Page 39 of When There Was You
I’m ready.
Twenty-Four
Graduation day brings an ultramarine sky dotted with clouds, and I breathe easier knowing our commencement ceremony can be held outdoors as scheduled.
Boston’s “Don’t Look Back” blares its apropos message throughout the condo as Jas, Kit, and I put the final touches on our appearance. There’s no dimming the mile-wide smile on my face.
School’s over. Degree? Earned. Employment? Secured. Heart? Intact, even if by a thread.
Kendra and I move into our new apartment in the city next week, and my job starts right after. I’ve quit smoking—I think—and it hasn’t even been so terrible. After the first few days, it was more about fighting the habit of it.
I snag my cap and gown and head downstairs to wait for my roommates. We’re carpooling. Our parents are meeting us at the university and we’re all going out for a meal afterward. The doorbell rings and my heels echo against the tile foyer as I approach the door.
A wiry, gray-haired man holds a long, rectangular box inhis arms with a clipboard tucked under one. “Delivery for Jacqueline Hall.”
“Really? That’s me.” I’m shocked silent for a moment. Who’s sending me flowers?
“I just need your signature,” he says.
Once our transaction completes, he hands me the box, and I take it inside.
Kit walks downstairs as I’m setting it on the dining table. She looks lovely in a mulberry dress that’s formfitting up top and flowy on the bottom.
“Oooh. Who are they from?” she asks.
I shrug, lifting the lid. I’m momentarily stunned by the dozen long-stemmed red roses tied with an ivory bow.
Then I fish out the card.
My world tilts on its axis. I’m wholly unprepared for what’s staring back at me.
I’m so proud of you, Jax. Fly high, baby.
Love,
Mick
My heart thumps wildly.Holy shit.Holy shit.Holy shit.Mick sent me flowers. Roses. He communicated. He… what is he doing?
I hold out the note for Kit, then drop into a chair.
“Wow,” she murmurs.
“I know.”
Except I don’t know. But I do. It’s nothing…and everything. It’s so fucking typical of Mick. A gentleman. My biggest fan. The love of my life. He hasn’t forgotten me. It tugs at me, launching a tenuous hope. A sliver of light that maybe he…wants more?
“Why does he have to be such a magnanimous asshole?” Kit remarks.
I snort softly. She’s a hundred percent accurate. “Will you put these in water for me? I’m about to go to pieces, and don’t want my mascara running.”
Kit’s gaze spears mine. “You are not shedding one more tear over that man.”
I bite my lip and nod, swallowing anything resembling emotion that’s trying damn hard to escape.
She swipes the box from view and gets busy in the kitchen filling a vase at the sink. My insides swirl with longing, and a little satisfaction.He’s still thinking about me. He’s still rooting for me. He still wants the best for me.I squeeze my eyes shut and remind myself of the sobering reality. Nothing’s changed. He doesn’t want to get back together. He’s not making any promises. He doesn’t really want me. The dam swells, lodging behind my sternum, and I breathe through it.
Jas joins us, stunning in a sapphire blue jumpsuit that contrasts perfectly with her skin tone, dark hair, and onyx eyes. “What’s going on? Who got flowers?”
