“And third: I love you.”
My mouth hangs open—he just said the L word. “Eric,” I start, but the door opens, revealing Tops with none other than Jennifer Lux.
31 - Eric - Then
It was the morning I had been dreading.
I shot Chris a text to let her know I was going to say goodbye to Connie as I stopped by a coffee shop and got her a large iced coffee and a cheese Danish.
When I got to the hotel, Connie was in the lobby.
Our eyes met, and it felt like a fucking knife in the chest. She was wearing sweats and a pink racerback top, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail. I hated that she was leaving, hated that there was nothing to do about it, that I was helpless, that I couldn’t guarantee we would ever see each other again.
I felt like there was so much left unsaid, and I wanted to say it all, but I couldn’t find the words.
How did you tell someone you met a week ago that you want to move in? That you want to share your life with her? How did you tell the most beautiful person in the world that fairytales were written for them?
I’d never related to Romeo before, but this? This feeling of being kept from the light of your world because of physical distance… I could see how it would drive a man to recklessness.
When she nears, I pulled out the big guns, “but soft! What light through yonder elevator breaks?” It was cheesy, but it earned me a smile. Fuck, I loved that smile. What I would do to see that smile every hour of every day.
“I got you something,” I held up the coffee and pastry bag.
“You’re an angel,” she groaned, reaching for the coffee. “I didnotsleep well last night.”
I pulled her in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Stardust.”
“It’s alright. I just… don’t want to leave.”
Lilli loaded her luggage into the car, and I noticed a bit ofsomethingon her face. I didn’t know where Chris was, and I hoped she wouldn’t ask me.
“It feels big, doesn’t it?” Connie murmured to me.
“It does, but we aren’t star crossed lovers. We’re in the 21stcentury. We’ve got internet and cell phones and motorized transportation. If you want this like I do, we’ll make it work.”
“We’ll find a way,” she said.
“We promised each other one week of no promises. Today is day six, so tomorrow…”
“Tomorrow.”
“Connie.” Lilli’s voice is a gentle reminder. I walked Connie to the car and opened the door.
“Don’t say goodbye,” she said.
“I’d never.”
She sat down, and I closed the door. She waved, and so did I as the car pulled out of the parking lot.
Then, she was gone.
I stood there for a minute, unsure what to do next. I wanted to text her something so that it wouldn’t feel like an ending, but I didn’t want to be too clingy. My phone buzzed, and I was elated, grateful to know Connie was on the same wavelength as me. I was already smiling when I looked down to see her message.
Instead, it was Chris.
“Lilli and I are done,” it says. “I made up with Gloria last night.”
Was that the reason for the jealous look on Lilli’s face? “Did you tell her that?” I typed back.
