Page 11 of Love Letter Lost
She gave a sad laugh. “Time may make memories fade somewhat, but I’ll never forget how hollow you were after that accident, after Ridge…left.”
“That still doesn’t give you the right to hide that letter from me.” Even now Ridge’s words ran through my mind, asking me to forgive him and give him a second chance.
“Maybe not, but I was doing what I thought was best for you. I’m sorry you don’t agree with my choice, but I’m not going to apologize for caring about you and trying to protect you.”
We sat in silence for a moment, each processing the hurt of the other person. The sound of a clock ticking filled the room.
Finally, I took a deep breath and reached for Livvy’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “I get why you did it. I may not agree with your decision, but I understand, and I forgive you. Just promise me, the next time a man writes me a letter and gives it to you to deliver, you won’t hide it in one of your yearbooks to be discovered years later when it’s too late for me to do anything about its contents.”
“Deal,” Livvy said.
We pushed up from the table and gave each other a hug before returning to Livvy’s room and the packing disaster awaiting us. I did my best to push the letter from my mind, though I could still feel it lurking just out of sight in my purse, like it wasn’t quite done shaking up my life.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Packing Livvy’sroom took longer than a single bedroom should. We took a break part way through our efforts for Livvy to make a food run and to call and touch base with David. I used the time to call my dad and to find a repair shop for my car.
“Kiddo! How’s it going?” Dad’s enthusiasm rang through the phone, making me smile.
“Hi, Dad. Things have been better, but they could be worse. How are you?” I wanted to put off telling him about the crash, but I knew I had to say something before Aunt Jenna let it slip to Mother the next time they talked. The last thing I needed was for Mother to have another excuse to call me, especially because she’d somehow manage to connect my minor car accident to my dating life or the fact that I lived an hour away instead of down the street.
“Great. I’ve started biking to work, and you’d be amazed at how much energy I have throughout the day. I might sell my car and try biking everywhere.”
“That would make trips to Costco challenging.” I tried to picture my dad making the trek from Kaysville to Bountiful and then back again with groceries on a bike. With his lanky frame, slight pot belly, and florescent green bike, it made a humorous picture. Maybe I could convince him to wear a Hulk helmet, just for added fun. It would match his bike.
“True, but we’d still have your mother’s car.” He hummed to himself a bit before continuing. “I’ll have to think on it some more. But that’s not why you called. What’s up?”
I took a deep breath. “I was in a fender-bender today. I’m fine, though my car needs some repairs. It was the other driver’s fault.” I shared the highlights, hoping to downplay the event. No need to trigger memories from the past and the accident we all avoided talking about.
Quiet filled the line for a moment before he spoke. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Totally fine. My car’s a bit dented, but nothing insurance won’t cover.”
“And you weren’t hurt? Because, you know, sometimes things go undetected. You could have residual—”
“I’m fine, Dad. Promise! It was as minor as I said.”
“Good, good.” I heard him expel a breath and pushed down the guilt that tried to surface. I was nearly 30 years old. At some point, my family would have to stop babying me over something that had happened over a decade ago. “What can I do to help?”
“Insurance should take care of everything, though I’ll be carless for a few days while repairs are made. Can you tell Mom—I mean, Mother?”
“Of course. Though she’ll call you anyway. You know how she worries. Do you want my car while yours is in the shop? I can drive it to you and have your mom follow me down to drive me home.”
“And give Mother an excuse to visit before the wedding? No, thanks. She’d volunteer to help and end up sleeping at my place for the entire week. I’d rather take public transit.” I hadn’t taken a bus since I ‘d been a carless teenager, and it was not an experience I wanted to repeat. I’d always managed to end up on the wrong bus. However, I’d make it happen if it kept my mother away.
“True.” Dad paused for a moment before changing subjects. “That development company, Milton Corp, called me again.”
I groaned. The new apartment complex had been hounding my dad for months, trying to convince him to sell. They wanted to bulldoze the existing building, expanding their project and adding to their parking lot. Dad had put them off for now, but it was a lot of money that could go a long way in helping him retire.
“What did they say this time?”
“Basically, the same thing as before. But, honey, it’s a really good offer. Are you sure you want to buy that entire complex? It’s a huge investment, and the time it would take—”
“I’m sure.” I cut him off, not wanting to hear his doubts. I’d dreamed of managing that building since Dad had first bought it when I was in elementary school. I wasn’t going to let it go without a fight.
“I know that’s what you say now, but it’s an old building. Sometimes I think it would be cheaper to tear it down and start over myself. Renovations cost time and money, both things a teacher tends to be short on.”
“I appreciate the concern, Dad, but I know what I’m doing. This is what I want.” I pushed down my few doubts and hesitations, focusing instead on my end goal.
