Chapter Thirty-Nine
Amber
On my way to the home of Marion Roberts, I stroll along the half mile of sidewalks from George Roberts’ house, passing several golden-vanilla houses, all with red clay tiles covering their roofs.
There’s a father and son playing catch on one street.
Brothers chase each other around their yard.
It isn’t long before I’m there, at another house like all of the others.
I press the buzzer, wait a moment, and then knock on the door with a hint of frustration.
No answer. I try again, and still, no answer.
Marion isn’t home. I let out a loud sigh in a tone of defeat and begin to cry.
The one thing I can’t see myself living without is Declan, and I’m terrified that he’s been hurt.
Unsure of what to do next, I use my phone to order a rideshare to bring me home.
I’ll have to start over again tomorrow. I’m drained.
The rideshare stops at the curbside by my house. Barely paying attention, I record my rating in my phone and throw in a generous tip. I thank the driver as I exit their vehicle, and with my head hung low, fumble for my housekeys.
When I turn the lock and press my door into my entry way, I’m slapped with the faint smell of men’s woody cologne.
"Declan!" I yell out when my eyes find my gorgeous twenty-something man rounding the hallways corner with a massive smile across his face.
"Hey, babe," says Declan. "How are—" I cut him off with a giant bear-hug. "How are you?"
Planting my face in his chest, I burst into tears, and soak a Rorschach-like stain on his shirt. He grabs ahold of me and helps me to the floor, cradling me by the shoulders along the way as I collapse, still sobbing to the point I begin to choke.
"Amber," says Declan, concerned. "What’s going on, what’s the matter?"
"Where have you," I try, still bawling. "Where have you been?"
"What do you mean?" Declan asks. "I’m right here."
"No," I shout. "Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you for days."
"Ah," Declan sighs. "I’m sorry babe. My phone died, and I forgot my charger in the bag in our closet." His words feel hollow and manufactured.
"What do you mean?" I ask, becoming incensed. "You couldn’t pick up a phone and call me?"
"Well," Declan responds, looking like a dog with his tail between his legs. "This is a little embarrassing, but, I don’t actually know our phone numbers. I always go to where they’re stored in my phone when I call you."
"Ugh!" I blurt at him.
I’m fit to be tied. I just spent the better part of a week pining over every memory I have of us together, wondering if they were the only memories we’ll ever make, and it’s all because he doesn’t know my phone number.
Bullshit.
"Amber," says Declan. "I’m sorry. I hope you didn’t worry too much. I’m fine. Honest."
"Too much?" I make a distorted face at him.
"I've been everywhere I could think of looking for you.
I called Kent. He gave me some information for your mom and brother.
I went to see George, and he acted like there's no way in hell you and I are getting married, which is a whole other issue for another day.
Then I tried to go and talk to your mom, but she wasn't home.
And I crashed my car. And, you were just gone.
So, sorry, but yeah, I worried. I worried a lot.
I thought…" The tears start flowing more rapidly, and my shoulders convulse.
"I thought something awful happened to you.
You can't just disappear on me like that.
I can't take it. I just can't. I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to you. "
"You talked to Kent?" Declan asks, his face showing signs of an emotion somewhere between sorrow and alarm. "You talked to Geor—"
"Yes," I cut him off quickly—anger overthrowing my sobs. "You were nowhere to be found. Literally nobody could tell me where you were, Declan. Does that not register for you? Do you not get how all of this has affected me?"
"I know, I know," says Declan. "I just, well, I wish you hadn't gone to my family."
"Why, Declan?" I ask, in no joking mood. "You say you want to marry me some day. But you’re hiding things. Basic things. And I don’t like it. That’s not how this works."
"You're right," he says. "I'm sorry. I should have, I don't know, done something to let you know where I was and that I was okay. But I promise you, you’re stuck with me. Forever."
I lean into my infuriating man, squeeze him tight, and give him a kiss, even though I’m fuming. I'm just so glad he's okay.