Page 67 of Just Like This
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Cami
To:[emailprotected]
From:[emailprotected]
Subject: Sneaky
I’m happy to hear thatyou have called a truce with your mother. That makes me feel a little better about her return. I know that forgiveness will take time, but you’ve taken a step in the right direction. You’ll be a lot happier that you did it now rather than later.
Currently, I’m fine. You know that I can’t tell you any specifics of what is happening or what I’m doing. Right now, it’s a lot of training but also a lot of hurry up and wait. So, I can at least tell you that I’m not in any immediate danger. I’m positive that I will be going out on a patrol very soon, so just prepare yourself in case you don’t hear from me for a while.
I dream about you every night, and I can’t wait until, instead of dreaming about you in my arms, I can actually hold you in my arms. Stay strong, baby. You can do this; we can do this.
Yours, G.
* * *
To:[emailprotected]
From:[emailprotected]
Subject: Update
My condo in Seattle has officially been listed. I met with Miranda today and finalized the listing. I can’t believe how much money she suggested as an asking price! But she said that Amazon is driving up prices, so I guess that works in my favor. She doesn’t expect my unit to stay on the market long because apparently, I own in a “high-demand” building. I guess I did one thing right.
Dad came home from the hospital yesterday. So far, he seems comfortable. We set up his bedroom in his office. I spent the night with him there listening to records until we both fell asleep. I was planning on staying in the guest house for a while, but I think it’s best to be as close as possible. The doctors have revised their prognosis and now say that he has about six months. He’s not in any pain right now, which is good.
I know you can’t tell me what’s happening or any specifics, but I’m glad to hear that your days are pretty boring right now. I wouldn’t mind if all you did were trainings and simulations, but I know that’s not why you were deployed. I’ll start preparing myself for lack of communication.
I think I’m falling deeper in love with you with every email that I receive. I still feel so connected to you despite the distance. I look forward to going to bed every night because that’s where I can see you. In my dreams, I relive every moment we spent together and some that maybe haven’t happened yet. Each night that passes brings me one day closer to seeing you again.
I love you. Stay safe.
Yours, Cami
* * *
To:[emailprotected]
From:[emailprotected]
Subject: Two weeks
I guess patrols finally started because it’s been two weeks since your last email. Are you safe? I hope so.
Dad is still doing well. He’s had a few bad days, but there have been way more good ones than bad. He sleeps quite a bit, and we’ve been listening to his albums. He loves being surrounded by them. And I love learning about the music he loves so much. Rock and roll sounds so much better with a brass section! He might just make it past six months…
I’ve been baking a lot. It keeps my mind off things, especially if I’m making something labor-intensive and difficult. Last week, I made dozens of these fluffy pastry balls because I wanted to try making a croque-en-bouche. I even let my mom help, which brought back so many memories of baking with her when I was a kid. When we were done, the kitchen was a complete mess, and we were both covered in wispy bits of spun sugar, but the result was spectacular and delicious.
The head chef of the restaurant where I used to work in Seattle called me today. He’s opening up a new concept restaurant in Napa Valley and wants me to be the head pastry chef. I want to say “YES!” but I can’t commit to anything yet. And I don’t think he’ll wait too long for my answer.
I miss you more than I ever thought possible. It’s only been a month, and I thought it would be a little easier than this. But it’s not. This is so very hard.
Please stay safe.
Your Cami
