Page 15 of When There Was You
“And Mick?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
“I know, baby. I love you too.”
It’s the most interminable,insufferable twenty-two hours of my life. I try my damnedest to study, to ignore the anxiety swirling through me, to not watch the clock. But the longer it takes Mick to check in, the angrier I become, conjuring fantasies of hanging up on him.
When he finally calls, he sounds exhausted. Reticent.
“How is he?” I hold my breath.
“Healthy. And…happy.”
Well, that’s good. “So, what’s the deal?”
Mick doesn’t say anything for such a long time that dread gallops up my spine.
“What is it? Something’s wrong. Just tell me?—”
“Remy’s engaged.”
I snort at the absurdity of that statement. But Mick doesn’t utter a sound.
“Wait. Are youserious?”
He sighs, and I picture him raking a hand through his hair. “Unfortunately, yeah, I am.”
“Bu…but,” I sputter. “How? When? Why?”
“He met her in rehab and…things progressed.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. This chick is a drug addict? Solid choice.”Not to mention, how the hell could he be in love with someone else...someone other than me?
“She works there,” he clarifies, “and apparently, they fell in love.”
It’s a knife stab to the heart, the gut, everywhere. Emotions bleed out from every wound. I stop pacing the living room floor and sag against the wall, slumping to the carpet.
“I don’t understand,” I rasp. “He was only there a coupleof months. How does he come outengaged? What about everything we shared?”
“I’m sorry, baby. He’s almost a different guy. He claimed he experienced a ‘spiritual awakening’ and now he’s got some…vision or mission or purpose. He never wants to drink or use drugs again. He’s in love. He’s…excited about life.” Mick seems to grapple with explaining what he witnessed.
“And his parents are on board with this engagement?”
“She’s from a good family. They’re thrilled, gave it their blessing. Thinks she’ll help him stay on track.”
“Did you meet her?”I whisper.
“No. She’s still working at the facility, but she’s moving here soon. They plan to get married in six months. They…already set the wedding date.”
The finality of it sinks further into my chest.RIP Remy and Jacqui.
“He asked you to be his best man.” My voice is flat, broken.
“Mm-hmm.” It’s almost like he doesn’t want to admit it.
We’re both silent.
