Page 120 of Every Broken Piece
“Then what are you waiting for? Don’t leave the poor guy hanging.”
I shrug even though she can’t see it. “I want to be sure.”
“I can understand that but how will you be sure if you don’t give it a shot?”
“That’s the problem. I want to be sure before I give it a shot. Yet I can’t be sure until I give it a shot.”
“You’ll know when the time is right.”
“I suppose. Oh, hey. Gabe told me that the detective found out the name of my attacker and that he’s in Chicago. I guess he’s given up on me.”
Amelia knows about Sandra and why I was attacked. I didn’t feel right not telling her in case Sandra discovers our friendship and tries to approach Amelia. But since Gabe told me what Hardwick told him, I feel much better about the whole thing. Like maybe this is finally over. Gabe had been right about telling the police everything. Having them in my corner is an unexpected relief.
“That’s so good to hear, Tess. Maybe that’s your sign to start taking chances and to finally live the life you want.”
“I’ve been looking for jobs too. I have an interview on Monday as a receptionist for a real estate agency.” What I really want ismy old job back, but that’s not going to happen. I need to move on and maybe this is what moving on looks like.
“Whoever hires you will be lucky.”
“You have to say that because you’re my friend. Speaking of which, can I use you as a reference?”
“Of course. I’ll talk you up so good they won’t have a choice but to hire you.”
I step away from the window and roam the perimeter of the living room, stopping at the fireplace as Amelia updates me on our friend group and what everyone is up to. I “uh-huh” in all the right places as my eye catches on a framed picture I hadn’t noticed before.
It’s of Gabe when he was younger, holding baby Pax. But it’s the woman pressed against Gabe’s side that I’m drawn to. Cara.
I step closer, Amelia’s voice a comforting buzz in my ear as I study Gabe’s wife. She’s beautiful in a natural, almost ethereal way in a long, flowing skirt with a peasant blouse. Her hair is a tangle of curls that fall to her elbows. Long, silver earrings reach her shoulders. She’s smiling, her head tipping toward Gabe as she looks up at him.
They make a stunning couple. An adorable little family.
By my guesstimation of how old Pax is in the picture, this was probably taken a year before she died.
Gabe looks the same, a little younger, less smile lines beside his eyes, no gray in his hair. Happy. He looks so happy.
“So anyway, Conor was pissed that you disappeared without saying goodbye. I really think he had something for you.”
I’m drawn back into the conversation as I take a step away from the picture. My heart aches for the three in the photo, for the trauma that they had no idea was barreling toward them. For a mother who never got to see her son grow up to be a wonderful human being.
I turn my back to the fireplace. “There was nothing between me and Conor.”
“He hoped for more, but he’ll be fine. It’s you I’m so excited about. It’s like you’re standing on the edge of the rest of your life.”
Standing on the edge of the rest of my life.I like the sound of that because it’s exactly how I feel. Scared to take the leap. Excited at what’s ahead of me. Relieved that the past is finished. Eager to move forward.
“I have to go,” I say. “Gabe’ll be here soon and we’re going out to dinner.”
“You go, girl. Have fun. Tell me all about it later. I’ll talk to you soon.”
We hang up just as the electronic door lock beeps and the door opens. However, it’s not Gabe who walks in, but Pax. I haven’t seen Pax since the night we got drunk and I’m a little unsure how this is going to go.
He smiles when he sees me. “Hey, Tess.” And he walks straight toward me, folding me in the biggest bear hug.
I pat his back awkwardly before he pulls away, his expression now serious. “Hey, listen. I’m really sorry about getting you drunk the other night.”
“Why are you apologizing? I’m the one who drank.”
His grin is all boyish Gabe. “Who knew Go Fish could be so fun. I hope you weren’t too hungover.”
