Page 116 of All The Ways to Miss You

“Hell no.” Linden laughs. “Don’t misunderstand; he was beside himself with joy to see you, but at the same time, he wanted to kill me. I didn’t exactly give him a chance to react. I told him to act like he didn’t know you. I think he was too shocked to think for himself.”

I recall the day I moved in and the fight I overheard between them. I never knew what it was about, but now I do. It was about me.

“So it was done. I set him up in the same way I set you up. Think of it as an unconventional blind date.”

Annoyed, I lean back in my chair. “How can I get your apology if you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong?”

“I want to see one of the most important people in my life happy. Blame me if you want, but my intentions weren’t malicious. I didn’t force you to talk to each other. You did that all by yourself. I simply made sure you lived in the same zip code.”

“More like a petri dish.” I fold my arms.

“And look what it grew.” He leans back with a shit-eating grin. He’s proud of himself.

“So you think it’s okay that you lied about knowing me?”

“I had faith that if something happened between you and Evan, he’d tell you the truth. He’s a good guy like that.”

“Is he?”

“Cait, he’s the best. I promise. Ask him yourself. See what he says about all this.” He glances at his watch and stands, pushing the chair back. “So I can expect you back on Monday?”

“With a thirty-thousand-dollar raise.” I stand and meet his gaze.

“Damn, I love the way you think, but no.” His eyes twinkle. “I can do twenty. That’s it.”

“And I want your office and an expense account.”

“When you close the Rosemary deal, I’ll personally make both of those things happen.” He reaches out and I shake his hand, keeping my grip as firm as his.

I lead him to the door, and he picks up his coat on the way. Before he leaves, he reaches out and presses a piece of cold metal into my palm. It’s a key.

“You should visit Evan’s apartment. You did live there for several years. As far as I can tell, your room hasn’t changed since. See if it helps, you know, to remember anything.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I try to give the key back, but Linden he won’t accept it. He waves me off.

“Evan’s not there. He’s staying somewhere else for a while. He doesn’t want you to feel like you can’t go home.” He glances around and shrugs. “I mean, unless you like living in Aggie’s clown house.”

“It’s not what the apartment looks like, it’s who lives here.” I open the door.

“And I’m glad you have her, Cait. Aggie’s good people.” He pats me on the arm.

He steps over the threshold to leave, but hesitates and turns back. “About you and Evan—if it helps to know, you were good together. The best, actually. You were the couple everyone wanted to be. You guys had the relationship I wished I had with Viv. It seemed so effortless. And after everything you’ve both been through, it would be a damn shame not to see if something is still there.”

fifty-six

Daylight gives way to darkness a little too early in December for my liking. My hands clench the handles of Ozzy’s wheelchair. I push him beneath a canopy of barren trees entwined with twinkling holiday lights.

We park at the railing that encloses the ice rink in Millennium Park, and I seat myself on a wooden bench beside him. From here, we can watch the ice skaters glide in wide circles around the perimeter, while silhouetted skaters twirl in the center of the glowing white ice.

We’re bundled for the cold weather in scarves, hats, and quilted down coats. I’ve tossed a thick blanket over his lap for extra warmth since there’s a crispness in the air, signaling the threat of more snow.

“I have some bad news,” I say with a heavy heart.

“I’m afraid I have some of my own. But you first.” Ozzy places a reassuring hand over mine.

“My deal fell through. It’ll be a little longer before I can buy the house.” I gauge his reaction. The last time we spoke, Ozzy seemed happy I would give the old house the love it needed.

He clucks his tongue, indicating disappointment. “I’m sorry to hear that. I know you worked real hard on that client.”