He leaned over and kissed my forehead. “If it’s within my power.”
My throat tightened. It wasn’t a promise, just a hope. Wesley never said something he couldn’t follow through on. With a practiced ease, he wiped my computer clean and then moved on to my phone. The journal we’d found was added to his safe.
Before we got into the car, I threw my arms around him. “I don’t want to lose my best friend.”
“You never will.”
But it would never be the same. Nothing would ever be the same. I pulled back and looked into his eyes. “I’m going to keep the faith that someday we’ll see each other again.”
“You do that, Sydney. Please don’t ever lose that faith.” He checked the time. “I need to get you back. It’s getting late.” We walked toward the car, but he stopped. “If anyone asks, I moved away to accept an opportunity with a law firm overseas. Then you simply lost contact.”
I nodded. “I’ll do that.”
Wesley put his hand on the small of my back, and we got into the car. He loved me, but I knew I would never be able to return those feelings. Maybe once upon a time I could have, but my heart belonged to Mike.
Wesley pulled into my driveaway and shut off the car. “So, this is good-bye.”
I put my finger to his lips. “No, this is ‘Until next time.’ Don’t say good-bye to me, Wesley. Don’t do it. Good-bye is too final.”
I removed my hand for his answer. “Yes, I suppose it is. Then until next time, Sydney. You will always be my best friend.”
“Same here, Wesley.”
I leaned over and hugged him to me tightly. “Be careful. I’ll always be here for you. Take care of yourself.”
I sniffled, and Wesley wiped away my tears. “Don’t cry, Sydney. This is my destiny. I’m ready and need to take my place.”
“I’ll miss you.”
“And I’ll miss you, too.”
From my purse, I pulled out the compass Grandpa had given me as a child. It had been on many an adventure with me and Wesley. “Take this. In case you ever lose your way, look at this to remember where you come from.”
Wesley put his hand around mine. “I will treasure this.”
I got out of the car and walked toward the house. Wesley waited until I opened the front door. I gave him one final good-bye, trying to stay strong, but inside, I felt hollow.
Through the tears that fell, I noticed a blue Tiffany’s box on the side table and opened it. A typed note rested on top of an infinity bracelet.
To a friendship that never ends. Forever and always. W
I pulled out my phone.
Me: I love it and will treasure it always. Thank you. Good luck on your new job overseas. I’ll miss you. Touch base when you can.
I hoped Wesley knew what I meant behind that message.
Wesley: Always. Thanks for everything, Sydney. Your support means the world.