This is her dream. I know that. And as much as it will fucking kill me, I need to let her go so she can chase that dream. I trail a finger down her cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”
She catches my hand before it leaves her cheek. “Thank you.”
Her touch jolts want through me. I need to get out of here before I beg her to forget her dream. Letting her hand go, I take a step away. “When do you leave?”
Her voice drops to an almost whisper. “Tomorrow.”
As I stare at her, taking that in, I know I’ll never survive this woman. She brought me back to life, and loved me so damn hard. I never knew love so good. It’ll steal my everything when she leaves.
Part II
SIX MONTHS LATER
43
Callie
I shove my key in the lock to my apartment’s front door and hurriedly push the door open. I’m running so late and I’m concerned I’ll miss my weekly phone call with Avery. Tuesday nights is bestie time. Always.
Dropping my bag onto the kitchen counter, I almost knock my plant to the floor as I round the corner to the fridge. I’m so damn hungry. It’s been nearly eight hours since lunch and with no time for food between then and now, I could eat everything in my fridge. Not that there’s much in there, so it probably wouldn’t even fill me up.
The story of my life lately.
Not much spare cash.
Not much food.
Oh, and no damn sex.
I thought a three-month sex drought was bad; try going nearly eight months without it.
Well, that’s because you refuse to forget Luke.
After I grab the cheese and bread from the fridge, I make a cheese sandwich and devour it. I’ve just finished when my phone rings.
Snatching it up, I say, “Girl, you have impeccable timing.”
There’s a moment of silence before I hear Estelle’s voice. “Callie, my darling, how are you?”
I grin. I love that Luke’s mum keeps in touch with me. We speak a couple of times a month. I’ve even managed to get her to use Facebook Messenger. Next, I plan on introducing her to GIFS, but you can’t rush these things. Baby steps. “Hey, Estelle. I’m good. How are you?”
“I’m finally getting married, so that makes me the happiest woman in the world. I swear, never leave anything to the man to organise—they just don’t have the talents us women do in that department.”
“I’m so happy for you and George. It has certainly been a journey to this point, though, hasn’t it?” Their marriage was supposed to happen just over six months ago but Estelle fractured her wrist so they delayed it. Then George fell ill, which meant another delay.
“He’s so worth the wait.” She sounds like a giddy schoolgirl. I love this. She’s shown me it doesn’t matter your age, you can find love at any moment in your life.
“So, the Whitsundays?”
“Yes. Actually, that’s why I’m calling.”
“Oh?”
“I want you to come. I’ll pay for your flights and accommodation. It would mean so much to me to have you there.”
I still.
Luke will be there.