One Wish

Weird how I wished that she had somehow tried to make contact before I met and got myself swept up by Kendra. Maybe things would be completely different now. No matter how much I wish for it, it is what it is.

“Okay, I get it,” Jack states suddenly. “I feel that way about Tom Hardy.” He then chances a gaze at both of us before speaking. “I don’t owe my sister a thing, but this between you two needs to be sorted out.”

Audrey fidgets in her seat like she’s flustered. “What do you mean?”

He narrows his eyes at us like we’re stupid. “I’m not an idiot. I can see the way you two look at each other.”

Audrey laughs nervously. “But… I would never. I’m not the kind of person to go after someone else’s husband. Besides,” she says, glancing sheepishly towards me, “I think Eli wouldn’t want to get involved with someone else considering the circumstances either…?”

The way she said it was almost like a question. I remain silent as I don’t want to have that conversation in front of my brother-in-law—of all people. However, I do try and convey a message using my eyes that she’s right, I don’t want to get involved with just someone. I want her. All of her.

As if hearing the words in my head, Audrey’s mouth slightly parts, her eyes imploring me to tell her it’s all true.

Yes. It’s all true!I shout in my head.

Jack clearing his throat snaps us out of our silent conversation, our heads turning in his direction, noting that he’s getting up from his seat.

“I think you two need to have good chat.”

“Jack,” I begin, walking towards him.

He places his hand up to stop me. “Dude, don’t get stressed. I like you.” He then turns his head to Audrey. “I like both of you. All I ask is that you don’t go behind my sister’s back the way she has done with you. You’re a better person than that.”

Audrey’s eyes glisten with tears as I nod my head. “Of course. I appreciate that, Jack.”

Jack offers back a warm smile. “No sweat.” He then approaches Audrey with his arms open. “Come here and give your brother a hug.” I watch as they embrace and hate myself for the little pang of jealousy that riles through me at their embrace. I so wish I could hold her like that.

“You do what you have to make you happy,” Jack says, rubbing her back. “And tell Eleanor that she must remember the burritos next time.”

Audrey laughs heartily at Jack’s joke as they break their hug. “I’ll find out how she makes them and do them myself your next visit.”

Jack’s eyes widen before he shakes his head with a smile. “Yep. Definitely not Kendra.”

Laughter fills the room as Jack swings his head from me to Audrey. “I will see myself out. Call me if you need me.”

“Thanks, Jack,” Audrey and I say in unison, causing us both to laugh.

Once the front door shuts, Audrey takes her seat on one of the kitchen stools, her eyes trying to avoid my gaze. However, now that Jack’s brought up the elephant in the room, I feel the need to say something. I can’t hide how I feel about her any longer.

I approach the seat next to her, sit down and take in a deep breath. Audrey remains silent, staring ahead when I know she desperately wants to look at me.

“Once Kendra’s back, I’m getting a divorce.”

Her wild eyes snap to mine, an audible gasp leaving her lips. She then motions as if to say something, but it’s like another thought takes that place. “What if Kendra doesn’t come back? What if I’m stuck in her body forever?”

I scoot closer to her, because I have this dire need to be near her whenever she’s around. “Then we will cross that bridge when we come to it. We both know you made that wish and we both know it came true. If the wish sticks to its plan, then Kendra will likely return and you…”

“May never come back,” she answers sadly.

“I don’t want you to talk about that. It will happen, Audrey, because there’s no way in hell the universe would throw us together in such a magical way only to snap it away from us.”

Audrey’s eyes light up with expectation. “I really hope you’re right.”

Grabbing her hand, I squeeze it in mine. “I know I am. And when that happens, I’m gonna come get you, Audrey Stone, so you better be ready.”