Page 67 of When We Meet Again

“I was thinking about writing a book,” I say nonchalantly, polishing off my fancy coffee that I forget the name of. Victoria nods along with my mother.

“A book?” my mom asks, confusion painting her face.

“I think you should! Did you know only a very low percentage of people who start writing books actually finish them?” Victoria and her wonderful knowledge about the most random topics never ceases to amaze me. “And did you know that only a tiny percentage ofthosepeople actually publish?”

“Then I’m going to give it a go!” I tap my hand on the table, making the silverware clank.

The waitress glances at me from across the room and I hold up my finger for one more and point at my empty flute.

“You could have orderedusanother,” my mother says, gulping down the rest of hers.

“I’ll remember for next time,” I smirk at my feistiness peeking through.

Mom puffs out air. “That mouth of yours. I thought it would get better with age.” We burst into a fit of laughter, causing others around us to give us looks. Since the big four-oh, I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks.

My mom rests her hands on mine. “Do whatever makes you happy, sweetie. That’s all parents want for their children, Waverly. That’s all we ever want. Well, that and their safety.”

No part of me regrets calling my mother. If there’s anyone who has lived life as chaotic as mine, it’s her. But that’s a story for a different day.

“Well, wish me luck.” I glance at my watch.

Mom and Victoria stand at the same time and give me a joint hug. “Knock ’em dead in there.”

There are no two people I’d rather have by my side before a meeting with investors than these two phenomenal women. I’ve decided to open my own ‘No Kill’ Dog Shelter. I purchased a nice chunk of land that has been abandoned to the state of California. The same land that the fair used to be on. The fair with the bench on the hill.

As I walk across the street from the café to the city building, I itch to text Roman. He has a way to calm my nerves just by talking. He could even be talking about a cooking show he was watching, and it would lower my erratic heart rate.

I haven’t heard from either brother, which I appreciate. They’re both respecting my wishes, but I think it’s been long enough.

CHAPTER 35

ROMAN

The past five months have been hell. But a different kind of hell. I miss her with all of my being. I've respected her wishes; I've given her the space she needs. But there's a part of me missing.

I’ve thrown myself into my company. Business numbers are up, and that’s all fine and dandy, but shit gets put into perspective when you’re in the thick of it with a woman you’ve fallen madly in love with. Goddamnit.

I was lucky enough to have Victoria text me about an important investment meeting Waverly had. That would explain her leaving the shelter with a box of her belongings. She never told me she quit, but I’m assuming she did. Waverly is doing what she wants. Living her life for her. Not for Patrick.Not for me. I wish her well either way.

As I stare deep into the cheap coffee one of my guys brought me from the corner gas station, I can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever come back to me.

CHAPTER 36

WAVERLY

Brown and cream-coloredartfloat atop my Frappuccino, designed specifically for a woman named “Everly.” Or that’s what the barista thought I said when I gave her my name.

I stir my drink slowly, taking in the euphoria from my meeting. Three of theinvestors I met with were dog lovers, and they loved the idea of building a dog sanctuary so much, they decided to invest. I’ve never had abig girlmeeting like that before, and my heart was racing in the best way, but I nailed it.

Note to self: Passion equals drive. Passion equals success.

I’d love nothing more than to call everyone I know, but instead I opt in for the sounds of silence. Well, coffee shop type of silence. I’ll call my mom and Victoria when I get home once my high-on-life wears off.

I pull out the book Roman gifted me. Another item checked off my bucket list.Read more books.It took about three months for me to open it. I don’t know why I thought it would be a copy ofUnf*ck Yourself, but it wasn’t. It’s about a man who had a chanceto win over a woman but HE fucked it up. She ended up with someone else. Someone she has nothing in common with. Asaferchoice, nonetheless. Years go by until the love interest and main character see each other again—and when they do, it’slike nothing has ever changed between them. They still longed for each other even though she was with another man. I haven’t been able to put this book down. It’s the fourth time I’ve read it in weeks.

Every time I open the damn thing, Roman drifts to the forefront of my mind. And he stays there like a rash. A rash I love to itch. Ew. That was a bad analogy.

My phone stares back at me, begging me to pick it up and dial the one person I want nothing more than to call and share my good news with. Five freakin’ months. Five months, I’ve beenfighting the urge to contact Roman. Instead, I turn my phone face down because that will help.Right?

---