Chapter 0121
“Ah, the life of a jet–setting international playboy,” Eamon says mockingly.
Landon sighs, being sarcastically dramatic, “Yes, it’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it!”
We all laugh together, enjoying the comfortable silliness for what may prove to be the last time in who knows how long.
I spend the rest of the night dancing away with Ruby, my best friend. We’ve spent so many night up to this point reminiscing about the past, worrying about the future, and fearing the moment we’d finally have to say goodbye.
But tonight is about fun.
The kids join us on the makeshift dancefloor, a giant square of wooden flooring Eamon’s servants added to the back garden for this occasion. Mia, Ethan, Ruby, and I danced and danced and danced, laughing until our sides were sore.
When its time to see Ruby off, nothing but joy fills my heart. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye. There’s no tears, no sad goodbyes. Instead, we smile at each other, thankful that we got to spend such a lovely night together.
I’m still riding the high of such a fun time when Ruby closes the door to the black town care that is taking her to the airport. She waves at us through the window, smiling in that bright, magnetic way of hers.
“I’ll be back before you know!” Ruby yells to the children. “Auntie Ruby will see you soon!”
“Wait! Wait up just a moment please!” Landon yells to Ruby as he races to the car, stuffing his suitcases in the trunk.
Evidently, the two are sharing the ride to the airport. Ruby rolls her eyes at Landon’s lateness, and I laugh, imaging all the ways that my brother will find to annoy my best friend during the short shared car ride.
“Cara, can you come here please?” Landon says to me quietly. I walk next to the trunk of the car, where Landon stands with something inside his closed fist.
He opens his palm once I’m next to him, revealing a small gold ring. It’s small enough that it probably only fits on my brother’s pinky.
Looking closer, I see intricate carvings on the sides of the band. There are little swirls and moons carved into the gold, impossibly detailed.
“It’s my lucky ring,” Landon explains, looking down at me. “It’s yours to keep.”
I gasp, “No! I can’t accept this, Landon. You keep it-”
1/2
Chapter 0121
+25 BONUS
“It’s served me very well over the years. But I think you might be in more need of luck these days than I am, Cara,” Landon says seriously.
“I-” I say, ready to offer a counterargument, when I look up at my brother and see nothing but caring kindness in his eyes. The look stops the words from coming out of my mouth. Instead, I simply say, “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”
“You’re welcome. I hope it brings you all the luck in the world,” Landon says, drawing me in for one last hug before getting into the car.
I’m twirling the ring around its new home on my middle finger once I’m back in my cottage. I’ve put the children to bed and am sitting alone in the living room.
Around me, there is only silence.
Ruby’s not here to keep me company. Not here to watching silly movies with, to laugh and talk with.
I feel the beginnings of loneliness start to seep in, like a long–awaited inevitability.
Then my phone buzzes. I smile to myself, imaging that it’s Ruby, scared of embracing the silence on her end, too. O
I’m shocked to see that the text is not from my best friend.
It’s from Alaric.
“Meet with me. Please. I have words to say to you, We can go to that restaurant you like… What does it mean when a man who claims he doesn’t love me sends a message like this?
I blink down at the message a few times before I take a breath and know when I have to do.
I hit the ‘Delete Message‘ button without any more hesitation.
