“Can we go to dinner on Wednesday evening after I get off work?” Donovan’s voice shifts, just enough to catch me off guard. “I have something really important to talk to you about.”
The nervous edge makes my stomach flip. I bite at the cuticle of my right thumb, a bad habit I can’t break. “Of course we can. But is everything okay? You’re making me worry. Can’t you just tell me now?”
“It’s really something I want to tell you in person.” His tone softens, reassuring. “And, baby, I promise it’s nothing bad.” He gives me a wink, and warmth spreads through my chest even though the unease still lingers.
We drift into everything and nothing—classes, football, the little pieces of our days. By the time my eyelids drag, the phone is still pressed to my ear, his steady breathing on the line. It takes me straight back to high school, when falling asleep to his voice was as natural as breathing.
I give Ansel a quick hug and kiss on the cheek as I grab my bags and make my way down to the waiting rideshare.
“I will see you in two weeks. Make plans with Blythe while I'm away. She really seems like she needs some friends.” I tell Ansel as I turn to walk out the door.
I get into the car and start driving to Virginia Bay Airport. In just under 7 hours, I will be back home in Agave Hills.
I make my way to my seat and store my carry-on. I listen to the flight attendants go through the emergency procedures.
Once we are at cruising altitude, I put my headphones on and pull out my e-reader.
After an hour or so, I got up to use the restroom. As I returned to my seat, the older lady sitting next to me started to speak. “Are you heading to Arizona to go visit, dear?”
I looked around to make sure she was talking to me before I replied. “Well, kind of. I am currently living in Virginia and attending school there. I am heading to Arizona for a class project and to see my boy…ummm, to see a friend of mine.”
She asked me about my class project, and I shared all the details I have been working on, hoping the teacher and students will love it as much as I do.
“So tell me about this boy, ummm, this friend of yours.” I gave her a half smile before I dived into the history of Donovan and me.
“Oh, dear sweet girl. Honestly, he sounds like your soulmate.” She grabs her purse, hugging it to her chest, tears threatening to fall.
“My Joseph and I were married 70 years; I lost him a few months back.” She dabs her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Your friend sounds so much like him. Joseph also made stupid mistakes in the beginning that almost ruined us. Just follow your heart, dear; what is meant for you will find its way to you.”
She told me about how he proposed, about their beautiful wedding, and about his wedding vows: “Darlin’, I’ve spent alifetime chasing moments, but none have ever felt as right as the ones I get to spend with you.”
We were both crying before the flight landed. I hugged her and thanked her for talking to me. Once we were off the plane and at the terminal desk, she disappeared, and I couldn’t find her again. But I smiled and walked with more pep today thanks to Margot and Joseph’s love story.
Maybe Donovan and I can move forward and have a happily ever after.
I send Donovan a quick text as I wait for my checked luggage.
Me: You’re just getting up for work, but I just landed. I can’t wait to see you tonight. These two weeks without you have been miserable. xoxo
Donovan
Anticipation is a real bitch sometimes.
You know the old saying, A watched pot doesn’t boil?
That needs updating. A watched clock doesn’t tick.
The third hour feels like it’s lasted a lifetime. We've been shooting free throws for what has to be hours—realistically, it's only been thirty minutes.
Since the moment I got the well-paying job offer in my inbox, I’ve been texting my best friend, Mack.
We met in seventh grade. It was his first day, and a few kids were teasing him about the way he spoke.
His family had just moved to Canyon Hollow from Alabama, and the accent made him an easy target.
A kid named Chad Fenwick, in his best but worst attempt at mocking, said, “Bless your heart, your momma must’ve cried when she saw your ugly face.”
