cam
Each mile on my drive back to Richmond is marked by an incremental increase in traffic. Outside Oak River I’m alone on the road. Nothing in front. Nothing behind. An occasional farm vehicle chugs past, coming the other way. Then I’m on the freeway and I feel as if I’m being sucked into a vortex. There’s no going back now. When I enter the inner city, I’m suddenly alert, wide awake, aware of the density of people rushing from one place to another. It’s almost a shock to be back. I’ve forgotten what city life is like.
I park my car in the basement of my apartment building, unload my gear, and catch the elevator up to the seventh floor. It’s all so familiar but strangely different. I wonder who will be home. I messaged my roommates to say I was going to be back today, but they all have full and busy lives. I’m not expecting a welcome home party or anything. I unlock the door and go in. Everything is just the same as when I left, right down to the pizza boxes stacked on the kitchen counter. I call out a hello. No one responds so I guess Marty, Eric, and Calvin aren’t in.
I dump my stuff on the bed in my room. That’s just the same too. But I’m restless. I go back out to the lounge and pace around like a caged animal. I turn on the TV then turn it off again. Sitting still and driving for so long has made me mentally tired but physically tense; wired. I pack a bag with gym gear and head on out. I’ll put in an hour of cardio and finish up in the steam room. That’s my recipe for complete relaxation and the good night’s sleep that I desperately need.
The gym down the road is just the same too. I say hey to the folks I recognize. Some of my fire crew are working out but stop pumping iron to come over and greet me.
“Hey Cam! It is Cam, isn’t it?” Ricardo jokes and gives me a brotherly slap. “Been a long time, bro. We all thought you weren’t coming back. How was life in Hicktown? Pretty quiet, huh? I bet you missed the city.”
Hicktown huh? A small town where nothing happens? My thoughts turn to Molly and the Spring Fair. I immediately want to defend Oak River, although I don’t want to get into a discussion and disclose how I feel about what I have left behind.
“No. Hicktown was great. Really great.” I hope Molly likes the flowers I sent her. “And I’m going to miss it.” Feeling sad I change the subject and force a smile on my face. “What’s been happening here? What did I miss?”
“Oh, nothing much. Same old. Same old. You know.” There’s a beat before Ricardo continues. “Hey, me and the guys are going out for a few beers later, if you want to come? There’s a new bar downtown that we’re going to check out. I’ll stick a pin in the map for you. Still the same phone number, yeah?”
“Yes. Still the same... Thanks.” I pat Ricardo’s hefty upper arm. “I’ll see how I feel after a solid hour in here.” I look around at the machines and weights. “It’s been a while and I’m a bit scared.” Ricardo laughs. “I’m predicting some aches and pains.”
Ricardo slaps me again then walks back to the bench press. I go to the locker room to stash my gym bag.
Later, after an hour or so on the treadmill, weights, and punch bag my body is sore with exertion. A good feeling. Then, a nice relax in the steam room is followed up with an invigorating cold blast power shower. I dress, pack up, and head for the exit, checking my phone for messages, to see where in the city Ricardo has stuck the pin. Maybe a drink downtown with the boys is exactly what I need to ease me back into city life. There’s a missed call. It’s from Molly. My heart flips. I hit reply and wait.
The phone rings. I steady my breathing.
“Cam! How are you?” Molly says. I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’m so happy you called me back.”
“Sure thing, Molly. It’s great to hear you.”
“I just wanted to thank you for my beautiful flowers. It was such an unexpected surprise. How did you know that I love sweet peas?”
“Oh, I had a little help from Lydia.”
“Thought so. Anyway. They’re lovely. And…” Molly pauses. “What you did for Ernie. That was so kind. The fence and the new mugs and everything.” She laughs. “I didn’t recognize the place. I’m not kidding. He’s like a king in his castle.”
I’m laughing. And a wave of warmth comes out of my phone and covers me like a blanket as I walk down the street to my apartment. I get a crazy impulse to jump in my car and drive back to Oak River, to wrap Molly in my arms, to be with her, and never leave. My pulse races at the thought. I take a minute. Breathe. I’m outside my building.
“It wasn’t only me. I had a ton of help from the crew at the fire station. We all pitched in.”
“Yes, but it was you that got it together. And…” Molly is quiet on the line. “Thank you. You are amazing, Cam… And… I miss you.”
And then, before I can say anything, she hangs up. I wanted to ask if she had read the card. And if there is any hope for us. I close my eyes and hold the phone close to my chest. I’ll call her back. I wanted to say that I meant what I wrote. Every word. I wanted to ask if she felt the same, and if we could somehow work something out. To give it our best shot and steer our paths to meet down the line. Somewhere. Here or in Oak River. I don’t know.
