He presses his lips to my cheek. “I’ll text you as soon as I have the contract in hand.”
Why does this feel like the first step in a very painful goodbye?
“I’ll be waiting to hear from you,” I say softly.
With another soft kiss to my cheek, he turns and heads down the hallway to his bedroom. When the door shuts behind him, I look toward the windows.
As raindrops hit the glass, tears flow down my cheeks.
I knew this would hurt, but I had no idea how badly.
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
Emma
I marchup Park Avenue on my way to nowhere.
After I left Case’s apartment, I sent a group text to Bella and Delaney to see what they’re up to.
I know both of them have to work today, but I’m hoping at least one of them can spare me an hour at lunch.
I don’t know that I’ll confess anything to them about what I’m feeling concerning Case and me, but I need a friendly face and a chance to escape from the sadness I feel.
My time with Case is going to be over soon.
Drake and Jane will come back to New York, and then the three of us will fly to Seattle to finally tell my parents about the secret wedding.
I’ll share my news too.
I’m going to work at Cabbott. I’ll be moving to a new city.
This is the next chapter in my life. I should be over the moon, but I’m feeling nothing but loss.
I maneuver around a couple standing in the middle of the sidewalk. Their embrace is beautiful and tender in a way that speaks of deep love.
I slow as I move past them, taking in the expression on the man’s face as he stares at the woman.
It’s pure joy.
“Emma? Is that you?”
Startled to hear my name, I stop in place and spin in a circle.
I don’t recognize the voice until I hear it again. “I’m over here.”
I glance to the left to find Ruth with her hand in the air. She’s exiting the same building she disappeared into the other day.
“Ruth.” I approach her with a smile on my face. “I didn’t expect to see you again.”
She steals a look at the couple. They’re now walking down the sidewalk hand-in-hand. “Did you see that? The way he looked at her reminds me of Tommy. He always had that same look on his face right before he kissed me.”
I want memories like that too.
I have some with Case, but I want more. I want a lifetime’s worth.
“They seem very happy,” I reply. “How are you?”
“Late,” she confesses on a laugh. “I’m headed to the airport.”
