Page 121 of Unexpected Ever After

The rain had held off all day, but began to come down now, pecking at the glass as I sat by candlelight at a seat by the plate glass window.

It was there, at the end of a day that had both filled my soul and wrecked me, that I opened Mitchell’s letter.

The waiter had poured me champagne, and I brought the flute to my lips but found I couldn’t drink when I read the first word.

Winona,

I hope this trip is everything you dreamed of, and puts to rest some of the pain you never deserved. Stay as long as you want or need, I’ve got the jet on standby. Come back whenever you need. It’ll always be on me.

Did you want to know what I’m up to? You can skip to the bottom if not.

I’ve stepped down from my company. Sal’s running it now, like she should have years ago. I’m overseeing the foundation, and spending time with my mother; my brother Connor, and my nephew Artie, who I think you would love. Blake was here too (asking me questions about you I didn’t answer).

I started a new book. This one’s a ridiculous space opera with swords and dragons and ships and princesses. It’s full of all the things I can remember from my stories as a kid, and while I’m sure it will never see the light of day the same as the last, I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had. I’ve dedicated it to you.

Most of all, I’m trying my best not to think about those two weeks I’m fairly certain were a dream. They were the most glorious dream, with swimming pools and Thai food and this funny, brilliant, beautiful girl who threw a wrench at my head.

Maybe I should tell her I’m doing my best to forget her, but I’ll say it just this once: I’ll never forget her, not for one moment, and if she wants to know the truth, not a second goes by when I don’t think about her. I hear her in the wind and I see her in the stars. She makes me whole, even as I’m empty without her.

Thank you, Winona, for showing me what fun is again. If I never see you another day in my life, you’ll be my firecracker for the rest of it.

Mitchell

A fat tear fell on the letter, blurring the ink, and I folded the paper.

For a moment I sat staring at the bubbles in the champagne glass, and listening to the table of girlfriends next to me, laughing and planning their night on the town.

Mitchell and I lived different lives. He couldn’t leave his as much as I couldn’t leave mine. And yet our lives, somehow, weren’t that different, not anymore. We cared about ourselves, and making the world a better place. We loved our family, and we loved the stars.

I picked up my phone.

WINONA: Thank you for this trip, Mitchell. It means everything to me.

I paused, waiting, but no response came.

WINONA: I read your letter and I’m happy for you and all the…

I hesitated. Then I deleted that and started again.

WINONA: I wish you were here with me.

I hit send, my thumb moving with my heart, before my brain caught up. I sucked in a breath as three dots appeared.

MITCHELL: I could be, if you wanted.

I laughed, my eyes threatening new tears.

WINONA: I meant right now.

A pause.

MITCHELL: So do I.

For a moment I was confused. How would… then I jerked my face up, looking around the room. There were couples everywhere, diners chatting, the clinking of forks and knives, servers, but no big bearded men sitting alone, not even up at the bar.

For a moment I was sure I’d misunderstood. Of course I had. He was just—

The women next to me giggled. “Oh my god,” said one of them. “I think he’s the guy from that show!”

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