I’m halfway through an eighties adventure when I hear a truck pull up outside. I never get many visitors. Usually, the only traffic is package deliveries or Travis. He’d better have his ass in Austin for class tomorrow.
Pausing the movie, I open the front door. The truck has already tossed something out and hauled ass back down the road.
Sitting on the steps is a box. I lug it inside and set it on the coffee table. The address is from somewhere in California. An idiotic grin appears on my face as I tear open the box.
Inside are layers of things. The first thing I pull out is a package full of dog toys and treats. Reacher barks excitedly as if he knows who the box is from. I toss him one of the toys.
There’s a note inside that says “For the next time.” I pull out several board games with a laugh. She’s sent Jenga, Battleship, an Uno deck, and Clue. Farther down is a box of herbal teas—all my favorites.
Finally, I pull out a concert T-shirt with her tour dates on the back. Whipping my shirt off, I pull it over my head. It’s a bit snug, but it works. I wish she could see the photos in her frames hanging on my wall. Trace sent me a whole bunch of good ones from Christmas.
“What do you think?” Reacher looks up with a snort before returning to his toy. The way he’s shaking it makes me believe it’ll be in pieces shortly. “Yeah, I like it to. What do you think she’s up to?” Only one way to find out. Besides, I need to thank her for the presents.
Me: Got the package. Reacher is beside himself.
Harmony: And his minion?
Me: He’s beside himself too.
Harmony: That’s good to hear. The house must be getting crowded.
Me: You’re a riot.
Harmony: I try.
Me: When do you go on next?
Harmony: Tomorrow. Just chilling tonight. Working on stuff.
Me: Stuff huh?
Harmony: Yep. Stuff.
I feel my grin growing bigger. It’s ridiculous how even a few words of text from her pick my spirits up. Damn, I miss listening to her talk.
I’m amazed I’m even getting her text in the house. Last night, I climbed the hill behind the house to make sure I got a signal. That will all be in the past next week.
Harmony: How is Reacher anyway?
Me: Grumpy, Mopey, Crabby.
Harmony: And you?
Me: Grouchy, Whiney, Snarly.
Harmony: Oh my. One more and you’ll have all 7 dwarfs.
Me: Are you volunteering for Snow White?
Harmony: I wish I could. Sitting on a bus all day is boring.
Me: At least you have your stuff.
Harmony: At least.
My heart aches. I knew it was possible for a heart to feel physical pain. I remember my heart hurting for months after Mom and Dad died.
Separation heartbreak is a new thing for me though. It didn’t happen when Travis went to college. Maybe because I knew he was only a short drive away. Harmony, however, might as well be on the moon. I’m not even sure where she is. Somewhere on the West Coast last time I heard.
