Page 61 of The Last Key
“Wow, you act like you’re taking a knife to the gut.”
Pushing out a breath, I say. “I love her. I love her so fucking much it doesn’t make sense. I didn’t know how deeply I could love until we finally opened our hearts to each other. The last thing I want is for her to feel like she has to choose between a joband me. But you’re right. I shouldn’t keep things from her. As soon as we talk to the doctor, I’ll send her a message and tell her what happened.”
“Good.”
Until then, I’ll keep being a massive chicken shit.
Solid plan.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
KENNEDY
The entire rideback to Brighton, my mind was ablaze, but this time in the best way, as I figured out what I’d need to do to stay in Brighton permanently. That word is still a little scary, but in an exciting way.
The top three things on the list were:
Pack my apartment and ship my things out here.
Get a car and probably a California driver’s license.
Figure out a job.
Then I realized I don’t need to figure out a job. I already have plenty to do in Brighton. And I love it all. I get to be a part of this community and bring people together.
That’s when Gladys’s words hit me all over again.“It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are.”
I was so focused on having a career that Inever stopped to think about whether I enjoyed it. I suppose on some level I did, but I wasn’t nearly as happy as I’ve been being a part of this community. I love writing, yes. But what I love more is what I use writing for—to connect with people. Something that’s always come naturally, that’s important to me. That’s who I am. And it’s what I want to do.
While I’ll never stop writing, I decided I’m going to return to freelance work—writing the storiesIwant to write. The ones that mean the most. Then I’ll balance the rest of my time between working at the inn, volunteering at the library, and occasionally helping Claire.
That’s when I found myself tearing up in the back of Chris’s van and trying not to be obvious over the fact that I was crying.
My mother’s words flashed through my mind again.It’s always the last key that opens the door.I finally found the right key, and it turns out I had it all along. I just needed to know where to look.
I considered going straight to the inn and jumping into Devon’s arms, but opted to have Chris drop me off at the house instead so I could set up a surprise for Devon. When we got here, Devon’s car was gone, and so were both of the boys. Justin must’ve gone with Devon to the inn, which is a plus for me, because I can get him to persuade Devon to come back here early.
I wipe some sweat off my brow as I step in the back door. I just finished setting up the tent in the backyard, which was more physical labor than I remembered. Probably because Devon usually set the tent up. But I’m determined to surprise him. I want him to know this is what I want more than anything. This is where I want to be. Building a life here with him.
After grabbing a glass of water, I check my phone, which I left sitting on the kitchen counter, and see texts from Justin and Gladys.
Justin: Hey, so Devon is being a stubborn moron and not messaging you, but I thought you should know his dad fell. It’s not horrible, but we’re all at the hospital. Maybe message or call him when you can.
I’m already locking the back door as I check the text from Gladys.
Gladys: Hi honey, hope your flight is going well. Listen, Lon fell this morning. He’s doing okay, but Devon is upset. I’m not sure why he hasn’t called you yet, but I think he needs to talk to you. I think hearing your voice would do him good, if there’s any way you can swing it. Love you.
Shit! But also,why didn’t he call me?
Whatever. It doesn’t matter. He needs me right now, and the rest of it can be sorted out later.
Spinning around, I dash toward the front of the house, unbelievably thankful to find the keys to Justin’s rental car on the hook by the door. Grabbing my purse and the keys, I quickly head outside, locking the door behind me as I go.
I need to get to Devon. That’s the only thing on my mind as I drive to the hospital. That and I hope his dad is okay. It didn’t sound horrible, but it sounds like Devon is taking it hard. I wouldn’t know since he didn’t call me. Of course, he thought I was on the plane, but still. Not even a message?
Now I’m even more grateful I didn’t get on that flight. I don’t ever want him to have to go through things like this alone. That’s why he has me. I hate that we wasted so much time getting together, but now that we are, I’m never letting him face the hard things in life alone ever again.
I park near Devon’s car and head in through the emergency room entrance. The woman at the check-in desk tells me thefamily is in a nearby waiting room and ushers me through a set of locked double doors.
