Page 44 of It Was Always You

Adam caught his trembling lip between his teeth as the salt water welled in his eyes. ‘You didn’t?’ he whispered.

‘No… I didn’t, Adam… Eve did.’ She handed him an envelope. With shaking hands, he took it from her and opened it.

Inside were two business-class tickets to New York.

He gasped as the tears overflowed from his eyes and he covered his mouth with his hand as he read the note that accompanied the tickets.

24 June 2022

My Darling Adam,

Today is your birthday and it’s a bit weird writing this letter when you’re sitting at home wondering why I’m spending so much time at Lily’s. But all I can say is it was important for me to write this now while I’m so very excited about what I’ve just done for your next birthday! I hope that, seeing as when you get this a year has passed, the money has already been spent, and Lily has already used her airmiles to upgrade us to business class – our bestie really is the best – that you will simply smile across at me and hug me. No doubt I’m sitting biting my nails as you read this! Go on, look at me and check. See, told you!

New York has always been our dream destination and so I know that when you calm down, you’ll forgive me for booking the Waldorf Astoria for four nights… whoops! I forgot to mention that before (hee hee hee). But ever since I introduced you to mine and Lily’s favourite movie, Serendipity, it’s been a dream of mine to stay there with you, and so I know you’ll enjoy it too as all you have ever wanted to do is make me happy. Well, now it’s my turn, my gorgeous, wonderful, handsome husband. Have I told you today how much I love you? I’m guessing I have but just in case I have been too preoccupied making your favourite breakfast I will write it now… I LOVE YOU! More than anything in this world. Never forget that.

Now get over here and kiss me!

Eve

xxx

A pain-filled sob broke free from Adam’s body as he slumped forward, head in his hands. His body shuddered as he clung to the note. The note that Eve had written. The note that was his last connection to his beautiful wife. The note that told him she was thinking about him but was expecting to be sitting opposite him as he read it. Why wouldn’t she have been expecting that? It was too much to bear. His sobs were loud and unabashed, and all the raw emotion connected to the day poured out of him. He felt arms encircle him and squeeze him tight. A damp face pressed into his neck.

Eventually his sobs subsided and he lifted his face. Lily’s red-rimmed eyes stared back.

A look of worry plagued her features. ‘I’m so sorry, Adam… I didn’t mean…’

He frowned and shook his head, touched her cheek. ‘No, don’t be sorry, Lil.’ He sniffed and wiped his hands over his tear-stained face. ‘It was just a little overwhelming… the letter… the tickets… the bloody Waldorf Astoria.’ He smiled. ‘But after everything that’s happened… with her not being here… the note alone is the best I could’ve hoped for.’

She returned his smile. ‘The thing is the flights are tomorrow. I spoke to the rector at your school, and you’re booked off for the week. Special dispensation.’

His eyes widened at the realisation. ‘That explains the looks I’ve been getting this week.’

She squeezed his arm. ‘You can go and just enjoy it. Think of her and know how much you meant to her.’

He looked at the envelope containing the tickets, which had fallen to the floor. ‘But there are two tickets, Lil. I… I don’t really want to go alone.’

She rubbed his arm. ‘Then ask your mum. She would love to go. She really would, Adam.’

He chuckled. ‘Erm, I don’t think it’s the kind of place I want to go with my mum. Can you imagine her face if I get drunk? No, you helped plan it. You used your own airmiles for goodness’ sake. You should come.’

Lily opened and closed her mouth, but no sound came out until she managed, ‘Erm… erm… I… erm.’

He placed his hand over hers on his arm. ‘Look, you helped to organise this and you’re my best friend. If anyone should go with me, it should be my best friend. Don’t you think?’

TRACK 20

‘NEW YORK, NEW YORK’ (FRANK SINATRA)

‘Oh… my… God!’ Lily gasped as they stood in the entrance of the suite at the Waldorf Astoria. ‘This is the most luxurious place I’ve ever been in, and I’ve stayed in many hotels. Some of them quite nice. But this…’

Adam swallowed the lump in his throat. ‘Yep, my girl had taste, all right.’ He glanced around and his damp eyes settled on the huge king-size bed. ‘You take the bed, Lil. I’ll sleep on the floor or… or the sofa.’

She swung around. ‘You’ll do no such thing, you muppet. We’re both adults. We’ll share the bed.’

He felt the heat rise in his cheeks. ‘Oh… okay.’

She cringed. ‘Oh, heck, Adders, I didn’t mean… I mean I know that Eve and you were meant to… I’ll take the sofa.’