Page 206 of When We Fall: Part Two
If you’re reading this, well, you know. This is different than The Missing Piece. This is a complete list of the things I want for you. You have to do them too. I know how you are with lists. You always complete them, no matter what. So please, don’t make this the exception, OK?
1. Live. For me. No matter what. I need you to do this. Even if it hurts, I want you to move on and live.
2. Sing! Sign the contract, Rosie. You deserve your dreams.
3. Love. Fall in love. You’re beautiful when you’re in love, baby. I was so blessed to have experienced it. Thank you for all those moments I got to spend with you. You saved a broken man.
4. Smile. I love your smile. I want to see it from my perch atop my mountain. Do it for me. Right now. Smiling releases some feel-good chemicals. Whenever you’re feeling sad, smile, baby. It’ll be OK. Your smile makes everything better, I promise you that.
5. Be unapologetically FREE, Rosie. I want that for you. Don’t overthink things. Just do them. It’s part of the experience.
6. Dance. Who cares if you step on toes? They were in your way anyway.
7. This one is important. Don’t look back, Rosie. Your future isn’t there. It’s in front of you. Eye on the prize. Always.
8. The guys. Leave, baby. The timing isn’t right. I want you to be free. You promised me you’d leave. Please don’t forget it.
9. Breathe. Even when you feel like the world is suffocating you. Close your eyes. Breathe. And remember, I will always be with you.
10. Believe in magic. Something tells me wishes can come true if you want them badly enough. Look at the stars and make a wish on the first one you see fall, baby. It’ll carry your wish to you.
11. When you have experienced life, a new kiss, new people, and all the things awaiting you in this city, come to the mountains. You’ll be closer to heaven, so I can kiss you again.
Finally, there’s a flash drive in the envelope. On it is a song I wrote for you. I actually paid to record it at a studio in the city. Listen to it. Critique me, baby. Haha. Seriously, Rosie. I hope you like it.
I love you.
Always,
Foxy
I pulled out the flash drive and stared at it for a moment before I went to Anson’s laptop on his desk. I inserted the drive and opened the two files. One was music and lyrics, and the other was the actual recorded song.
Mountaintop
Sitting back, I breathed in deeply before pressing play, Fox’s voice filling the room for me.
I closed my eyes and smiled.
Just like he wanted.
He was right. It did help.
SIXTY-FIVE
ENZO
“Oh, and calla lillies! I love calla lilies. Don’t you love the pink ones, honey?” Celeste gushed as she held onto my arm while we stood in a florist’s.
“Yes. They’re great,” I said, looking down at my phone as she prattled on and on about fucking flowers.
Rosalie didn’t do this shit. When we’d looked at flowers, she’d been quiet. Contemplative. A tiny smile. A small laugh. She carefully touched the petals like she’d break them if she were too rough. I watched while she leaned in and inhaled different scents, her eyes lighting up when she liked the way one smelled.
Rosalie liked white roses. It’s what she’d picked out.
I liked them too.
Fuck, I hated this shit.
