Setting the invitation aside, I picked up the last letter. My eyes caught on the return address and I inhaled. It was from Cerise.
With a shaky breath, I broke the wax seal and pulled out the singular page, unfolding it.
Why was I so nervous?
Liam,
I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for making me laugh. For pushing me to do things that were outside of my carefully constructed bubble of comfort. For diving into the water after me and saving my life. For poking and prodding and pushing me to ease up, to let go. Thank you.
I will hold those memories in my heart and always cherish our friendship. I’m sorry I can’t give you what you need. I just have too much going on right now. Besides, you deserve someone who can match your energy and zest for life. I’d only bring you down.
I hope we can remain friends. Perhaps I’ll see you at the gala.
Sincerely,
Cerise
Absolutely fucking not.
I read and re-read the letter, noticing the tiniest smudge on the ink where something wet had messed with her signature. A tear?
While I had been expecting this, it still tore through me. Ripped my heart open. If I knew her—and I really felt like I did—she had gotten in her head and convinced herself we weren’t a good match. That our different lives couldn’t work together.
But what I hadn’t been expecting was her thinking she wasn’t good enough for me.
I satacross from Coen at the local tavern, nursing my second beer. I’d told him everything that had happened since I went on the expedition. Then shared Cerise’s letter with him.
He watched me with hazel eyes, his black hair that was beginning to gray at the temples shining in the low light. His expression contorted with his typical scowl.
“You’re in love with her.” He said it so matter of factly, I almost didn’t catch his words.
I laughed, shaking my head.
“Don’t lie to yourself, Liam. I can see it in your eyes when you talk about her.” He drummed his fingers on the table.
I took another sip of beer. Shit. I was. I was absolutely, head over heels, pathetically in love with Cerise Thornheart. And I hadn’t a clue what to do about it.
“Now what?” I asked.
“Well, how about you tell her?”
“Have you evermether?”
He shook his head, chuckling along with me. “No, but I’ve heard she’s pretty uptight.”
“She can be. But deep down she’s kind, caring, and sometimes even funny.”
“Damn…you’re pathetic, Liam.”
I gave him a flat look.
“So just tell her.” He shrugged as if it was easy.
“She’s skittish. Like a cat. If I come out and blatantly tell her I love her, I guarantee that will push her away even more. She’s already beginning to withdraw. I don’t think now is a good time.”
We were both silent as we mulled over the conundrum. I ran my fingers through my hair, fidgeting in my seat as I scanned the tavern, hoping an idea would reveal itself.
Patrons laughed as they played cards, clinking their tankards together. An older couple argued passionately in the far corner. A woman chased her toddler across the floor, both of them giggling with delight as they dodged wooden chairs and tables.
