Page 77 of Just Like This
“Okay.”
“I’m planning on leaving in a few days, but I want to help you and your sister through some of the probate stuff.”
“You mean you’re only going to stick around to see if Dad left you anything.”
She scoffed. “Why do you have to be so angry? I have no expectation of being included in your father’s will.”
“All I’ve heard is that you’re leaving. You haven’t said anything about coming back.”
“I don’t know if I’m going to come back, Cami. You and Valerie are grown women with your own lives. And I have a life on Orcas Island.”
I stood abruptly and headed toward the kitchen, but my mother was quick, and in a few strides, she was standing right in front of me, blocking my path. “Just because I’m going back to Orcas Island doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be a part of your life.”
“And what if I don’t want you to be a part of my life?”
“Then that’s your decision.”
I spun on my heel, ready to escape to the guest house. Instead, I was faced with Valerie’s tearful expression. “How can you act like this?” she cried. “We just said goodbye to our father today.”
I closed my eyes and sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, Val.” I brushed past her and headed out to the guest house.
It was quiet and dark, which was what I wanted, but it was also lonely. I changed out of my black sweater dress and put on a pair of flannel pajama pants and Garrett’s T-shirt. Climbing into bed, I tugged my computer across my lap and flipped it open. Out of habit, I checked my email, but there was nothing new from Garrett. Tonight, though, I decided to check my spam and see if perhaps his emails were filtered and ended up there.
And there it was, the one thing that I had been waiting weeks for—an email. My fingers trembled as I clicked on the message and opened it. Garrett’s words filled my screen, but they blurred as tears marred my vision. His honesty had my heart racing, and I couldn’t help but trace his words with my fingers. When I finished reading, I hit reply and poured my heart out.
* * *
To:[emailprotected]
From[emailprotected]
Subject: RE: Fears
Garrett –
Today, we celebrated my father’s life. My home was filled with people who loved him and love us. The memorial was just how Dad wanted it: no big speeches, plenty of food and drink, and a huge bonfire at the end of the night. He was so down to earth and didn’t want to make a fuss over things. Today was the perfect day and the perfect way to honor him.
After everyone left, my mom told me that she’s leaving in a few days too. I got angry, of course, and lashed out at her. I accused her of sticking around long enough to find out if my father left her anything. It was rude, and she didn’t deserve it, plus Valerie heard me and got angry too. It just felt like the worst time to tell us, though—right after the memorial. I wish she would have waited.
So, tonight, I came back to the dark, empty guest house. Even though I have Valerie and Palmer, I feel so alone. And there hasn’t been a single email from you in so long… Thank God I checked that fucking spam folder! Your email gave me the strength I needed. Your words breathed life back into me. I feel like I can finally begin to move forward and start planning for your return and a future with you.
I miss you. Stay safe.
Yours, Cami.
* * *
I hit send,closed out my browser, and shut down the computer. For the first time in a long while, I fell asleep feeling like a weight had been lifted.
