Jackson goes to respond, but Eli interjects. “We feel for you, man, but you got yourself into this mess, and you’ll dig yourself out. But you’d better do more than a few letters. What’s your next move?”
I tell them my plan and add, “You’re probably right about the flowers, though, I’ll add some to the mix. I’m hoping she’ll talk to me after the books arrive.”
“Sounds weak, dude. Maybe another trip to Bozeman is in order,” Jackson suggests.
“Yeah, I’ve thought of that. I think it’s too soon. I’ll gauge her reaction and then go.”
“You sure it’s wise to wait that long? It’s already been a month, and the longer it goes, the harder it’ll be to get her back. Jackson and I are proof of that,” Eli chuckles, along with Jackson uttering, “No shit.”
“Then you’ll both understand that when I say I’ll get her back, I will—no matter how hard or long it takes. But I need to do it right and then pray to God it isn’t too late.”
20
LAST CHANCE
Poppy
It’s New Year’s Day—time for resolutions. I had fun with Matt and Grayson, and I’m not even hungover, which is a great way to start.
The first thing I do is call Cici. I tried wishing her Happy New Year right after midnight, but she was three sheets to the wind and impossible to talk to. It sounded like she kept asking if I loved Braden, but with all the background noise, it was hard to tell, and it seemed too out of character for that to be the case.
Which means I’m projecting, hearing what I want instead of what’s actually being said. I’m still despondent from the whole thing, and even last night, Braden was never far from my mind.
“Happy New Year!” I shout as soon as she picks up.
“Oh my God. Not so loud,” she groans, making me laugh.
“Did someone have a little too much fun last night?”
“Definitely too much to drink. Not sure about the fun part. It’s a little foggy.”
I laugh some more. “Well, I’m glad you let loose. You haven’t gone out since Abby was born. It probably felt good.”
“At first it did, now it feels like shit.”
“Well, buck up, buttercup, because we’re doing resolutions. You with me?”
“Oh geez, let me suck down my coffee for this. You’re way too peppy this morning. I’ll just call you Peppy Poppy.”
“Better than Pouty Poppy, which is what I’ve been.”
“That’s true. But you sound good all of a sudden. What’s changed?”
“Nothing, but it’s time tomakechanges by starting over. We’re wiping the slate clean and pretending the past five months never happened. I’m creating a new dating profile.”
She groans. “Oh, God no. You’re making my hangover worse with those words alone. The pictureless thing sucks. Look where it got you—a broken heart.”
“Yeah, still not talking about that. But you’re right, it does suck, so I’m signing up for one with pictures. I’ll just weed through the jerks looking for hookups.”
“Well, that’s a relief. Listen, I know you didn’t want to, but have you read the letters yet?”
“No, and I’m not going to. Nothing can change the fact that he did what he did, so why indulge in the fantasy that he’s someone he’s not?”
“Maybe he’s trying to be a better someone for you.”
“Uh… where is this coming from? You’ve been anti-Braden from the start. You can’t just turn on me.”
“I’m not. But I love you, and you’ve been miserable. I’d hate for you to give up without giving it a chance.”
