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“I like her a little too much to let her go,” he says, his brown eyes soft.
“She’s basically a racoon. She stays up late, eats junk food, and causes trouble. Yousureyou want her?”
Caroline hits my shoulder, laughing.
“On second thought…” he trails off.
“I’m going to leavebothof you,” Caroline says with an eyeroll, taking the phone out of my hand.
“My plane should be boarding in a little while. I’ll see you soon, handsome.”
“Text me when you land. I love you, beautiful.”
“I love you too.” She blows him a kiss, then hits end on the call.
“You two are adorable,” I tell her and she grins.
“I know. But you and yourSunshinemight have us beat. I can’t believe he wrote you a letter.”
My heart jumps to my throat at the mention of his letter. I left it at home so I wouldn’t be tempted to read it in the car. Knowing me, I’d open it in the parking lot and then have at least an hour long drive to Adrian. And having to wait that long to see him would be even more agonizing than this wait to read it.
“I know, right? I’ve never had a man do something like this for me.”
A letter might seem like a small gesture, but it’s the thoughtfulness of it that keeps stealing my breath. He remembered our conversation and the wax seal and beautiful calligraphy attest to his efforts beyond just putting pen to paper.
“You don’t have to tell me what’s in it–”
I cut her off. “But you want me to call and tell you what’s in it?”
We both laugh together, earning looks from those waiting around us.
“You don’t have to read it word for word … just give me the Sparknotes.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you all about it. I’m sure Josh isn’t going to want me calling tonight.”
“No, he definitely won’t want that.” She shoots me a wicked grin that implies a double meaning. I shake my head at her insinuation.
Caroline and Josh are usually inseparable. If it wasn’t for me, Josh would have had her wait for him to take off work and come with. His job as an ER doctor doesn’t make it easy to travel last minute. So I’m sure her being gone–even during work hours–is making him anxious. I think their attachment is cute. I hope one day I have a man who’s that obsessed with me.
“Flight 227 is now boarding.” The announcement dampens our moods in an instant. As excited as I am to get home and read Adrian’s letter, seeing Caroline go after such a short visit is hard on my heart. That's why I didn't mind buying a ticket just to be able to spend more time with her before she has to board the flight. She told me I was crazy, but she looked grateful when she said it.
“I guess I need to get going.” She stands, tugging up the handle of her carry-on bag.
“Text me when you land so I know you’re safe. I’ll miss you.”
We hug so tight it hurts the bruises on my back, but I don’t say a word. I’m barely holding in tears when we break apart.
“Do you–” Caroline cuts herself off, looking conflicted.
“What is it?”
She shakes her head.
“Come on, Care. You can ask me anything.”
“Do you think you’ll ever come back to California? Not to live, but to visit. It’s just I miss you so much and it’s easier for you to travel since you’re your own boss. And I live hours away from where we grew up.”
Anxiety flickers to life in my chest. I take a second to go through a round of the grounding technique Adrian taught me. It doesn’t take much since I’m not in a major panic attack. Once I’m settled from the initial onslaught of emotions, I consider the idea.
