Page 121 of The Right Kind of Wrong

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Tomorrow will be hectic so we decided to drop by, say our goodbyes.”

His wife Jacqueline embraced me next, placing a kiss on my head. “You've grown up to be a fine young woman, Evelyn. Your grandmother would be proud.”

“Thanks,” I choked out.

“You bitch.” She wiped away her tears…this was yet another goodbye. “You always leave.”

I laughed, embracing my lifelong friend. “I'll miss you, Jen.”

“Yeah, yeah. Me too,” she whispered. “Thank Nathan, he got everyone together for you, again.”

Professor Lanthorn and his wife gave me a small box next, both of them giving me a warm hug.

“It's been very nice to know you, Evelyn. I know I'll hear about you when you're among the greats. I am sure of it,” Professor Lanthorn said with a grin. “Should you ever need a letter of recommendation, just email me, I'll be happy to write one for you.”

“Thanks,” I smiled.

I turned around, catching Nathan's eye from the other side of the bar. He sat back, talking casually with Poison with his gaze fixed on us. He smiled, it didn't meet his eyes completely but there was a sense of peace there that I could feel deep in my heart. It eased my worries; he didn't resent me.

The door to the bar opened again, everyone's attention turning to see who it was. When I saw who walked in, I couldn't help the smile that formed on my face. Again, thanks to Nathan.

Karla grinned when she saw me, rushing towards me and hugging me.

“Oh, my God,” I breathed. “What are you doing here?”

“That genius back there flew me in,” she said. “I'm so sorry for what happened to you, Evie, but I'm so happy that you're not alone.”

I nodded, hugging the one friend I had in Florida. I really wasn't alone.

Grief and anger blind you; they are all consuming, devour your soul, wringing out every bit of happiness that you have. The thing is: you always have a choice. You can choose to be happy or live full of resentment. I didn't want to live that way. I was only twenty. I had too much life ahead of me to spend my time dwelling on painful memories.

The rest of the night was spent amongst friends—no—family. It was a night that would forever be etched in my memory. They were the ones that mattered; the ones that were worth it.

It was as if the music in the bar was set specifically for the special moment being lived; it was beautiful and soft, fitting.

Nathan stood from the stool on which he sat, his gaze on me. I knew as soon as I saw him he'd be approaching me and my heart raced.

He extended his hand when a particular song began playing and I gave it to him freely.

“One last dance,” he asked, smiling at me.

I rested my head on his chest, right over his heart, memorizing its beat. It was strong, steady yet beating a bit quicker than it usually did.

“I wish you all the best.” The sincerity in his voice told me he meant every word he said. “You have to promise to keep in touch, Evie.”

He pulled away slightly, taking my hand in his.

“This is yours,” he said, eyes boring into mine. He placed the bracelet on my wrist, letting his thumb linger there as he caressed my hand.

“Nathan, I—”

“Don't,” he smiled, cupping my face in his hands. “Just let me hold you…”

He wiped away my tears, placing a peck on my lips and whispering how much he loved me one last time.

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