Before I can think better of it, I quickly add, “Did Mom mention during any of that time… I also got divorced?” The words fly out of my mouth.
Holy shit, I can’t believe she’s really here.
My mind reels as my past crashes into the present.
At one point, Faye was my best friend—my ride or die. We were tight from the moment we met. Then our connection turned into more, junior year. When I set my sights on the Air Force, she fully supported that decision and was a huge factor in getting me to push hard to reach my dreams.
Near the end of our senior year, we called things off. She’d had an early acceptance to NYU, and I was off to boot camp once I turned eighteen at the end of summer. We knew the odds of a relationship surviving distance were low, so we parted ways and eventually lost touch.
I’ve often wondered what happened to her, but obviously, I never reached out, so that’s on me.
Faye’s smile is as beautiful as ever when she shrugs sheepishly and pushes a loose strand of hair behind her ear that has fallen from the top knot she has her hair piled in. “Yeah… But you had your hands full with four amazing girls. I never wanted to get in the way.”
“You know about my girls?”
Rolling her eyes, her infamous smirk forms.
“Of course. They were all Jane could talk about. She was so proud of them. Besides, her house was plastered with photos. I could see for myself what an amazing family you had.”
“Just how often did you visit?”
“Not as often as I should’ve, obviously. But enough, over the years. I was in London when your mom passed, or I would have been at the service. She was a special woman.”
My head spins with so many questions, but one works its way out of my mouth before I can think better of it. “Why didn’t you ever reach out?”
She darts her eyes to the ground as her teeth bite into her lower lip for a few heartbeats before squaring her shoulders and meeting my gaze. “What can I say…? I was young and protecting my heart.”
Protecting her heart—from what?
For the first time in forever, guilt crashes in. Our falling out of touch is just as much on me. But something doesn’t settle right. “Was I that unapproachable?”
Again, on a long sigh, she shakes her head. “No. It was harder than I thought to be on my own across the country. I didn’t really want any reminders of home. But then, too much time had passed, and you’d clearly moved on, so I kept my distance.”
Her truth makes my chest feel tight and my skin itch.
Not knowing what to say, I glance at the house behind her. “Did your parents move?”
“No, they’re still in the same place.” Thumbing over her shoulder, she adds, “I’m renting this place because, as much as I love my parents, living with them permanently isn’t an option.”
She’s been living beside me this entire time, and I had no idea?
Some special operator I am—don’t even notice who my neighbors are?
How could I miss this?
“I could’ve sworn when I moved in, your place was vacant.”
On a breezy laugh, she shrugs again. “I’ve been out of town on business for the last six weeks.”
Well, that makes sense.
`My wrist buzzes, and I’m brought back to reality.
My ass needs to get to the airfield, pronto.
Running a hand through my hair, I lay my truth on the line, “Look, Faye, I’m heading out of town myself for a few days and need to leave ASAP. Please don’t take this as a brush-off. Can I get your number and call you when I return?”
Her gorgeous blue eyes bore into mine. They’re brighter in this morning light. Just when I’m certain she’s going to brush me off, a coy smile plays at her lips, and she spews out her digits. Then adds, “I sure hope your memory hasn’t faded in all these years.” A triumphant smile fills her features as she winks for good measure.
