10 Years Later

Ignoring the small stab of pain in my chest, I said, “I don’t think so. I’m fine with it.”

“That’s good. I can’t believe he became a cop because of you,” she said softly.

I almost couldn’t believe it myself. I knew Dalton was telling me the truth, but it still seemed completely surreal the way he had come to my dad’s funeral and remembered what I’d said even now, all these years later.

“I still can’t believe he was there,” I admitted before inhaling and exhaling a long, deep breath.

“I don’t remember much about that day, to be honest,” Kristy added, and for some reason that shocked me.

“You don’t?”

“Not really. I just remember feeling really sad and super bad for your mom because I’d never seen anyone cry like that before in my life. It was scary, you know?” Her head nudged against mine. “Of course you know. So yeah, I don’t remember much about that day except being there for you. I do remember you speaking, though, but I don’t remember what you said because I think I was bawling through the whole thing. I don’t know how you weren’t.”

“Me either.”

For as blurred as that day had become, I remembered a part of me being stoic and brave. I wasn’t sure where that strength came from or why exactly, but it was like I knew I needed to address the mourners or I’d eventually regret it one day. My mom never ended up speaking, and she still hated herself for it.

Those are the moments in time that you could never get back. We didn’t get do-overs. Life isn’t a rerun. If you screwed it up the first time, that chance was all you got. As heartbroken and devastated as I was, I wanted the world to know how much I loved and admired my dad.

“Cammie.” Kristy said my name dreamily, like she was lost in memories the same way I was. “What did you do when Dalton told you all that?”

“I cried,” I said simply.

“I would have cried too,” she said, then let out a little sigh. “Okay, enough sadness. Let’s talk about this kiss. I can’t believe he kissed you. Actually, yes I can. But, Cammie, Dalton freaking Thomas kissed you! And he’s single. Wait—he is single, right?”

I let out an exasperated huff. “Yes. He’s single.”

“Okay. So tell me about the kiss again,” she demanded, and I loved her for it.

“It was so hot. Like something right out of a movie. He was all but out the door when he turned around and hauled ass back to me. It was magical,” I said as I replayed the kiss again in my mind.

She moved to get off the bed. “I bet it was. So, when are you seeing him again? Did he say?” She discarded her dress onto the floor in a heap and pulled out her matching pajama bottoms and top before slipping into them.

“He said he’d call me soon. The ball’s in his court.” I nodded, convinced that Dalton should be the one to take charge and initiate things between us.

“Right where it should be.” She smiled as she hopped into her own bed and slipped under the covers, lying so she was facing me.

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

“That’s why we’re best friends.”

“I just like you because you’re pretty.” I yawned. “Tell me how the rest of your night was. Anything exciting happen?”

“Nah, but it was nice to talk to and see everyone in real life, you know? So many people are still trying to figure out what they want to do and what kind of career they want to have for the rest of their lives. I don’t envy them at all. I think that’s where you and I are lucky.” She nuzzled her face into her pillow as her hair splayed all around.

As her words sank in, it occurred to me that I had always known what I wanted to do. Ever since I was a little kid, I knew I wanted to work at a radio station, and that was an advantage most people didn’t have. The majority of us went to college to figure out what we wanted to be when we grew up, and even that didn’t always work. Life was a series of choices, and sometimes it took a long time and a lot of soul searching to find your place in it.

“We’re lucky in that regard,” I said. “It’s hard to find that, I think. Unless you really feel pulled toward something, it’s all a guessing game where you’re praying you won’t hate what you’re doing in a year.” She laughed into her pillow as I slipped under my covers and settled in. “I mean it. Could you imagine if you realized that you hated lawyer stuff? Or if I hated working in the radio industry? I don’t have a clue what else I would do with my life.”

“Me either,” Kristy said sleepily. “It’s a good thing I like arguing with people. And being right.”

• • •

When I arrived at the radio station Monday morning, the guys all looked at me like little kids on Christmas morning. “We want to hear all about the reunion!” they called out as I walked into the office for our daily pre-show meeting.

“All about what?” I teased. “What reunion?” I widened my eyes to Disney princess size as I sipped on my crappy gas station coffee.

“Come on! Was he there?” Tom asked, his eyes bright, even at this early hour.