“Yeah. It was… It’s a lot of flowers. You didn’t need to send that many.”
“Of course, I did. You deserve to be spoiled. Plus, I wanted to do something special for you before this weekend.” He rolls his shoulders and stretches his neck, proof that the long hours of tax season are taking a toll on his body. “Do you like them?”
“It was a really thoughtful gesture,” I reply, avoiding the truth about how much I hate red carnations and how the size of the delivery sent me into a doomsday spiral all afternoon. “You’re still coming down for the party, right?” I hold my breath and my muscles tense as I wait for his answer.
His brows furrow slightly. “That’s my current plan. Things can always change, but I’m planning to drive down on Saturday morning and back that night.”
He’s coming.Relief floods my body.
I was wrong. Thank God.
Maybe I’m overreacting about everything else, too.
I exhale sharply. “I can’t wait to see you in a couple of days. I’ve really missed you,” I say, taking a brief pause. “There’s a lot for us to talk about when you get here.”
“I’ve missed you, too. It’ll be good to see you, even if it’s only for a short time.” His eyes shift, looking away from me for a moment. “Crap. I have to go. Talk to you later?”
“Sure.”
“I love you, Kate,” he replies before ending the call.
I cover my face with my hands, letting out the sob I’ve held in all day. My body gently shakes as I release the pent-up emotions from assuming the worst and the worries I’ve had over the past few weeks. He’s coming. We’ll finally be able to talk through everything.
After taking a deep breath, I force myself to focus on the positives, ignoring the pit in my stomach that’s warning me to brace for impact.
twenty-four
All the snow has melted,the sun is shining, and I’m finally having a good hair day. It’s like the engagement party gods are smiling down on me, rewarding me for the abysmal winter I’ve endured. In only a few hours, I’ll be in the same city as Brian, spending time with Chelsi, and regaling my friends with my love story. It’s exactly what I need after the past few days and the spiral I’ve been in.
I run my fingers through my hair, separating the loose curls before locking in the style with enough hairspray to stop a hurricane. I’m taking absolutely no risks with my hair. Great hair days are few and far between when you’re me. Thank goodness someone invented touchable hairspray, so I can freeze my hair in place without it feeling like straw.
My phone dings with another text, bringing a big smile to my face as I look in the mirror. It’s probably Chelsi or my mom again. They’ve both been texting me nonstop this morning. Chelsi is using voice-to-text to provide me with hilarious real-time updates as she drives, sharing made-up insane backstories for the drivers she passes. Every message from her is a hoot. My mom keeps sending texts asking for photos as I’m getting ready,like it’s my wedding, and she wants to document every aspect of it. It’s equal parts sweet and annoying.
When I glance at my lockscreen, my grin intensifies when I see Brian’s name, knowing he’s likely already on his way. He’ll be here in a few hours, and we can finally talk. Deal with all the lingering concerns I have and move forward. Together.
I swipe to unlock my phone, and my smile falters when I see the message. Instant panic overwhelms me. He can’t be doing this.
Brian
I’m so sorry, but I’m not going to be able to make the party. Something came up at work. It’s all hands on deck for the weekend.
I wish I could be there with you. Especially when you get the surprise I worked on with your mom.
I love you. Have fun at the party. I can’t wait to hear about it later.
An uncontrollable sob escapes my chest as the tears start pouring. My heart breaks into a million pieces as I realize I’ll have to walk into my engagement party alone. No time to cancel. No chance to explain or prepare my mom for Brian’s absence. No way to come back from the hurt gripping every cell in my body.
While leaning against the wall, I slide down to the floor, clutching my knees and letting the pain consume me. It doesn’t take long until my breathing is ragged, every inhale a struggle, thanks to the tightness in my chest and the choking sounds coming out of me. This can’t be real.
My face is pressed against the cold bathroom tile when I hear three rapid-fire knocks on the door. I don’t move a muscle,unable to force myself to speak. Unwilling to deal with whoever is outside.
“Kate, are you okay? I thought I heard crying coming from your house,” Jake asks calmly.
A barely audible whimper comes out of me. One he shouldn’t have heard, but the soft gasp from the other side of the door tells me he has.
“I’m coming in. Tell me to stop if you’re not dressed.” His voice is slightly trembling.
I don’t bother lifting my head when he walks in the room. I don’t care if he sees me at my worst.
