Page 75 of The Romance Rivalry

“When does Charles leave for home?” I ask.

“I think he’s the first to go. His bus is at ten. He’s gonna stop by here on his way to the bus station. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”

I’m glad I’ll get to see him before we all part for the holidays. A hollow ache in my chest reminds me that I won’t get to see Aiden, though. I didn’t even get to ask him what he was doing for Thanksgiving. Would he be welcomed home? The dorms are closed over the holidays so there’s no way for him to stay here. Will he go with Charles?

“And do you know what Aiden’s doing?” I go about force-zipping my suitcase and don’t look up at Jeannette. Too afraid of judgment or pity in her eyes.

A hand touches my back and suddenly arms wrap around me from behind. I pat her hand, showing appreciation for her sign of comfort as best I can, and then writhe my bodya bit to free myself from the hold. I’ve grown more used to Jeannette’s affectionate ways, but it’s still awkward sometimes. Well, more accurately, I’m awkward.

“Talk to him, Irene. You’re miserable. He’s miserable...”

“You’ve seen him?” I whip around to face her, hoping to get as much information as I can.

“I was over at their dorm yesterday after Charles and I had dinner,” she says. “Aiden misses you. He’s trying to give you the space you need.”

I swallow back the emotion threatening to release the waterworks.

“I was so awful to him, Jeannette. But I can’t help but believe that he did me dirty. I’ve struggled to grasp why he’s interested in me. And finding out about his book just gave me too easy of an answer. I know I was overreacting, but honestly, maybe it’s all for the best.”

“I love you, you know this, right? But I have to say... I think you’re being unfair to him. We both know he’s not the type of person who would use you in that way. There’s some stuff you need to work out in here”—she taps my temple—“and here”—she taps my heart—“first, but I sure hope that when you do, you give him another chance. What you guys have is too good, too right, too primed for your HEA.”

“Ya decent?” Charles peeks his head in through our door and smiles.

“Come on in,” I say. “We’re just finishing up having a moment.”

“Damn, I hate missing a moment. Was there awkward hugging involved? Tears?” he asks.

“Yup and yup,” I say. “But you know there will be plenty more where that came from before the year is done.”

“With you two? I’d guarantee it.” He’s always so freaking good-natured. No wonder he and Aiden get along so well. The four of us made a pretty great friend group. I hope I didn’t ruin it all with my failure to college correctly. “Oh hey, before I forget...” He reaches out and offers me a thick manila envelope. “For you.”

“Looks very official, what is it?” I ask.

“Open it, open it,” Jeannette clasps her hands as if Santa himself has delivered me a gift.

I take the envelope from Charles, turning it over, but nothing’s written on the front. I narrow my eyes at him, trying to figure out what the big secret is. But his face is a blank slate, other than the googly eyes he’s making at Jeannette right now. I need to get this over with so I can escape and give these two lovebirds some privacy to say their goodbyes.

I turn it back over and unwind the string from the two circles to open it. I pull out a fairly large stack of bound papers. A green Post-it note with familiar writing is stuck to the front page.

This story is as much for you as it is about you. —A

I close my eyes for a second, trying to push back the tears.

Aiden’s manuscript.

I let my free hand reverently stroke the front page, as if what lies within holds deeply held, valuable secrets. And maybe it does.

I quickly push the manuscript back into the envelope. This is not something I can look at and handle right now. Maybe on the train. Or maybe this weekend.

“Thanks, Charles, for delivering it. I appreciate it,” I say. “Now, I’ll let you two have some privacy. I’m gonna stock up on some snacks for the train so I can use up the rest of the points on my dining card.”

As I head out to the market, my phone buzzes with a new message.

Charles:package delivered. She looked... shocked.

Jeannette:she looked... touched.

Aiden:thanks... um... everyone. Happy reading, Irene. I hope you like it.

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