It was so quintessential New York; I knew I needed to eat there.
Perfectly tucked between two cobblestone streets, brownstones framing the windows. The awning was dark navy blue, with scalloped edges and chic script.
I’ve already texted Addie about half a dozen cocktail bars for a girls’ night.
Nate stands just as the busker in the far corner of the park starts playing Perfect by Ed Sheeran. He holds out his hand, and his eyes twinkle mischievously.
“Dance with me, Mads.”
“What?” I shriek, glancing at the crowds. “Absolutely not.”
“Madeline.” His tone turns commanding. “Get your cute ass up and dance with me.”
“What if someone takes a picture?”
He shrugs. “They’ll write about how Nate Davenport has incredible fucking moves.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
Still, I stand, albeit grudgingly.
He pulls me into his arms, and we begin to sway slowly to the music.
Our eyes are locked, and so much emotion swims behind those beautiful blue eyes of his that I suddenly get lost and forget the world around me.
The loud chatter, the cars honking—nothing can break this moment.
“I’ve missed you for a long time, Nathaniel.” I gently kiss his lips. “And I hate that so much time passed without you…withoutus.”
“We’re moving on with no regrets. It was all part of our plan.” He stops, bringing me closer to his chest. “One day, we’ll tell our children and theirs that love,real love, is worth every obstacle. That when you chase what sets your soul on fire, the good will always rise above the hard parts. And you and me, Mads? We’ll always come out stronger. Our love will always win,” he whispers tenderly, and my heart jolts at his beautiful words.
“Because we love each other endlessly,” I breathe.
He cups my cheek. I lean into his hand and close my eyes briefly when he brushes the pad of his thumb across my cheek.
“Our love is the only thing that matters to me in life. I’m a very wealthy man, Mads, but no amount of money has ever made me feel rich in the way you do.”
I tuck my face into his neck, kissing him there as his hand settles warm and steady against my back, moving us again with the music.
“You’re laying it on thick today,” I murmur.
“I’ve been saving my best lines for the right time,” he jokes.
When the song ends, we pull apart slowly. He pushes my glasses up and wipes away the tears I didn’t realize had fallen. “Happy tears?”
“Emotional happiness,” I say, smiling as I pick up Skye’s leash and give her another treat for being my perfect angel girl.
We’ve been shopping for the last hour, and now there’s only one stop left before Nate leaves for London.
I’ve finally worked up the nerve to visit my best friend’s memorial.
The courage it took to get here was pulled from somewhere so deep inside me, I didn’t even know it existed.
Apparently, Seb still can’t bring himself to visit either, and I understand that. Grief isn’t linear, and it sure as heck doesn’t come with instructions.
Mourning is a deeply personal act, never one-size-fits-all.
For me, Camila lives in my heart…and on my bedside table, where our photo will stay for the rest of my life.
