It Started with a Kiss

“Impressive.”

Taping the box closed, I ask, “What brings you by?”

She holds up two boxes. “I brought coffee and donuts, but I might be too late.”

I cross the room and take the donuts. “Thanks. You brought them just in time. I’m starving.” I start to laugh as we walk into the kitchen. “The roles have reversed.”

Her eyes light up. “That’s right. You brought coffee when I moved out of my last place.” She starts laughing. “Instead of helping.”

I hop up on the counter. “Consolation prize?”

“Nice try.”

Still giggling, I lift the lid to the box and am greeted with the prettiest confections. Just as I choose a lemon frosted cake donut, she asks, “Where’s Jackson?”

“He’s supervising over at his place.” I greedily take a bite.

Taking one of the paper cups of coffee, she takes a sip, and then asks, “Where are you putting all the furniture?”

“The couch, coffee table, chairs, and dining room table were sold to a neighbor on the twelfth floor.”

“Already?”

I lick the frosting from the corner of my mouth. “She stages homes going on the market, so she’s always looking for great pieces. I met her in the elevator a few years ago and then showed her my place.” I pick some of the cake off and pop it into my mouth. “She’s always loved my style, so she was happy to take the pieces to use for her business. At a discount, of course.”

“That’s a score.”

“Mm-hmm.” It’s so good, so I shove the rest of the donut into my mouth. Dusting my hands together to rid them of the sugar, I contemplate having another.

With her leaning against the peninsula, she asks, “So you’re moving in with Jackson. You know Rad and I would love to have you.”

“You’re sweet, but for one, I know Rad wouldn’t like me invading your lovebird space. Two, he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“Really? What was the offer?”

“I get more time with him.” I smile, and my cheeks heat as I remember how Jackson stepped up for the challenge last night. The challenge being me. “I also think it’s a good fit. We’re getting along better than ever and—”

“And you’re dating?” Her note of hope isn’t missed.

“I think defining what we are or what we’re doing might be jumping ahead a few steps.” I hop off the counter. “This may come as a surprise, but for the first time in my life, I’m okay with letting things be and letting this unfold however it’s supposed to, naturally.”

“That’s a big step, my friend. I’m happy for you.”

“You know what, Teals? For the first time, me too.” Picking up one of the cups of coffee, I turn it around in my hand, smiling to myself. “He dropped everything for me. With less than twelve hours’ notice, he had a team organized and was ready to help me. No questions asked. No harsh judgments. Just rolled up the sleeves and made this happen.”

“I’m impressed but not surprised. Jackson’s always been reliable and a good guy. But it’s also quite the gesture of—”

“Friendship.”

She starts laughing. “Yes, indeed.” Moving around the counter, she asks, “How can I help?”

To be standing in the middle of my empty apartment feels surreal.

Not mine. The bank’s.

I’ll never forget the years I lived in this palace in the sky.

I walk the perimeter of every room and meander. So many memories were made, from getting the call that I got the job at the gallery to this past summer when Jackson and I returned from the Hamptons and christened the white couch I sold this afternoon.

I remember the call I made to my dad telling him I found my dream apartment and how he outbid another potential tenant to make sure I got it. My mom even flew in to help me decorate before she was off to her next adventure. I think she was going to Thailand right after. My memories from that whirlwind visit are fuzzy since she’s always traveling somewhere.

That might have been the only time she saw the place.

I don’t even know where she is. Should I send her an email to tell her what happened? I don’t think so. She’s as involved as she ever was or wanted to be. I’ve probably seen her more online or in photos for ads than I have in real life.

She abandoned me a long time ago. Giving her access to my problems will only earn me an, “I told you so.”

This is it, apartment. “So long. Farewell. It’s been nice knowing you.”

I walk to the window to take in this incredible view once more, finding it ironic that this apartment will eventually become a symbol for the time in my life when everything fell apart.

“Are you ready?”

I turn back to see Jackson standing in the doorway. A smile still shapes his expression, but it’s not as broad as before. The long day is wearing on him, and if I’m not mistaken, there’s sympathy built into the curve of his mouth.