I nod, just once. Of course Lou would have told her best friend. It’s a big day.
Lou’s best friend pulls out of the driveway and I close the door behind me as I make my way to the kitchen. Setting the box on the counter, I pull the smaller three bouquets out, all arranged in individual glass vases. The final, largest one, is also in a vase. Abigail, Bailey, and Chloe’s names are written on the cards in the three smaller ones. Mine is written on the card stuck in the largest one, with a handwritten ‘Read me later’ on the front.
From Louise to all four of us on this bittersweet day.
She’d stayed at home last night, insisting that I needed the night to myself, to grieve, to prepare, and that she would be here waiting for me when I was ready. Even if that meant tonight, too.
This girl. I had no idea I needed her so damn much.
Plucking the note out of the flowers, I tuck it into my pocket. Even if I can’t read it now, I need to have a small piece of her with me today.
Pulling my phone out of my other pocket, I snap a picture of the four bouquets and send it Lou.
Not sure what we did to deserve you, but I plan on making good on the next forty to fifty years, Princess. Missing you. Can’t wait to kiss you.
Climbing into the truck, I drive into town and park on the street outside of the county courthouse. I don’t see a gold minivan anywhere, but I’m not surprised. I’m still early, and Brittanee is never on time.
I check in through security and find my way upstairs to the courtroom. My lawyer, Stan, finds me just a few minutes later when he walks up. He shakes my hand, and we spend the next several minutes going over what our strategy is. My palms are clammy, again.
Stan reminds me at five minutes to that I need to make sure my phone is silenced before we get into the courtroom, so I slip my phone out and turn off the ringer.
Princess
Missing you, more.
I’ll let you know about tonight.
Princess
Take your time. If you need tonight to yourself, I understand.
Thank you, Louise. I’ll text when I’m out.
Pushing to my feet, I slide my phone into my pocket and follow Stan into the courtroom.
Fifty-Two
Louise
Ihear the rumble of Zach’s truck engine as he pulls in and jump to my feet, racing to the window. His headlights shine into my window briefly, but he continues past until he’s parked in front of his place.
It’s almost midnight.
He hadn’t messaged me back. Even after I was sure that court had adjourned. Still, I let him have time, not wanting to add any stress to an already rough day.
But… midnight? Just getting home… and still no message?
I watch as he climbs out of the truck, shutting the door. He glances in the direction of my place, and I hold my breath. Butwhen he turns back toward his house and climbs the steps to his porch, my chest aches a little.
Okay. He just needs tonight. Don’t rush him, Lou. You’re a little extra sometimes, just… chill.
I can be chill.
I toss and turn in my bed for hours. So anxious I can’t sleep.
The birds are starting to chirp when I finally fall into an exhausted, fitful sleep.
My coffee is not nearly strong enough when I finally drag myself out of bed the next morning. Checking my phone, my shoulders sink. Still no messages from Zach.
