Page 62 of Just Like This
“Yes, I’m sure. I might not know exactly what my future looks like, but Seattle isn’t a part of it.”
“Okay. Let’s plan on meeting in a few days. I’ll ask my dad if he can recommend anyone.”
“Thank you, Palmer.” Absently, I placed my hand on his thigh. When he covered it with his, I realized the message I was sending and carefully slid my hand away. There was no reason for me to unintentionally send him mixed messages.
Palmer reached over and picked up my left hand. “This is new,” he commented as he slid his thumb across the stones in my new ring. “It’s nice.”
“Palmer, if this makes you uncomfortable, we don’t have to talk about it,” I said cautiously.
“I’m happy for you, Cami. If Garrett is the one for you, then I’ll proudly stand by both of your sides.”
“Thank you.” But in the pit of my stomach, I felt a little uneasy. His tight smile and the way he quickly dropped my hand indicated that maybe he wasn’t being completely truthful.
He dropped me back home, and I avoided the main house where I knew my mother was staying. Instead, I headed into the guest house where the scent of Garrett still lingered. I headed for the bedroom and fell against the unmade bed where the familiar smell was strongest. Tears quietly slipped down my cheeks. It had only been a few hours since we shared our last kiss, but it felt like days.
I sat up and grabbed my laptop off the bedside table. Garrett and I had discussed emailing, and he made sure to give me every number and every email that could possibly reach him.
* * *
To:[emailprotected]
From:[emailprotected]
Subject: Miss You Already
You just left. I just hugged you for the last time. My lips were pressed against yours for the last time for the next nine months. Until you come home to me. I miss you already even though you’ve only been gone a few hours. My body already aches without your touch. My heart is heavy without yours near. One hour without you feels like a lifetime. What will the next nine months feel like?
Let me know that you’re safe as soon as you can.
Your Cami
* * *
I clickedsend on my email and closed my laptop. Today had been exhausting, and my eyes grew heavier and heavier. I leaned against the pillows and closed my eyes to sleep, where endless memories of Garrett replayed in my dreams.
My phone buzzing next to me woke me up. When I opened my eyes, it was still dark, and I had no idea how long I had been asleep. Without looking at the caller ID, I answered.
“Hello?” My voice was thick with sleep.
“Cami?” The sound of Garrett’s voice was surprising.
“Garrett?”
“Hey, baby. I just wanted to call you while I still can.” I could hear the smile in his warm voice. I pulled my knees up to my chest and cradled the phone against my ear.
“Where are you?”
“Well, I can’t really tell you that. But we’re on a bit of a layover, waiting for the plane to get cleaned up and refueled.”
“Oh, okay.” Garrett had warned me that he wouldn’t be able to tell me much about his location. “How are you doing?”
“I’m tired as hell but happy I get to hear your voice. How are you?”
“Better.” I sighed. “Palmer took me to Top Pot for doughnuts after you left. But this is way better.”
He laughed. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
In the background, I could hear an announcement being made.
