Page 118 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
"I love you too, my Knight. I'll do more than just punch him if he's lying."
"Good girl, Rose." I smiled as he called me that, feeling happy, knowing we were okay. He's okay, and wants to make sure I'm okay. "I better go. I lied and told Lisa and Mom I needed to use the restroom so I could call you without them present. I better get back before the restaurant thinks I'm clogging up the toilet here." He made me chuckle, picturing him hiding away in a bathroom to call me.
"I love you, Lucas. Thank you for calling."
"I love you too, Olive. Guard your heart, and let me know how it goes."
We both hung up, and I felt a lot better after our conversation. Running into Ian didn't feel like such a dirty little secret anymore.I can't wait to be back in Lucas' arms.The knock on my door had me bolting out of my bed. I opened it to find Ian on the other side with a shoe box in his hand. I stepped out into the hall, because I am not letting him into my room.
"The garden here, or our old spot?" he asked me with his charming smile.
"Garden." Going to our old spot didn't feel right. Ian isn't a liar. At least he never was in high school, so I want to believe him about the letters, but at the same time it sounds far-fetched.
**Song suggestion: “The Winner Takes It All” by Mack Lorén**
I led the way through the inn towards the back doors, exiting the building into the cool air. The smell of the flowers was sweet in the air with the warm sun helping to keep the cold from sinking deep into my bones. We took a seat on a metal bench in the corner.
"Here." He handed me the box, which I placed on my lap, and slowly opened. Surely enough, there were dozens of red envelopes. I grabbed one, seeing my name on it with the correct address. When I turned it over, I could see thereturn to senderscribbled on the back in familiar penmanship.Dad.
This entire time, I believed Ian had never written to me. I believed he didn't care about me. I let myself think our 2 year friendship meant nothing to him, yet it was my dad's fault. I'm not sure what motive he could have had to do something like this. It didn't make sense, but the proof was in my hands. My eyes watered up as the insecure teenager in me began to heal.He didn't abandon us.
There were so many letters, all stamped with different dates. Despite getting every single one back, he would still write. I felt a tear slide down my cheek as I stared at these red envelopes. I felt so overwhelmed with bitter happiness. Happy he didn't abandon me, but so bitter we didn't get a chance to stay in touch.How I could have used these letters…especially that night.
The tears were pouring out of me now. It was almost crushing me to see these letters, to know things could have been so different. I felt Ian scoot closer, wrapping his arm over my shoulders and pulling me into his side. I cried on him, clutching onto the box for dear life. I know its such a big reaction to some letters, but these weren't just letters. Back then, these would have been lifelines for me. Teenage me could have used a friend, could have used the knowledge she was wanted, even if just by one person. Joe didn't count.
"I'm sorry, Red." Ian whispered, squeezing me tight. I shook my head on his chest.
"No,I'msorry, Ian. This was my dad, and I had no idea. Maybe he's why you didn't get my letters, too." I tried to think back to when I'd leave the letter in the mailbox for the mailman to take. Dad could have easily taken it.
"Red, I promise I wrote to you almost every day. You were on my mind often while I was in London. I'd search you at least once a month on social media in case your dad had somehow changed his mind and gotten you a phone." He was telling me so many things I'd long to hear when I was 16. "I worried about you daily, but I figured, or more like I hoped, you had moved on from me. I hoped you had a new best friend who was keeping you safe. Someone who was rescuing you the way I used to." His hand found my chin, lifting me up to look at him. "You were so precious to me, Red, still are." He kissed my forehead, surprising me.
"I didn't have anyone then, but I do now. I have a best friend, Hailey, and a boyfriend named Lucas. My friends aren't plenty, but the few I have are important." Ian nodded his head at my words. His eyes shimmered as he looked at me. I could almost see longing behind those blue eyes. It's arrogant thinking. Why would he long for me?
"Keep the letters. They were meant to be yours, anyway." He told me, wiping the tears from my eyes. "It may be a lot to ask for, but Red, can we be friends again?" I contemplated it for a moment. The only reason we're not is currently sitting on my lap. He didn't hurt me, dad did,again. I nodded my head at him, wiping my tears away.
"I would like that." I nodded my head, making him give me that wide smile I'd missed. "When did you move back to the states?"
"I moved back for college. My mom followed suit, missing Portsmouth. Dad is still overseas, but he's coming into town tomorrow.You know I searched for you when I came back, but you didn't have any social media. Your dad wouldn't tell me what college you were attending or even give me your phone number. I am so happy I ran into you Red. You should come say hi to my parents. They miss you, too. Maybe then you can fill me in on what's going on with your dad?"
He arched a brow, tilting his head towards me like he used to do when he knew I was holding back. I laughed, almost forgetting his silly antics. I couldn't believe Dad never told me about Ian coming to look for me. Given what I know about the letters now, it doesn't surprise me. Had he found me when he first came back he would have saved me from Julius.
"Yeah, okay, I'll come. Is it still the same house?"
"The one and only." He nodded. "Here, give me your number and I'll text you when dad gets in town." He held his phone out for me to take. I dug my own out of my pocket, handing it to him when I took his. I typed my number in his phone, saving myself as his preferred name for me,Red.When I took my phone back, I saw he'd save himself as#1 best friend.
"I don't know if that's true anymore." I raised a brow at him with a playful smirk.
"I'll make it true." He winked at me. I didn't realize how much I needed this closure.,, these letters.Thank you, Ian.
I woke up the next morning with this stomach bug still present. I guess I should be grateful it hasn't made me throw up all day long. My eyes were still sticky with sleep. I was exhausted, having stayed up late talking with Ian. We spoke in person till the sunset and then we texted almost all night.
Lucas and I texted all night, too. He didn't get much sleep. He said he needs me in his arms to get any semblance of sleep. I let him know how things went with Ian and he said he was happy for me. I don't know how true those words are. I think it bothers him a little that we're friends again. I'm not sure, but I hope not.
#1 Best Friend:Good morning, sleepy Red. If you're anything like teenage Red, then you're still asleep. In which case, I hope this wakes you 3:)
Olive:Jokes on you, I am already awake :p
I was feeling happy to have my first best friend back in my life. I feel whole again.
