Page 12 of All The Ways to Miss You

“Poor Eugina.”

“I know, I know. Crazy enough, my stupidity was rewarded. Ada was sitting on the back porch when I tumbled out the window and landed at her feet. When I looked up and saw those beautiful sparkling brown eyes . . . Hmph. And those gams! The connection we had in that moment was undeniable, and I’ve loved her ever since.” He places his palm over his heart.

“No wonder she didn’t give you the time of day.”

Ozzy lifts the top off the new box of candy and offers me a caramel. I select one and drop it in my mouth. When it touches my tongue, the salt tingles my taste buds. He takes one for himself and chews. Once he’s swallowed, he continues.

“And rightfully so. But if I wasn’t such a ninny, I wouldn’t have met her. And if Eugina didn’t tag along on Ledie and Eli’s date as a third wheel, she never would have met her husband, Ned, at the movie theater. Eventually, Ada cooled off, seeing how happy her sister was with her new beau. That’s what she claimed, anyway, but I have my own theory. I think she couldn’t stop dreaming of me. I was a hottie.” He licks his fingertip and presses it to his arm while making a sizzling noise.

I giggle. “And cocky?”

“Whatever it was worked. We were married three months later.” He adjusts his glasses.

“You work quick.” My eyes widen.

“Things were different back then. But when you know, you know.” Ozzy leans back in his chair, gripping the armrests. “Besides, someone good’s coming for you. And when he does, destiny will trip him up and make him fall at your feet.”

My face scrunches as I take time to consider.

“Don’t keep me hanging. I know when a woman has something on her mind.”

“It’s just—I don’t know. Nothing.” I shake my head. I’m thinking of someone I shouldn’t be. There’s a long pause as I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

Ozzy clears his throat and talks the way he does to fill the void. At first, his lectures seem like rambling, making no sense, but in the end there’s something to learn. Usually.

“Every night when I sleep, I dream I’m in my twenties. I’m young, strong, and I can do anything, even fly. Those are great dreams. When I wake and see this wrinkled face in the mirror, you know what I say to myself?”

“What?”

“I say, damn, Ozzy, you look even better. I wish Ada could see me now.” He glances skyward.

“I’m sure she does. Every second of every day.” I place a hand on his arm.

“Like I still think of her every second of every day. When that someone comes along for you, remember to play hard to get like she did with me. She knew what she was doing. She hooked me like a lovesick fish. If it’s meant to be, he’ll fight to reel you in. And when he does, he’ll be someone who will consume your every thought, because that’s who makes life worth living, even long after they’re gone.” He places his cool, papery hand over mine and squeezes.

“If only my someone wasn’t such a . . . ninny.” I give Ozzy a sad smile.

“Take it from me, go about your business. If he’s the right person, he’ll fall at your feet the way he should.” Ozzy pulls himself to the edge of his chair and gives me a serious look. “Now, let’s talk about that house.”

six

I struggle to make it through two morning appointments—a networking event at a riverside restaurant, and a final brainstorming session with Linden in preparation for the Lakeman meeting on Monday morning.

When I step into the lobby to leave work Friday, there’s a group of young employees milling around and chatting. I pick up the pace to pass by them, but Aggie spots me and calls my name. Weighed down by guilt, I slump and turn to her voice.

In rapid, small strides, she bounces to my side. Her gleaming smile and jittery hands signal her excitement. Like always, my immediate reaction is to shrink away, but I fight my instincts. I need to watch and learn, to study what real happiness looks like.

“I found him,” she says, clasping her hands at her chest.

“Who?” I glance around.

“My experimental guy.” She locks her hands behind her back and swings her hips, appearing proud.

My eyes widen, remembering her new relationship goals. I peer at the group, searching to find who made the cut.

Standing out with his height, a dusting of light freckles, and dull ginger hair, there’s one person I can guess. He quietly lumbers, wearing an ironic T-shirt with his hands tucked in his jeans pockets. He’s cute when he smiles, and when he laughs, smile lines radiate from the outer corners of his eyes.

“Charlie?” My voice tightens with worry. “Won’t it be weird? You work together.”