July, Year Two
IN THE AIR ABOVE PENNSYLVANIA
Shae,
I’m sorry this letter took so long for me to write. I was in a bad place. So bad, in fact, I ended up in the hospital after wrapping the Porsche around a tree.
I’m “lucky” I didn’t die, the doctors say.
Still, I broke my leg and my sternum, and the impact from the airbag bruised my heart and almost burst my bladder.
I’m fine now, though.
That’s what I get for drinking and driving.
I know, I know. You’d tear me a new one for being so reckless. But really, what is there anymore?
Riale laid down the hammer, and I agreed, though. He said I can’t check up on you anymore. Part of me really resents him acting like my goddamn daddy, but at the end of the day, he’s right.
I need to set the boundary.
He promised that he’ll keep an eye on you and make sure you’re safe. Then, he’ll tell me if there’s anything I need to know.
How’s Massachusetts? He told me you took a year off, but you’re in the program now. I hope you didn’t delay because of me.
I hope I didn’t fuck up your plans, baby.
I hope you’re so fucking happy.
Fuck, I don’t want to write this next part. I don’t want to admit to you what I’m about to do. And I probably shouldn’t write it down. Axel and Riale would kill me if I blew the plan.
But…I DO have a plan, Sweetness.
I’m leaving Chicago and heading for New York. The financial capital of the world.
And….
…I’m going to work for Lakeland.
I know, baby. If you were reading this letter, you’d scream at me, maybe slap me to get me to see the light, but again…I have a plan. He’s been in the shadows, and I think he did that so that I’d spiral.
When I left rehab, guess who was there waiting for me?
Lakeland.
But this time, I’m ready for him. I guess a near-death experience will change you.
I think part of me hopes that if I can make the world safe for us to be together, I can prove myself to you and win you back someday.
That’s a pipe dream, though. I know it is. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try.
Even if we never see each other again. Even if I do succeed, I hope you won’t have waited around for me.
I pray you’re happy, Sweetness.
I love you.
Storm