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“Cheers to that.” Val raises her water bottle in a toast. She takes a long drink while I take a swig of my coffee. At that moment, the song on the radio switches and Val leans forward. “I love this one!”
She turns up the volume—without asking this time, I notice—and sings along to a Journey song. I hum, too (on a quieter level), feeling totally at peace. For the first time, I’m seeing my future and I can’t wait for for it to start.
Who knew that a single weekend, a single road trip could change literally everything?
“Ooh, a gas station!” Val points at the dilapidated building with the same level of excitement that she had at the water park. “Can we stop? I have to pee.”
I signal to turn off the highway. “You and your pee breaks.”
“What? It’s not my fault I have the bladder of a pregnant lady.”
Val says this lightly, but all at once, my mind is filled with visions of a pregnant Val. How wonderful of a mother she’d be, how amazing it would be to start a family with her. To raise kids with her in a big house with an even bigger backyard.
Slow down, Ethan. One step at a time.
As soon as I stop the car, Val runs for the gas station. I make to follow her, but as I grab my phone, I see an email notification.
It’s Carolyn at the Aston Falls Express. They want my answer by end of day tomorrow.
So much for taking the weekend off.
But the conversation with Val has stayed with me. She knows me better than anyone, even after four years apart. She managed to put words to a dream I wasn’t even aware I had, a dream I never let myself have. But the more I’ve thought about it, the more right it feels.
I want to have a bakery. To spend my days making delicious treats and baked goods for entire families to enjoy together. Like I did with my family.
So last night, after working things out with Val, I did some research and talked to my mom at length. Now, I’m certain about what I want and where I’m going next.
I open a reply and start typing.
Hi Carolyn. I’ve put a lot of thought into your offer. I want to thank you for the opportunity, and…
My fingers fly across the screen as I commit to the easiest decision I’ve ever made. I click “send” and with a deep exhale, I relax against the seat.
Four years ago, I made a decision to walk away from the woman I love.
I won’t ever make that mistake again.
27
Val
Four Years Ago
“Sorry I’m late, Teeny.”
Ethan’s jogging up the driveway. He runs a hand through his hair and shakes it out a little. I smile, my heart fluttering again. Man, he looks so good in the twilight. Even better than Rob and Taylor in Twilight. I am Team Ethan all the way.
He stands next to Pops, who slaps his shoulder. “You found what you were looking for, son? Hope you didn’t wake your mom.”
A shadow passes over Ethan’s face, but the next second, it’s gone. “She was already awake. She… couldn’t sleep.”
“Those nights are the worst.” I scrunch up my nose. “Especially when it’s too hot and there’s no AC. It’s violent.”
“Been there,” Ethan says with a secret twinkle. His expression goes serious again as he looks back at Pops. “Is Nana around? She should call Mom.”
“Nana’s inside checking on dinner. I’ll let her know to call your mom.” Pops points at the truck. “Now, you kids are already getting a late start. Best get on the road, don’t you think? Can’t have you crashing my princess because it’s too dark.”
Ethan’s face relaxes in a laugh and I chuckle, too. His eyes meet mine, and there’s not even a hint of the concern I thought I saw in him. I must’ve imagined it. Or maybe he’s nervous for what’s to come. With all the to-do around this evening—all of the mysterious comments Pops was making during our conversation and the secret smiles at the truck—I’m starting to feel a little nervous myself.
