Page 94 of Time To Live Again

Don’t live like this when you’ve been given a longer life than me. It was my time to go, not yours. Don’t act like you’re lying in that rotting, suffocating coffin with me. We had the time of our lives, lived in the moment, and I’m so thankful that I got to spend all my favorite moments with you, doing what we loved. God, did we have fucking fun, or what?

Sully and Tonya crack up, and Aunt Betty shakes her head with a grin. She’s probably upset with the language. She was constantly on his ass about swearing. Uncle Mason smiles with watery eyes.

Eventually, you’ll find another ride or die along the way. Maybe you already have by the time you find this letter. If not, when you do, don’t run away out of fear like a dumbass. Embrace her—yes, her—and dive in, just like you would when I was alive. You always craved adventure and loved life. I’m getting tired and my handwriting looks like a first grader learning how to write the alphabet during a nap. All I ask is that you don’t forget me, and don’t forget to live because, if you do, I’ll kick your ass when I see you again. You know I will. Thanks for being the best friend I ever had. I’ll be watching you from above. Make me proud.

And most of all, dance and sing your heart out. You were made to do it!

Peace out, Corey

Laughter fills the room because that’s how Corey always said goodbye.

“This is what Corey would want—us laughing at his expense and living our lives to the fullest. We shouldn’t take a single moment for granted. He understood this better than anyone, especially me.” I stare at his handwriting, then lift up the letter. “I’ll never know why I didn’t find this until I needed it most. I think it proves there’s something magical around us. We all hate the cliché,everything happens for a reason, but I think maybe it does. Thanks for listening. I love you all.” Then I look up and say, “Love you too, Cor.”

I fold up the letter and everyone claps as I return to my seat next to Olive. I hug her and bury my face against her. She rubs the nape of my neck with her hand.

“I’m proud of you,” she murmurs. “It was a beautiful speech. I wish I could’ve met him. What a handful you two must’ve been.”

“You got that right. I’m surprised we have hair left on our heads,” Mom says. Aunt Betty is at her side, nodding in agreement. “Wonderful speech, honey.”

“Thanks, Ma.”

I hold Olive close to my side because I can. We are alive and our future is ahead of us.

43

OLIVE

It’s early afternoon, but this has been a long day. Leo and I are both exhausted, but him more than me. At times, he got emotional with the others, which made me choke up because I can’t bear to see him suffer. There were many emotional speeches, but Leo’s was priceless. I’m proud of him for opening up. I didn’t think I could love him more, but I’m proven wrong every day.

This week was nonstop action. Mom and I had another fight right before I came here. She was angry because I didn’t tell her about the skydiving plans or who would be at the Super Bowl party. What am I, twelve? Then, because I was pissed, I let it slip that I’m planning to move. I didn’t say where, but it’s obvious. She didn’t like that and stormed off again. If anyone’s a raging preteen, it’s her. I haven’t spoken to her since and I’m fine with that. Andy’s flying home for a bachelor party this weekend, and he said he’ll check on her.

Leo’s been showing me the rest of his favorite parts of the island, hoping to convince me how great living here would be. He doesn’t need to influence me—I already want to move here. When? As soon as possible. Where would we live? No idea. It’s part of the adventure.

When Corey wasn’t the subject of conversation, Corey’s side of the family interrogated Leo and me about our relationship. They seemed happy for us and wished us well. Marla has also been more attentive to me. I hate questioning her actions, but that’s her fault.

The luncheon is winding down, and some guests have already left. I wrap my arm through Leo’s and tug him over to a window away from everyone. “Do you want to go to our bench while the sun’s out, or should we go later?” I brush my hand through Leo’s soft hair as it shines from the sunlight beaming through the window.

“Let’s go now. Later, I want to be alone with you without any interruptions. We’ve had enough of those this week,” he murmurs behind my ear, kissing the skin there.

I squeeze his chin lightly. “Stop doing that or we’ll never make it out of here. I don’t think your family would appreciate that.” Leo steps away and folds his hands behind his back with a cheeky grin.

We mingle a little longer until Betty, Mason, and Marla break up the party, thanking everyone again for coming. Leo and I share a look of relief.

Once the guests are gone and Betty and Mason head home, Leo announces that we’re going outside for some air. Tonya says she’s going back to her apartment, and Sully quietly pets Smokey, who’s perched on his shoulder. Yes, he brought her with him. Marla has to go to her office before she goes home.

We follow Marla as she leads the way, discussing the day and all the remembrances shared. Suddenly, she stops short and grasps Sully’s arm. I follow the direction she’s looking, and all the air leaves my lungs. I take a second to gather myself because I can’t believe it.

I step forward and stand in front of everyone. “Mom? Andy? What are you doing here?” I can’t believe she followed me. And with Andy? Are they in cahoots now?

“Evelyn?” Marla exclaims. My head jerks in Marla’s direction, then back to Mom.

“Marla.” Mom answers back with her chin high. My eyes ping-pong from Marla to Mom, as do everyone else’s.What the fuck?

“You know each other?” Tonya says before I can.

Leo clenches his jaw, and his eyes turn cold. “Did you know they knew each other? And Andy—why is he here?”

“I had no idea! Did you?” I already know the answer, though.

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