Here With Me

“Hang on.” Noel returns to her laptop and types quickly, then she reads. “The anchor symbolizes security, stability, and being grounded. It’s a symbol of hope.” Her eyes light as she looks up at me. “It’s perfect.”

Taking out my phone, I send a text to Mindy. How about an anchor for our logo?

The text sits on the screen a few minutes with delivered beneath it, and I look out the window again. It’s late, and the sky is a deep shade of purple. I can’t help the tightness I feel in my stomach. Is this a bigger backfire than I thought? Have I got her working late in that sketchy location all alone?

I’m on my feet before I even finish the thought. “I’ll be right back.”

Dashing out to my truck, I take it a little faster than usual as I drive up the dirt road in the direction of town. I’m halfway down the Interstate, headed to Mindy’s office when my phone buzzes. Ignoring it, I drive a little faster down the service road in the dark. A tinge of relief hits me when I see the empty parking lot. The tall poles shine white light on the vacant spaces. She’s not here.

Turning the wheel, I take it back towards downtown. About ten-minutes later, I’m passing the long block of shops, restaurants, and finally apartments. My gut completely unclenches when I see her gold Prius parallel parked outside her building. Only one thing would make me happier—going to her door and pulling her into my arms, holding her and telling her I love her.

I’ll have to wait for that outcome, and I have only myself to blame

At the four-way stop, I pick up my phone and read the text. It’s from Mindy. Sorry—just got home. I like it. I’ll start some sketches tonight.

I quickly text back. Can’t wait to see what you do.

She’s home. She’s safe, and I probably overreacted.

Still, I’d do it again.

29

Mindy

“I can hear it in your voice—you’re stronger now.” Mrs. Irene cups my face with her hands, lifting her chin.

I place my hands on top of hers. “I hope one day I’m just like you.”

She chuckles. “I hope you’re even better. Now tell me what happened.”

“Where do I begin?” I’ve visited her every time I came home over the last six months, but so many times, I was stuck in my own head, feeling like I’d never get over Sawyer, feeling like I’d never get my design business profitable.

Then everything happened so fast.

“Start with the part where Sawyer got home.” Her voice is knowing, and I grin.

“You knew about that?”

“Ramona tells me everything.”

“Uhh…” I sigh, feeling that familiar clench in my chest when I think of his gorgeous face. “He’s changed a lot. He actually told me how he was feeling… He’s different.”

“So are you.” She smiles. “Now tell me the good part. Did he ask you out?”

“He did. He said he wants us to try again for real.”

“I knew it!” She cries, like she made a goal in soccer. “What did you say?”

“I said no.”

The room falls silent. The sound of Bing Crosby singing Christmas carols drifts to us from somewhere down the hall.

Mrs. Irene presses her lips together and nods slowly. “Good. You are strong, and you are valuable. Don’t let him just waltz right in and snap his fingers. Make him earn it.”

Dropping into the chair beside her bed, I put my face in my hands whining. “But I don’t want to say no… at least my heart doesn’t. I want to be with him.”

Her fingers are in my hair, threading it away from my face. “I know, honey.” She chuckles. “If you didn’t love him so much, he wouldn’t drive you crazy.”