Page 3 of Frankie and the Fed
As we drive back to Manhattan Olive lets out a loud laugh full of relief.
“I can’t believe it.” From the sound of her laughter, I think there may be a few tears in there as well.
“What can’t you believe?” I glance in her direction but try not to take my eyes off the road.
“That it was so simple. I’m sure they’re writhing at home right now, not realizing what happened. But they were okay. No plates were thrown, no blood was shed.” Olive looks as if a huge stone has fallen from her heart.
“Thank you, Ethan. Thank you for convincing me to do this, for being there for me, and coming with me. For who you are.” She bends toward me and kisses my cheek.
“Whenever you need me, Olive. I told you, friends are forever. I’ll always take care of you.”
I stop by her apartment and drop her off. She hugs me again.
“I still can’t believe that I can go with a woman to the next event. It’s amazing.” She jumps and skips to the entrance, and I smile widely.
It’s amazing. I’m happy for her.
It’s already after midnight by the time I get back to our apartment.
Our apartment.
I think of it as ours. I no longer see myself without Ayala. I know I want her to stay.
“Ayala?” I call, but there’s no response.
I turn on the lights in the living room. Maybe she already fell asleep. I told her not to wait up for me, and it is quite late.
As I head toward the bedroom, I loosen my tie and take it off. My eyes slowly adjust to the darkness. I notice Ayala is not in bed. I check in the bathroom. Not there either. I frown. Where is she? She knows very well that she mustn’t go outside. She can’t go anywhere. It’s too dangerous.
I put my tie and jacket on the bed and return to the living room, checking each room in the house on my way, trying to understand what’s happening here. Then I see it. Her phone is sitting there, on the counter, next to an envelope.
My heart skips a beat.
I take the envelope first and open it carefully. The page inside has the smell of her perfume. God, this can’t be good.
My Love,
When I arrived in New York, I hoped to build a new life on my own, but fate had other plans for me. He summoned you to me. The stubborn man who appeared in my life again and again until I couldn’t deny you anymore. You taught me what true love is. You taught me I am not damaged, that I am a woman worthy of love. I love you so much.
Even in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t imagine you. You have given me so much. Now it’s my turn to save you.
Forgive yourself for me because I need you to forgive me too.
I promise to be strong for you.
Always yours,
Ayala
The last words tear my heart from my chest. What have you done, Bambi? What the hell have you done?
With a shaking hand, I pick up her phone and open it. I see she has a new message from me.
She didn’t even hear that I left her a message. That was hours ago! She left hours ago while I spent a pleasant evening with Olive.
Ayala left me?
I know she loves me. I’m sure of it. That’s indisputable. She wasn’t lying to me when she said the words. Love was present in her every movement and gesture, just as it was present in mine.
