Lunch was my mom’s treat. We had steak sandwiches and red velvet cake for dessert.
That was one of the best Kate-days I ever had.
Today’s version was more subdued.
I went to the library to return two poetry books I’d loaned out. After that, I dropped in to see my favorite hair stylist. She fit me in for a quick trim.
Crispy Biscuit was my next stop. Usually, I’m there with Tilly or Olivia for brunch, but today I ate lunch alone at my favorite diner.
I’ve spent the last two hours on a bench in Central Park watching the faces of the city pass me by.
Today’s Kate-day had no rhyme or reason to it.
It was simply a few hours with my phone turned off and my mind racing.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Gage. Every thought about last night was balanced with a memory from five years ago.
I want a new beginning with him, but the past feels like it’s watching from somewhere in the darkness waiting to leap out to steal the future away from me again.
What if we can’t make this work?
What if he moves to London to be closer to his daughter?
What if he can’t look at me the same way after he learns my secret?
I press the home button on my phone to power it back up. On a typical Kate-day, no one notices that I’ve checked out of my daily life for a few hours.
Today is different.
I scan the screen of my phone as it chimes, buzzes and even rings reminders of all the messages and calls I’ve missed.
Three of the text messages are from Natalie. They can wait. The issues she asked about would have been resolved by now since it’s been hours since she texted me.
My mom called twice and left one voicemail. I don’t listen to it. I’ll save it for tonight when I have time to sit through a ten minute recounting of the yoga class she had this morning.
Her bi-monthly trek to the yoga studio a few blocks from her house is always followed by a call to me to describe the new poses she’s learned.
I skim through the rest of my text messages.
One is from Tilly about dinner later this week. Olivia sent one to tell me that Arleth finally mastered rolling over. I open the video clip she attached.
Joy tugs at my heart as I watch the little girl wiggle her hips before she slowly rolls over. The sound of Olivia cheering her on in the background brings a smile to my face.
I scroll back to the notifications.
Gage called twice, but he didn’t leave a voicemail.
I see why when I read the string of text messages from him.
The first is simple and straightforward.
Gage: I’m looking for you. I just left your store.
I check the time on that one. It was shortly after nine this morning. I had been at the boutique but left after a delivery arrived.
The second message was an hour later.
Gage: Look up at the sun. It’s got nothing on you. Your smile is brighter and better.