Page 4 of Choose You

I head back to my bedroom to finish packing. My flight leaves before sunup tomorrow, and I still have work to finish before I leave. I don’t have time to allow Matthew to take up head space, so I do my best to lock him back up in the vaults of my mind.

I stop in front of the bedroom window of my downtown apartment to take in the setting sun. Seattle sunsets are stunning, and I chose this apartment for the views it offered. My loft takes up the entire top level of the small apartment building its in. From my living room, I can see Mount Rainier. Even the sunset reflecting off the mountain is a sight to see.

If I’m going to be stuck in the city, I might as well have scenery that reminds me of home. Stunning sunsets and ominous mountains. What’s not to love?

I take a sip of tea, and my phone rings. From the ring tone, I know it’s my right-hand man and senior vice president, David.

I grab the phone off my nightstand. “Hey, David. What’s up?”

“Are you packed?”

“Almost. Just a few last-minute things to get together.”

“Good. I’ve confirmed your flight. You should have a text message with your boarding pass. Just check your bags when you arrive, and you’ll be ready to go. I also reserved a car for you at the airport in Kalispell.”

Tears well up in my eyes again, and the throbbing pain behind myeye intensifies. “You didn’t have to do all that. I told you I’d take care of it.”

“I know you did, but it’s no problem.” His soothing voice is almost too much, and my tears break free. “You’ve got more important things to worry about.”

I dry my cheeks and take a few deep breaths. “Thank you. You’re too kind to me.”

“I’m just being your friend, Jess.”

“And I appreciate that. More than you know.” I may not have much family left, but I lucked out in the friendship department when I met David in college. He and his wife, Blaire, are two of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I’m lucky to call them friends, and to have him working with me. “While I have you on the phone, can we talk about the marketing strategy for the new line? With needing to leave town, can you communicate my concerns and revisions?”

“Already done.” I heard the rustling of papers in the background. “I also took care of the charity donations and let them know you would no longer be able to speak at the fundraiser next weekend. They were disappointed, but they would love to have you speak at a future event.”

“Are you still in the office?”

“Yes.”

“David! Your wife is going to kill me.”

He laughs. “Blaire is fine. She sends her condolences. She also offered to care for your horse for however long you're gone.”

“That’s sweet of her, but I can’t ask her to do that. The stable manager will care for Flight.” Almost every weekend, I sneak out of the city to a small boarding stable about ten minutes outside Seattle to ride my horse, Flight. It’s the one joy I have in my life outside of work.

“Jess, you don’t have to ask. This is what friends do when tragedy hits. We help each other.”

“Thank you.” I struggle to fight back the tears again. David and Blaire truly are great friends. They were there for me five years ago when my parents died, same as they’re here for me now.

“Listen, Jess. Finish packing, try to get a good night’s sleep, and don’t worry about the company. You’ve created a well-oiled machine.I’ve got your back. I can handle everything in your absence. You be with your family.”

His last words break me. I know he didn’t mean for them to, but my tears flow down my face like a waterfall. “But that’s just it. I don’t have any family.”

He sighs. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. You and I both know family isn’t about blood. From what you’ve told me about that town, everyone there is family. They’ll be there to support you even if it has been years since you've been back. And as soon as you finalize the arrangements, Blaire and I will be there, too.”

“You’re right.”

“Ryan arrives the day after tomorrow. Let him help you.”

“I will.” I let out a deep sigh and slow my breathing. “Sounds like you’ve got everything under control. I’ll try not to worry too much.”

“I know you still will, but I’m just a phone call away. Call if you need anything. That goes for Blaire, too.”

“Will do. Now go home to your wife. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.”

“Good night, Jess.”