Chapter 44
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
I ordered appetizers for the table during Thursday night drinks with the girls. The townhouse title had been transferred, and I had money in my account.
Maria raised her glass. “To new beginnings—my favorite part of the story.”
“Cheers.” I drank my sparkling water. The tie that had been binding me to Gerry was broken. I felt light enough to lift out of my chair.
“Do you know who bought the townhouse?” Maria asked.
Autumn shrugged. “An LLC. Some anonymous investor. It’ll be on the market as a rental by Monday.”
Phoebe stuck out her bottom lip. “I want to own a vacation rental.”
Maria tossed her hair. “You do. In Arizona.”
“Uh, my parents.”
My phone buzzed and one look at the sender had me standing up and leaving the table. “Be back in a minute.”
I stepped outside the crowded restaurant, shivering as the cold hit my skin. My car beeped, and I dove inside, turning on the engine to run the heater.
Dominic
I miss you, bluebird.
Gulping, I stared down at my screen. It was time to talk. I pressed my lips together and closed my eyes, trying to compose my thoughts. Then I typed out the message I’d been dreading.
Me
Can we do a video chat? Tomorrow evening or anytime over the weekend works for me. I have news I’d like to share. Sound okay?
I covered my eyes. God, my words are so inadequate. And awkward.
Dominic
I’ll meet you instead.
Biting my lip, my face scrunched up, and my stomach turned.
Me
I’d rather do a video chat first and talk about meeting.
No response.
Exhausted and tense, I left the restaurant after saying goodnight to Maria, Autumn, and Phoebe. My mind was stuck on spin, twirling endlessly on what I would say to Dominic.
Since it was still before nine o’clock when I got to the farm, the Roberts were up watching one of their hospital dramas in the family room.
Lisa sprang up when she saw me—she’d insisted on first names by that point. “Look in the kitchen, dear. The counter is covered with presents for you.”
“For me?” My mouth gaped open when I glanced in the kitchen.
Nigel leaned over the back of the sofa. “Three delivery trucks—at least.”
A massive holiday-style bouquet with red roses, carnations, cedar, bursts of white, ornament balls, frosted pine cones, and a huge red ribbon was on the counter. The card said, Forgive me? Dominic.
Lisa sighed. “Smells divine.”
“Not as good as lavender,” Nigel said.
“Three fruit baskets.” Lisa pointed at the breakfast table. “Over there.”
A big wicker basket had pears, apples, and cheese. Another one was a crate stacked with pineapple, mango, kiwis, and nuts. And as if that wasn’t enough, there was a large, printed box overflowing with citrus labeled, The Best of California .
Touching my throat, I stared at it all with my mouth hanging open. My skin tingled. I reached out and took the other notes. Because I’m not there to feed you fruit, Dominic. Notice I’ve compromised my ethics to buy you shipped produce. Will you share with me? Dominic. Thinking about you, Dominic.
“Don’t forget that big pile of other stuff.” Nigel pointed to the front door. “Got your name on it.”
He’d bought me a high-end winter parka, because I’m worried that you’re cold without me to keep you warm. I also unwrapped a beautiful handbag, because I want to spoil you.
“Wow.” I picked up all the packaging. “Please help me eat the fruit,” I called to Lisa and Nigel. “I’ll find somewhere to put it all in the morning, if you don’t mind?”
Lisa flopped her hand at me. “Go. I bet there’s someone waiting to hear from you…”
Up in my tiny room, I fell onto my bed, clutching my bag and jacket against my chest. My finger ran over the flat silver rivets running down the side of the caramel Coach handbag. I took a picture of myself wide-eyed and sent it to Dominic.
Me
I’m in shock right now. I returned home about twenty minutes ago and found everything. Thank you—that’s so inadequate. My heart is beating too fast.
The flowers, the fruit, the parka, and the gorgeous handbag—I’ve never been so surprised in my life. Thank you. I can’t believe you did this.
Dominic
I want to do more. Meet me on Friday.
Trust me. You’re going to need time to think after my news. Let’s video chat tomorrow night.