Page 83 of Room for Us
I walk past him to the elevator. On the trip down, I book my flight home.
The universe takes pity on me and I sleep for most of the red-eye trip. Enough, at least, that I’m clear-headed when Celeste picks me up in Boise the next morning.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” are my first words once I’m in the car. There’s nothing to say, anyway—I texted her everything yesterday during the hours I waited for my flight out.
She hands me a warm muffin and points at a cup of coffee in the drink holder. I nod my thanks and proceed to stare out the window as she navigates away from the airport.
It’s over three hours back to Sun River. The first two are spent in silence. By the time she speaks, I’m proud of her for keeping it in for so long.
“I wish I knew what to say.”
I sigh. “No regrets, right?”
She winces. “I can’t believe he wasn’t there. That’s just… shit, it’s cruel.”
“Fate is a cruel bitch.”
“I’m sorry.” Her fingers drum on the steering wheel. “Are you going to call him again? Try to talk to him?”
“I don’t know,” I tell her. “But I think I’m going to take some of Barb’s best advice.”
Celeste perks up, ready to hear wisdom. “What advice is that?”
I pause for dramatic effect. “Life is short, so smile while you still have teeth.”
I grin cheekily. She groans. Then we laugh. And when we reach the mountain pass, a weight lifts from my heart. I may not have starred in a real-life Hallmark movie, but I have what so many people long for: a job I love, genuine friendships, and family.
A home.
46
My optimism is a sinking ship. By the time Celeste pulls into the driveway of Rose House, it’s taken on so much water that there’s nothing left to do but jump overboard and swim.
Lucky for me, the rental cars lined up on the other side of the driveway are like life preservers. I have guests. A purpose—a distraction. For now, that’s as good as it gets. And really, it’s more than enough. If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s putting one foot in front of the other. Moving forward despite emotional turmoil.
When Celeste pulls to a stop, I squint at the line of cars. There are two too many.
“Whose car is that?” I ask, pointing at an older model sedan.
Celeste frowns across the driveway, then her expression clears. “That’s Joan’s. Your mom mentioned she might ask for some help if she needed it.”
“Ah, makes sense.” I unbuckle my seat belt and climb out of the car, then fetch my backpack from the back seat. Realizing I’ve been in the same clothes for over twenty-four hours makes me grimace. “I need a shower.”
“As the person who’s been stuck in a car with you for hours—yes, you do.”
I laugh, then sigh. “Okay. Well, thanks again for the ride.”
She nods, smiling sadly. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out, Zo.”
I put on a brave face. “Me, too. I’ll call you later.”
“You’d better.”
I close the doors and wave as she navigates back to the road.
“Zoey! Zoey!”
I turn toward the house to find my mom on the steps, waving her arms and grinning like a madwoman. I schlep toward her. I’m beginning to feel the effects of travel—all I want is to feel clean and then sleep.
