Page 121 of Ink & Ambition

“Aren’t you the only one who has access to that account?”

“Nathan does too. And I guess Alex, I told him the credentials once but I didn’t think he ever signed into it.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Sydney shouts. “Watch it!”

Just as I’m about to hang up, Dani shouts even louder. “Hold it, hold it! Stay on the phone and watch it on your laptop. Just in case.”

I nod, running across the office to grab my computer from my bag. It takes me a couple seconds to log in and pull up the website and my heart is in my throat the entire time.

A new video was posted twenty-four seconds ago. It already has over two hundred views and the thumbnail is just Alex sitting there alone. Each of our episodes has a title that coincides with one of the topics we discuss during the video. This video is titled: Distraction or Destiny.

“I can’t play it.”

“Why? Is it not loading or something?”

I blink, my eyes holding back tears. I have no idea what this is going to say but based on how we left things, what we said toeach other, what we didn’t. I have a sinking feeling this is only going to destroy me further.

“I’m afraid.”

Danika sighs. “Don’t be scared, Mars. Whatever it is, we’ll help you through it. But you need to see first before you jump to conclusions.”

Taking a huge breath, I let it out as slowly as I can. “Okay,” I say, propping my phone up on my lap so they can see the screen in realtime. I take another breath before clicking the big red PLAY button on the video.He looks so handsome,I can’t help but think.

The video starts and it features Alex sitting in his same seat that we always sit in for filming. He hasn’t moved to the middle, he kept himself on the right and my seat on the left is noticeably empty.

He doesn’t start the video with our catchphrase, either. Instead he sighs and says, “You might notice an empty seat next to me. The person that typically fills this seat is currently in New York City fulfilling a lifelong dream of hers and I couldn’t be happier for her. I wish I could be there with her, supporting her but unfortunately, something happened that’s preventing that.”

I pause the video. “Wait, how did he know I won the contest? I never told him.”

Danika and Sydney are uncharacteristically quiet, until Sydney bursts. “I told him!” she yells, shame threaded in her voice. “I’m sorry. I felt like he had a right to know. And Margot, feel free to yell at me all you want later but right now you better play that damn video, we’re dying over here!”

On the screen, Alex continues.

“So this isn’t going to be a typical episode of Ask Alex. I am going to be answering a few questions but they’re not sent in from viewers. No, these questions are ones I’ve been askingmyself. Some for a while now and some more recently. So buckle up, folks and Margot, if you’re watching, please listen closely.”

“Holy shit,” Sydney comments on FaceTime and I had almost forgotten that they were there. I quickly pause the video and pull their faces back to mine.

“What do I do?” I ask, frantically.

“Press play!” Both girls shout and I immediately put them back in position and unpause the video.

“The first question is: What happened with me and Margot? That’s a very simple question with a very complicated answer.”

I draw in a breath and I know that Sydney and Danika are holding theirs too.

“What happened between us was magic. It was power, confidence, and determination. It was creativity, drive, and enthusiasm. Margot and I had love. Have love. Because no matter what she might think, I will never stop loving her. And no matter what happens between us, I will never give up the fight for her. I know it might seem like I have given up, Margot, but I swear I haven’t. I just needed to sort out a few things in my life before I could be the man I need to be for you and I’ve done that now. This time apart has made me realize, there’s never been something I’ve wanted more in this life than Margot Elaine Davis and I will do whatever it takes to get you back.”

My phone falls down on my lap causing a loud mix of girly shouts and angry yells to erupt. I pause the video and pull my phone back up. I know my jaw is on the floor and it matches my roommates’ expressions, as well. We blink at each other and then I put them back and press unpause. No hesitation required.

“The second question is: What do you see yourself doing in the future? Well, before this week, I would’ve said I’d see myself as the future Vice President of Prescott Cars. I’d see myself earning millions of dollars, busy as hell, and absolutely fucking miserable. I’d see myself worn out, lonely, and probablyaddicted to some substance or other. But, ever since an enlightening conversation I had with my father and my best friend who also happens to be a business major, I can say with the utmost confidence that in the future, I see myself being confident, independent, and happy. Because I am going to follow my dreams. Finally.”

My eyes fill with tears and I don’t even try to blink it away as they fall down my cheeks.

“The third and final question is this: What happens now? Well, if everything goes according to plan, I am currently waiting outside theNew York Timesbuilding in Manhattan. And if Margot decides to give us another chance, she’ll come down from her swanky office and give me the biggest show-stopping kiss she can muster. But if she doesn’t want to try again with me then I guess I’ll just be catching the next flight out of here. The choice is yours, Margot. Which will it be?”

I’m out the door before he even finishes the question. I hear a faint sound of cheering from my phone as I click it closed and shove it in my back pocket. The elevator is my best friend at this moment because it’s ready and waiting for me and when I get to the lobby, I’m almost out of breath from running.

My heart is in my throat when I open the doors to the street and I see him there.

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