“Tell me everything. I feel like I’ve missed so much,” I said.
She sniffled and pulled away from me, her gaze fixed out at the lake.
“It’s just been a whirlwind,” she finally murmured. “It’s like a whole different life. It happened fast. Ani made my dreams cometrue. One minute I was this broken girl who wanted to die, and the next minute, I was married to the man of my dreams and performing at the Grammys.”
I winced at her mentioning being married to the man of her dreams. I didn’t like that she didn’t think of Fox like that, but I didn’t comment on it. Fighting or upsetting her wasn’t what I wanted to do.
She looked at me. “What about you? How have things been?”
I shrugged. “I’ve been good. The first few months were rough, but after that, everything changed. I changed. I didn’t want to be the sad, moping addict anymore. I wanted to be better. So, I did it. Here I am.”
She stared at me, making my heart pitter-patter.
“I, uh, was offered a position at Mayfair as a professor,” I said. “I-I think I’m going to take it.”
She widened her eyes at that. “Really? That’s amazing, Ethan!”
I smiled. “Yeah, I mean, I enjoy being there and working. I do a lot with the research department there. They think I’m kind of a big deal,” I said.
“You are a big deal,” she corrected. “Always have been.”
“Oh, Rosalie.” I blew out a breath. “You’ve always been my number one fan.”
“I like your hits.” She winked at me, making me chuckle.
“I won’t lie to you, but I don’t need the money from working at Mayfair. I consult and all that, but I make a shit ton with sugar.”
“I figured you were still doing that,” she said, her smile now shaky.
“I am,” I admitted. “I save lives with it. You can’t overdose. You can’t get addicted. I rarely use it. In fact, it’s been over a year since I had any.”
“I’m proud of you,” she said. “Really. You’re… incredible.”
“Thank you.” I shifted in my seat. “Secretly, I always wanted to reach out to you, but with everything…” my voice trailed off. “I honestly figured you were better off without me. I was such a pain in the ass.”
She shook her head. “No. I never viewed you that way. Ever. Please don’t think that.”
“Well, I viewed myself that way, but it doesn’t matter now because I’m not that guy anymore. I buried him long ago.”
We were both quiet for a moment.
“It still feels like us, doesn’t it?” she whispered.
“It does,” I admitted. “I’m actually dreading letting you go. I don’t want to let you go. I’m worried it’ll be another five years before I see you again. Can I keep you?”
She laughed at that, tears glimmering in her eyes. “I think people will notice if I go missing.”
“Right. Husband. And Anson.” I stared into her pretty eyes. I reached out and wiped her tears away. “Hey, no tears, pretty girl.”
She nodded and looked down, but I slid my fingers beneath her jaw.
“Look at me,” I murmured.
She did so, her plump lips parted.
God, what I wouldn’t give to kiss her soft lips just one more time. To hold her like I used to. To whisper to her all the things I loved about her.
“Everything will be OK,” I said instead. “I promise, Rosalie.”
