I do. I stare at my best friend. “Are you in love?”
“Head over half-inch heels I am.” He takes my hands in his. “Dr. Dan gets me, Bella. He gets all of this and loves it.”
“I need to meet him.” I smile. “Soon, Max.”
Gathering me in his strong arms, he kisses the top of my head. “As soon as you work out your forever with your prince charming, I’ll take you to meet mine.”
I won’t crush the fairytale ending he thinks I have coming my way. Right now, I’m holding onto the faintest sliver of hope that Barrett will burst back into my life with an explanation for everything that’s happened since the last time I saw him.
Chapter 55
Barrett
Life can change in the blink of an eye.
That’s what happened in this neighborhood nineteen years ago.
I look down at my phone to reread the messages that Bella sent me while I was in the air flying back here to start a new life.
With a trembling hand, I type out the most important text message I’ve ever sent.
Barrett: Please meet me at the corner of Amsterdam and 78th.
It’s cruel to send Bella a message so early in the morning, but I’ve been anxious to talk to her since I got back to New York late last night.
It’s Saturday.
The sun rose less than an hour ago.
I noticed it filling the bedroom of my new apartment. I wasn’t woken by it. I had been up all night working on my future. It’s a future that I want to spend with Isabella Calvetti, if she’ll have me.
Once the clock hit seven, I headed to the stairs that took me three floors down to the ground level of my building.
From there, I set out on the pavement to the coffee shop at the corner of my block.
It may have been my first time walking through the door, but the people behind the counter made me feel welcome. They wanted to know my name and what I did for a living.
That’s a work-in-progress, but I know I’ll be fine.
As long as Bella loves me, I can face anything in this world.
When I finished the coffee, I made my way to the subway. I took it to the same stop that Bella had brought me.
The buzz of my phone in my hand twists my stomach upside down. I pray to God she’ll come.
Bella: Right now?
Without hesitating, I reply.
Barrett: As soon as you can.
I glance around at this area of the city on a lazy Saturday morning. Some people are already up, jogging past me headed toward Central Park. Others are out looking for their first jolt of caffeine.
My eyes drop when I hear the sound of the chime and feel the buzz in my palm.
Bella: Are you okay?
My love is always worrying about everyone else. I’ve been through hell this week, but it’s nothing compared to what she’s lived through.