Page 87 of In Love with the Devil

“What do you mean you have an idea how to fix everything? There’s nothing to fix, Tory.”She pushes her hair back. "Listen I know that I'll never understand what you went through, ok? I get it. But… But Tory you're the closest thing I have to a sister and I thought you were dead for more than a year. I can't–I cant lose you again."

“Please. Stop." We wipe our tears and take deep breaths. "Listen to me, okay? You're never gonna lose me. Okay?" I wait until she nods. "What if I told you that I bought a ticket to Mexico for tomorrow?”

“What? Oh my God, are you taking your meds–”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I. You bought a ticket to Mexico? For tomorrow?”

“Uh-huh.” I nod and smile while Mindy’s eyes study me, searching for my sanity.

“Hear me out. Remember when we used to say that we'd move to a beach house in Mexico, dress like the old aunts inPractical Magic,and collect a bunch of black cats to scare the men away? Remember that Halloween we dressed up as them with the wigs and the necklaces and big hats?”

She chuckles. “Of course I do.”

I shrug. “Well, I’m going to use the money I've been saving to do that. Why wait until we’re too old? Tomorrow, I’m taking a plane to Tulum. I booked a hippy cheap hotel. While I look for a job, I can also search for your reception hall."

Mindy stares at me for too long, almost convincing me that I’ve lost my mind after all.“Tory–”

“Mindy, I can’t live like this. I can’t live knowing he's in the same city. And I can’t live with you like this.”

“What? What do you mean? I’m just–”

I lift my palm to stop her from talking. “I know. I know you’re just worried about me. And I don’t blame you. But how long are you going to worry about me? I need to get the fuck out of here–have a change of scenery and all that shit. And even though deep inside I know he can find me wherever I go, I need the illusion that I’m far away from him, that he won’t find me.”

She sighs. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I ask, shocked.

“Yes. You’re right. About everything. But I’ll visit you in four weeks.”

“Of course you will, silly, 'cause you gotta look at where you’re gonna get married.”

She chuckles. “My wedding is going to be in Mexico?”

“Yes! Where you’re retiring in fifty years. And I’ll arrange everything, the ceremony, reception, the honeymoon–everything.”

“And I already have the dress.”She squeals, making me forget everything that happened this morning even if it's only for a second.

“See? It’s all set and done. There’s no need to worry about the wedding, or me.”

“But you’re leaving.” When I recognize the sadness on her face, my heart hurts. Her hand covers mine.

“I’m sorry. Mindy–”

“No. Don’t be sorry. You need this. We both need this.”

“I love you, you know?” I ask.

“Love you too, but you know that.”

Chapter thirty-nine

Say Please

Astoria

Three years later, Tulum, Mexico

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