AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That seems relatively true.” We are walking back into my building as I check the mail. “What did I get your daughter for her birthday?”
“A mini dollhouse for her toys and a sno-cone machine.” I hand her the stack of mail, and she goes through them and hands me the ones she can’t handle.
“Wow, you know I always tell people how generous I am, humble too.” I look down at the few pieces of mail; one is a picture of an iceberg, and I think it’s cute, so I turn it over.
“Who is Enzo?” Rachelle and her damn high heels.
“No one.”
She doesn’t let me die with that lie.
“An old boyfriend; we dated for four years before he up and left to join the Navy. Traveling the world with your girlfriend isn’t as fun as endangering life to serve your country.” It’s a smartass joke that only I laugh at. “Sorry.”
We walk to the elevators, and I read what Enzo sent me.
Since you refused to talk to me, my mom gave me your address. I mean, it’s just your P.O. Box, but maybe it will get to you. Don’t be mad at Kumiko. She loves me, and she loves you too. I am currently fishing salmon with my brother and dad in Maine. We are close to the Acadia National Park. It is the only reason I thought it would be nice to send you this.
Next week I am headed to Hawaii. Hoping you might come to visit me once I get settled or before. Anytime, really, Phoebe.
Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you. The picture on the front isn’t as good as the one you would take of this place. Saw you hired a kickass assistant; she wouldn’t give me your new number. I am glad you have her to protect you.
“Hey, says you wouldn’t give him my new phone number.” I hug the postcard, and I am thankful for Elle even more now.
“I think I remember that dude.” She unlocks my apartment and opens the door.
I read the last two lines before shutting the door.
If you want to write me and correspond this way, here is my new address. Maybe you will feel better about sending messages or reading mine when the read receipt isn’t attached. I know it will make me feel better.
I love you, Pheebs.
Remember the Good Echoes, baby.
Enzo
“He said he loves you.” Rachelle points out with her pen in hand.
“You tell me you love me.” I scrunch up my nose, not about to cross that subject of my list of things to talk about.
“Are you going to tell me what happened between you?”
“Probably not.” I glare at her, the heartbreak still fresh. Yet, I have amazing self-control because I haven’t replied even if I read every message. Because if I do, I might forgive him even more than I already do.
“Haven’t I gained your trust like you have gained mine?” Rachelle puts her notebook down and begs with her eyes.
I think about telling her; I even smile when I remember all our adventures. It makes me happy until it doesn’t, until I remember Yellowstone, and then I have to blink away the thoughts that come, the words he said and can’t take back, not now.
“What do we need to finalize for Senegal?” I throw myself into scouting locations; Rachelle lets me drop the subject, and we get to work.
After we finish, she invites me over to dinner, but I decline the offer. Instead, I go into my office and look through a slideshow of photos from the national park Enzo mentioned in his postcard. I can imagine he is having a great time. Maine is inviting, impressive and daunting.
I check out the Navy base where he says he got stationed. I don’t plan on visiting, but I just want to know it’s an option. I am happy he continues to travel even if it isn’t with me.
When my eyes get weary, I head to bed. I put the postcard on my nightstand and drift off.
In my dreams, a new voice murmurs.
Be raw,it whispers.
