The next day, chocolates are delivered. A beautifully wrapped box of the fanciest truffles I’ve ever seen, each one an individual work of art. They taste as good as they look, too.
After that, it’s a box for Roscoe and Bea, with a big chew toy for him and a selection of treats for her. You’d think that Roscoe knew who sent it, because the toy becomes his favorite, and he’s so cute running around with it that I have to send a video to them to show them how much he likes it.
The following day, brownies are brought over by courier from the bakery on Four Points.
I’m still working on the truffles, I text the group.
Jonathan: A person can never have too much chocolate.
Me: Why are you sending me things?
Brendan: Just to say we’re thinking of you. How are you?
Me: You don’t need to send gifts.
Corbin: We’re sending things because we want to.
I go back to work that evening for a shortened shift. My energy levels are mostly back to normal. Some joint pain persists, but it’s dulled enough with pain relievers to be nearly unnoticeable.
My test results weren’t as bad as feared. I’ll be on the new medication for a while, but depending on how my next test goes, I may be able to taper off of it. The doctor is hopeful.
At Rusty’s, Tom seems glad to see me return, and the customers are all now talking about my medical issues instead of who I kissed on the dance floor. Nothing like a health scare to redirect the gossip.
On Saturday, more flowers are delivered. This time it’s a big arrangement all in pink, from pale roses and candy-pink lilies, to nearly-magenta gerbera daisies, along with other flowers that I don’t know the names of.
The card reads:
These reminded us of your sexy hair.
– J, B, C, J
I’m already determined that I’m going to firmly tell them to stop, when another box arrives on the same day. It’s large and flat, and I’m surprised when I find a picture frame inside.
Then I’m punched in the gut.
The frame holds a collage of images, all of which include me, and most of which I wasn’t even aware Jay had captured. There’s a picture of me on the beach with Brendan, Corbin, and Roscoe; there’s another of Jonathan and me on the deck of the yacht, and there’s a selfie Jay took with himself in the foreground in a chair at the beach house, and me reclining on the couch in the background.
The largest image is the one Jay took at the farmer’s market with all five of us together — six, counting Roscoe, who comes over now, sniffing my face, trying to figure out why I’m crying.
I look so happy in all of the pictures. We all do.
As if the photos weren’t bad enough, Jay also included a handwritten letter.
44
Empty
Dear Tina,
I’m not sure you realize how much our time together meant to me.
I’ve felt empty ever since you left, and Brendan, Corbin, and Jon all feel the same way.
You asked how I was able to share you with them, and it’s because the four of you are my favorite people in the world. Seeing all of you happy together makes me happy. I want us to be together forever.
Yes, I’m a dreamer, but I don’t see anything wrong with having dreams, because I know they can come true.
We’re not asking you to change your life, Tina. We want to change ours, because we want you to be the biggest part of it.