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“Thank you,” I say.
“No need to thank me. If you’re well, think about coming to the party tomorrow. I know Tristan would want you there.”
I purse my lips. “I can’t, Lex.”
“It was worth a shot,” she smiles sadly.
“Thanks for making sure everything is perfect. He deserves it.”
I’m so grateful Lex didn’t drop the ball on the party planning like I did. Tristan should have the best birthday, surrounded by his family and friends.
“No need to thank me. I want him to be happy, which is why I thought I’d try to get you to show up.” She winks again.
She does it so effortlessly. If I winked, I’d look like I had dirt in my eye.
“Besides that, I wanted to see for myself that you’re better.”
“I am. I’m a whole new person today.” I rub my eyes, a small headache forming.
Lex must notice I’m starting to crash because she stands from the table with a smile.
“I’ll let you get some more rest, but don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t, promise.” I walk her to the door.
Once Lex leaves, I take a shower to wash away the icky feeling and put on regular clothes—well, leggings and a t-shirt. I’m not about to get dressed up to sit on the couch.
At least I’m out of the pajamas I’ve been wearing for two days. Showering, though exhausting, is also refreshing and reinvigorating. It makes me feel like a human again.
“That’s a nice friend you have,” my dad says as he walks into the kitchen while I’m scrambling eggs.
“Yeah, she is.”
Tristan and I may not have a future, but I can have friends. I hope so, at least. Lex, Ellie, and Hope have been so kind to me.
That thought makes me smile. I need to look at the bright side.
Tristan will eventually travel again, so it won’t be awkward that I have a relationship with his friends. Not seeing him around will also help the wound in my heart heal faster.
Will it be out of sight, out of mind, or distance makes the heart grow fonder?
31
Tristan
“Can’t we just eat closer to the house?” I complain, not in the mood to go to dinner at The Mill, even if it is my favorite restaurant. After confronting my parents, I’m not in the mood for anything.
All I want to do is go see Sage, but Hudson insists on going to dinner, not allowing me to wallow on my birthday.
It’s the worst birthday of all. My gift includes losing the woman I love and not having the money to start up my non-profit the way I planned.
I’m working on plan B for Spread Joy and accepting that its start will be a bit slower, though not impossible.
Donations are a must, so instead of employing people, I’ll be a one-man show for a while. It’s okay. If I have a solid plan, I’ll get the donations I need. And Hudson said I could stay at his place for as long as necessary. I’m grateful, but that’s not all that’s bothering me.
Not having heard from Sage is making me moody. However, I’m giving her time.
I want her to heal and be healthy, and if that means I have to take a step back from her life, then it’s a sacrifice I’ll make. She’s my priority.
