Page 63 of Love Letter Lost
The church gym looked even better than I remembered. One of Livvy’s neighbors had set up a sound system and was playing a nice mix of romantic music that set a sweet tone for the event. Small desserts and finger foods filled a table along the far wall, next to an arch covered with lights for the bride and groom to stand under while greeting their guests.
“It’s perfect.” Livvy rushed over to give me a hug. David followed behind her, beaming at his bride. When Livvy let go, he stepped in to give me a quick, equally enthusiastic embrace. “The centerpieces are wonderful, and the scarves worked out flawlessly,” she continued, pulling Ridge in for his hug. “I never should have doubted you!”
I shrugged, flustered at her praise. “We were happy to help.”
“It was mostly Mallory,” Ridge commented. “I was just the lackey and credit card.”
“Not true.” I smacked him in the chest, smiling up at him. “He was a huge help.”
“And we can’t forget Amber’s part,” Ridge added, causing me to deflate a bit. I really needed to talk to him. I patted my bag, reassured to feel the familiar weight of the notebook.
“I don’t care who’s responsible,” Livvy broke in, looping her arm through David’s and resting her head on his shoulder. “It’s perfect, and you two played a big part in that. Thank you.” With that, she and David walked away, leaving me alone with Ridge. Maybe now was my chance.
“We did good,” Ridge said, looking around the room.
“I think so too,” I agreed.
“Rigdon!” My heart sank as I turned to see Amber rushing over to us. She wore a sparkly red dress that did wonders for her figure and caused her red lipstick to pop. “How was the luncheon? I’m so sorry I missed it.” Her voice oozed regret.
“It was nice.” Ridge allowed Amber to slip her arm through his. “I guess we should give our congratulations before the line gets too long.”
Ridge and Amber moved towards the line, leaving me alone in the middle of the gym watching my heart walk away.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
Neighbors and friendswho hadn’t been at the wedding ceremony filtered into the gym, and I watched for a moment, unsure what to do. My mother was gossiping with some aunts, my dad was talking with a group of men nearby, and Chris and Sheila had conveniently disappeared. Audrey and Chloe would be here later, but for the moment I stood alone in a room full of people.
Aunt Jenna rushed up to me, panic written on her face. “Mal, I need your help. We have a small emergency in the kitchen.” She grabbed my arm, pulling me in that direction. “We don’t have anyone stocking the refreshments table, and I need to get in the line.” She waved her hand towards where Uncle Ben, Livvy, David, and a Japanese couple—who I assumed to be David’s parents—stood, ready to greet guests.
“I’m happy to help,” I reassured, picking up my pace. “Don’t worry about it.”
Aunt Jenna gave me a grateful smile and headed towards her daughter.
I entered the kitchen to find empty trays sitting next to plates of cookies, cupcakes, and brownies. Everything needed to be moved onto trays and taken into the gym asap. Depositing my bag in a corner on the floor, I washed my hands and got to work, grateful for something to occupy my mind and hands. Anything to distract me from what I hoped to tell Ridge before the night was over.
I spent the next two hours patrolling the refreshments table. At some point, I slipped my shoes off, unable to pace back and forth in my heels. In between trips to the kitchen, my extended family attempted to snag me to catch up, but I used the kitchen full of sweets as my excuse to bow out.
In my pacing, my eyes were drawn to Ridge. Each time I found him, Amber was at his side, laughing and holding his hand. My stomach clenched, every time, driving home the words I needed to speak.
During one of my trips, both Ridge and Amber had disappeared. Praying they hadn’t left, I deposited my empty tray in the kitchen and headed towards the entry. Maybe a miracle would happen and I would run into Ridge. I only needed a couple of minutes to share my heart.
“I know, Daddy,” Amber’s voice rang out, causing me to jump as I approached the bathroom door. I glanced around the corner to see Amber pacing, phone pressed to her ear. “He insists that teaching is the right career for him, but he’s said that about other careers before. A little pushing and I’ll have him on the fast track to law school. The internship this summer is crucial.”
A pause followed, and I ducked back around the corner to keep from being seen.
“Let me worry about Ridge. How goes the apartment building acquisition?” Pause. “I don’t care what it takes, my clientele wants that dog park.” Pause. “Offer him more.” Pause. “I’ve already got most of the tenants ready to sign contracts in the new building. Give it a year, and when contracts renew, we’ll up fees and recoup our loses.” Pause. “I don’t care if they have nowhere to go. We’re turning this town into the next hot spot in Utah.”
It wasn’t a stretch to imagine which apartment building Amber was talking about. I pictured the old stone building I’d called home for years. I could see it now, being leveled, tenants like Mrs. and Mr. Jeong without a home they could afford. Not to mention Audrey and Chloe. The discount my dad gave all three of us on rent made it possible for us to room together. Without it, both Chloe and Audrey would have to move home.
I had to find Ridge, tell him what Amber was planning. Maybe I could convince him to fight for my building—if not for me, then for my tenants. Maybe I could finally help him see how wrong Amber was for him. Maybe I could convince him to give me a chance.
Doubt niggled at the back of my mind as I remembered my argument with Ridge from the day before. I’d attempted to voice my opinion, but he hadn’t wanted to listen. Yet I couldn’t stand back and let Amber have her way. My heart wouldn’t stand for it.
I headed back to the kitchen, grabbing my bag from where I’d left it in a corner to keep it out of the way. Digging through it, I pulled out my phone to find a text from Chloe. I needed to get back to the party.
Promising Chloe I would find her soon, I pulled out my notebook and returned my bag to the floor. The notebook seemed to call to me, begging me to finally write my full feelings, no longer hesitating or hiding.
Grabbing a pen and taking a deep breath I wrote four sentences.
