I flip through it until I see an envelope with no return address and handwriting I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
Eager, I rip it open to view the contents. Two papers fall out. The first one I open makes me smile harder than I have since we went our separate ways. I trace my finger over her name. Celeste is officially divorced. I throw down the paper and excitedly open the next. I exhale when I find that it’s a letter.
Beau,
As you can see I’m a free woman. I told you it wasn’t goodbye. It’s still not time for us to meet in person. I do not trust that bastard, but I think it’s safe to give you my phone number…
I drop the letter and snatch up my cell phone. I punch in the number with shaky fingers; I tap impatiently while I wait for her to answer.
“Hold on.”
I sigh my relief when I hear her voice. I hear her tell someone in the background she’ll see them later before she returns to the phone.
“Hello?”
“Thank you for giving me your number.”I miss you so much.
I keep the last part to myself because I know she’s still jumpy.
“I’m glad you called me. It’s good to hear your voice.”
I hear her say goodbye to someone else.
“Where are you?”
“Um. Leaving the doctor’s office.”
“Are you okay?”
I don’t have to see her to know she’s hesitating.
“Uh. Yeah. Just a checkup.”
“Are you sure?”
Celeste giggles into the phone. “I’m sure I’m fine. Yes.”
“Want to have lunch?”
“If by ‘lunch’ you mean both of us eat while talking to each other on the phone then sure.”
“Celeste…”
“It’s not time yet, Beau. I told you that in the letter.”
“I know, but if I came to you or you came to me, we would not be seen together publicly.”
“Not at all. Not yet. Have patience.”
“I have been patient,” I push a little because I want to see her.
“And you were rewarded with my phone number. I’m meeting you in the middle.”
I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. “You’re right. I’m sorry. This is just all so frustrating.”
“I know.” Her voice is soft. “I want to see you too. I miss you, but it’s still not safe.”
I hit video-chat on the phone and wait for her to accept. She doesn’t.
