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“That’s awesome. I knew you would do it. Nelson and I talk about you every so often and wonder whether you became a writer. He’ll be happy to hear that.”
I’m touched that they remember me after I just disappeared from their lives. I sip my coffee and tell her the whole story of how I got the assignment from my editor.
“How exciting,” Melissa says. “Tell me more.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t made as much progress as I thought I would. I’ve only interviewed a few patients who are happy to have their stories published.”
“Count me among them,” Melissa says. “I’d be happy to tell you my story but I’m just starting and I’m not sure I have anything to report yet.” She shrugs in a gesture I remember so well. I can’t believe that I let my friendship with Melissa fade away.
“Nelson and I can’t have children of our own. His sperm count is low, almost non-existent.” She sounds so sad as she says this. I try to imagine being married to Jace and being unable to bear his children. “We agreed to go with a sperm donor. I came by for information and to understand the process. Then we can take it from there.”
“Will Nelson be comfortable sharing your story?” I ask her.
Melissa frowns. “Maybe not. I don’t know. Could we use pseudonyms?”
“Sure we could, and thank you, that’s a really kind offer.” Especially considering that we’re no longer in each other’s lives.
Melissa smiles. “I have something else that will excite you. Georgina, one of the embryologists is my cousin. That’s why I picked this clinic. If you like, I can dig a bit for you.”
“Would you?” I’m so excited I can barely speak. Now that is someone who would know most of the secrets of the clinic. “How long has she worked here?”
“Six years,” Melissa says. “I know because she mentioned it a few weeks ago. She’s lovely and we’re close.”
“Won’t she wonder why you’re asking so many questions?” I ask her. I don’t want to be too hopeful but it would be fantastic if it worked out. She would have good, solid information.
“She won’t,” Melissa said with a mischievous glint in her eye. “I ask a lot of questions in conversations. It drives my colleagues at work crazy. Have you forgotten that about me?” She laughs gaily.
“I do remember now,” I say and laugh along. Melissa could drive you crazy with her zillion and one questions. “I’m so excited. This assignment might be a success after all.”
“I’ll do my best and help where I can,” Melissa says. “I never forgot what a good friend you were to me when I needed it.” She lost her mom when we were in college and for months she couldn’t keep up with her assignments. Nelson and I organized for her friends and classmates to do them for her.
“Thank you so much. What good luck it was bumping into you.” From the corner of my eye, I spot Jace walking in. My face grows heated as I feel his gaze on me. For a few seconds, I’m worried he’ll come to our table, but he doesn’t.
Melissa and I chit chat a bit longer. I ask about her siblings and I tell her about Marcus and Charlotte, as well as Chris.
“I can’t believe you guys are still friends,” she says.
I shift uncomfortably. She doesn’t ask but I’m sure the question going through her mind was why Chris did not get booted from my life. “Yeah, well.” Chris remained in my life because he wouldn’t let me go. Even when I retreated from everyone or built walls. He waited patiently until I was ready to be friends again.
I ask her about her work. She works in a bank in middle management, which doesn’t surprise me. I always knew that Melissa would be successful whatever she did.
She glances at my fingers. “Are you seeing anyone?”
I groan and shake my head. “That’s another long, messy story. It’ll need a stronger drink than coffee.”
Melissa laughs. “We have a date then. You can tell me about your messy love life and hopefully, I’ll have something from Georgina. You always did make my life more exciting.” She grows solemn. “I’ve missed you, Olivia.”
“I’ve missed you too.” We exchange numbers and promised to meet next week on Friday for a drink. We hug outside the cafeteria and I make my way to the elevators.
I’m still smiling at my stroke of good luck in meeting Melissa when the elevator doors open and I enter.
“Hold the elevator,” a familiar voice calls out.
Jace sprints in and presses the button to close the doors. “Hey, I see you made a new friend.”
I shrug. “A face from the past. We used to be in college together.”
Jace is not listening. He’s eyes are glued to my lips. He closes the distance between us and pulls me roughly into his arms. A giggle escapes my mouth. It dies in his mouth as he gives me a bone-tingling kiss.
