“I think the purest form of love is someone wanting to notice life with you. I think it’s that simple.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know, when the man you love says, ‘Taste this, look at that, hear this song.’ It’s simple, and it’s sweet. It’s how you’ve described Adam to us.”
“Exactly,” Candy adds with an eager nod.
“When a guy says those things again and again until you can’t imagine noticing anything around you without him, that’s when you know you’ve found someone special, who’s in it for the long haul.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Candy chimes in again. “I mean, sure, love can be grand, and it can be amazing with chocolates and flowers and all the beautiful fluff. But I also think love can be someone pointing at the world and saying, ‘Come see it with me.’”
“I’d much rather have that,” I say. “At least you two have found that kind of love.”
“But here’s the bigger question: do you feel like you’ve found it?” April asks.
“I hope so.”
My mind drifts to snapshots of Adam showing me around California. How he pointed out the magnificent sights of the ocean, the mountains, and the wind turbines along the way. How he cranked up his favorite country song in the car as we took the scenic route to Feather Falls, our voices loud and out of tune as we sang and laughed along at the top of our lungs. When he forked a bite of calamari and held it up to my mouth at Roxy’s wedding and said, “Try this.” He was showing me his world, sharing it with me in a way that only he could. And I feel like I did the same when we were back in Heartsboro. I welcomed him into my life, offering myself and all that I have to give.
“All right, then,” April exclaims, clapping her hands. “Let’s not talk about business or lovers anymore. Let’s flag down a waiter and order something decadent and delicious. I’m in desperate need of a strong cocktail and a little nibble.”
I look right at Candy, and we say in unison, “Truffle fries.” All three of us erupt in a bout of giggles, just like old times. Gosh, I’ve missed these girls.
But I’ve missed someone else even more.
***
I might not know many of the details about Adam and his former life as a high-end photographer, husband, and father, but I do know a little bit. The parts that shine the brightest through the veil of heartache he’s wrapped himself in. Despite his protests to the contrary, the word “sweet” is exactly the word I would use to describe him. He’s also drop-dead gorgeous, kind and thoughtful, and gets me goose-honking with his dry sense of humor. He’s honest and emotional, but I know he cares. He cares deeply. He just needs to get through this next detour in his journey before he heads back South.
I plan to stay one more night at Candy’s, then return to Heartsboro—for good. My trip to Atlanta to visit my best friends has worked wonders, shifting my lovesick focus away from Adam. I realize now that Heartsboro is where I belong. It’s my home. I need to let go of negativity and fear and live on my own terms. Being with my girlfriends and seeing their chaotic lives has shown me that the simple things in my life are truly wonderful and enough.
I can keep my little real estate business running for now. And I’ve decided I’m going to keep my grandma’s house and renovate it to my liking. Adam already started, and maybe he’ll come back one day and finish. I hope and pray that he will. Until then, I have plenty to keep me occupied with work, home improvements, and great hometown friends to cheer me on.
But my heart aches not knowing how he’s doing. I should’ve called him earlier, but I was busy with friends. Maybe he’s on his way back from California? Or maybe he’s staying for good?
But he said he loved me.
“Ugh,” I sigh into my pillow. Candy’s home is relatively quiet, the drone of the air conditioner a sort of white noise in the night, lulling me to sleep. I had planned to wait until morning to call Adam, after my drive home. But then his text arrived a few minutes ago, making me wonder if I can wait any longer.
Please call me, Angel Face.
I fist my hands by my side, knowing I won’t be able to sleep at all if I don’t call him back. I cave and grab my phone from its charger on the nightstand.
“Keri?” The sound of his voice instigates an immediate welling of tears in my eyes.
“Adam? Are you okay? Is everything all right?” I can hear a relieved sigh on the other end.
“Not yet, but I hope it will be soon.”
I sit up in bed and click on the bedside lamp, keeping my voice low so I don’t wake up Candy’s boys in the bedroom next door. “What do you mean?”
“I’m sorry, Keri. I’m sorry I didn’t let you come with me. You should be here.” His words are rushed, and my heart happily flits in my chest with newfound hope.
Adam misses me.
“I know this is coming out of left field, but do you think you can fly out here tomorrow? I’ll buy your plane ticket and pick you up at the San Francisco Airport. Whatever it takes.”
I frown and wonder what’s changed and why he wants me there so badly. “What happened? Are you sure you’re okay?”
