Yes, that’s what I said. The day he left, I was lying on my bed, trying not to think about him, when Susanna yelled for me to come downstairs. “You have a delivery.”
“Okay!” I shouted back. I had no idea what the heck she was talking about, and I let my imagination run wild. Maybe Cooke sent flowers. But that made no sense. He was still in the air; how could he? Instead of overthinking it, I ran down the steps and found Susanna pointing toward the front door that was standing open. Tentatively, I moved to the opening and stepped through. Outside the door was a guy holding up a white envelope and a set of keys. Behind him was the prettiest baby blue Vespa I’d ever seen.
“What?” I squeaked.
“You Quinn Maxwell?”
“Yes.”
He stepped closer before handing me the envelope and keys. “These are for you.”
“Who—”
“It’s all in the envelope.” He waved and left. I watched him slide into a truck with a small trailer on the back.
“Who’s it from?” Susanna asked.
“It’s Cooke, right?” Robbi added.
Where did she came from?
Opening the envelope, the first thing I saw was a handwritten note.
Quinn,
I saw this color and it reminded me of your pretty blue eyes. I hope you like it. If you don’t, the gentleman said you could exchange it for something else. Please don’t try to return it.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed meeting you, love. You are so special and genuine. It pains me to leave you, but I must. Duty calls. I hope you’ll consider visiting me over the holidays. The invitation is open. Just say the word.
I’ll be busy for several days after I return with practice and meetings, but I’ll call you when I can. Take care, and drive safely.
Yours, Cooke.
I looked through the other items in the envelope. “Idiot.” I say with a laugh.
“What?” Susanna asks.
“He bought me a new scooter, and there’s a gift certificate for $500 dollars. It says, ‘for helmet and other accessories’ in the memo.” I laughed again. “He’s ridiculous.”
And I love him. Before you think less of me, I don’t love him for buying me a scooter. I love him for coming to my rescue and for being the sweetest, kindest person I’ve ever met.
“Shit. He shouldn’t have done this.”.
“He’s wonderful,” says Kat from somewhere. I turn and see three out of five roommates standing on the front step, watching me.
“He is.”
He really is.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Cooke:What’s a Garryowen?
Iblink at the text message and smile. It’s been seven long days since Cooke flew out of Des Moines International Airport, and this is the first time he’s contacted me. I did send him a message thanking him for my Vespa, but it went unanswered. I know he’s busy, so I haven’t let it bother me. Much.
Me: Is that someone on your team?
Cooke: Love…
