Page 20 of Love Letter Lost
I pictured the growing college town with its legendary winters, surrounded by farmland and mountains, and grinned. “True. But Idaho doesn’t have alligators.”
Ridge steered the conversation back to me. “Tell me about work. You mentioned being a ‘starving teacher.’”
“I teach fifth grade.” My cheeks lifted in a small smile, like they did every time I thought about my students. “It’s not the most glamorous job, but I love it. The kids are great, and we have fun together.”
“That’s awesome. I’m planning to teach history when I finish school.”
I whipped around to face Ridge, the seatbelt restricting my movements.
“Surprising, I know. I always swore I’d never be a teacher, but after trying so many other options, it just feels right.” He shrugged and ducked his head as if embarrassed by his career choice.
I absorbed his words, trying to reconcile this new piece of Ridge with the boy I’d known growing up.
“I bet you’re an amazing teacher.” Ridge’s smile made my stomach flip before it disappeared, a sad look stealing into his eyes. “Is it worth it? Really worth it? I love the content and the idea of helping kids. Not to mention, I could coach basketball. But Amber…” He trailed off. “Amber doesn’t see it that way. She calls it a dead-end job.”
I took a deep breath, trying to reconcile the woman I’d met on Saturday with her attitude towards the career I loved. “It’s a lot of work and you’ll never be rich, but I don’t think I could do anything else. I love my job.”
“Amber comes from money, and living off a teacher’s salary does not appeal to her.”
“There’s more to a job than money.”
“That’s what I tell her, but…” He gave a small shake of his head. “The whole reason I’m here for the summer instead of taking classes is because she wants me to do this internship with her dad’s company. I went to one orientation meeting, and I’m already dreading it. She wants me working with the legal team, but she’d be happy if I did anything in property development so I could one day work for her dad’s company. Honestly, I’ll probably spend most of the summer handing out flyers and trying to attract tenants to her dad’s latest development.”
I didn’t know how to respond. I was a firm believer that you should follow your interests and dreams. But I could also understand Amber’s hesitations.
“You can also do a second job during the summers.”
“Like what? Be a temp? Work construction? Amber would love that.” He expelled a small, humorless laugh. “Do you do something?”
I thought of my apartment and smiled. “Not really, though I’ll own my place soon. Once I buy it, Audrey and Chloe will help with my mortgage, as will the other building tenants. After I’ve paid it off, I’m hoping to invest and buy more rentals, become a property manager. My own real estate empire.”
“Sounds like you’ve got your future figured out.” I heard a hint of jealousy in his voice and turned away as a blush stole into my cheeks. He was probably the first person I’d ever told my dream to who sounded genuinely impressed as opposed to skeptical. Even now, I could hear Matt’s criticism of my “unrealistic” plan ringing in my ears. “Maybeyoushould get this internship with Amber’s dad. Property management and development are a big part of it.”
“Maybe, though I’d much rather do those things for myself.”
The moment stretched uncomfortably between us, and I reached up to adjust the air vent. As I did, I noticed the dashboard clock. The store was open.
“We can go in now.” I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car. I was almost to the store doors by the time Ridge caught up to me.
“I know we’re on a deadline, but that’s no reason to leave me in the car.” He nudged my arm as he caught up. “You’ve ignored me for years. Don’t ditch me now.”
“I figured it was my turn to leave you behind. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to write you a letter in about five years to fully express my feelings.”
“Ouch! Remind me not to write you any more letters.”
“Only if you promise not to kiss me in the moonlight after a dance.” The words escaped before I could think better of them.
Ridge seemed to ponder the offer before letting out a puff of air with a laugh. “Fine. Ruin my backup plan if things don’t work out with Amber.”
I shrugged and located the floral department with its rows of bright petals, beelining for a section of yellows and oranges. Ridge trotted up behind me, pushing a cart. I stopped in front of some peach flowers, examining my options. The only ones I recognized were roses.
Ridge gestured to the wide range of flowers in front of us. “Does Livvy have a favorite flower? Somewhere we can start?”
“I tried asking her yesterday, and she kept insisting that as long as the color matches, she’ll be happy.” I picked up a peach rose, managing to pull out several others whose stems were intertwined. I gathered them all into my hand, pretending like the bouquet was intentional as I considered the blossoms. They would make for a beautiful, simple bouquet, but Livvy was not a simple girl. She liked classy and bold, a challenging combination considering the fact that her main color was peach. I put the roses back, a bunch of larger blooms catching my eye. Their colors transitioned from peach at the edges of the petals to a dark-orange almost pink color in the middle. I carefully extracted one of the flowers to examine. The label called them peonies. I liked how big they were without being overbearing.But would Livvy like them?
I glanced at my phone, frustrated to see that the only text I’d received was from my mother. It was a message referencing yet another “perfect” date option for the wedding. She’d attached a picture of a man in flannel holding up a fish for the photo. He was missing one of his front teeth. While I enjoyed the outdoors, I was not a fisherwoman, nor did I have time to make the two-hour drive to meet this guy for dinner. I sent Mother a quick no before texting Livvy again.
ME: I know last night you said you didn’t want a particular flower, but are you sure? Also, why didn’t you tell me about Ridge coming over?
