Page 38 of Embers in Our Souls
I turn toward her and cross my arms over my chest. “Indy, you should get back to your boyfriend.”
“I deserve to know.” Her lips are in a hard line. She’s so stubborn, but this side to her is still so new to me. She’s lost so much of her softness from before.
“Do you?” I’m being a complete asshole to her now. I’m annoyed I had to steal glances of her at a table with another man when all I wanted to do was pull her away and put my lips on her.
She stands straighter and I can tell she’s getting angry. “Fine, don’t tell me.” She goes to walk away, but I grab her hand.
I pull her back up against my chest and bring my lips to the shell of her ear. “Tell me Indy, why do you want to know so badly? All you’ve wanted to do since reconnecting with me is find a way to break our tie. Now you want to know what Marissa and I have together? What gives? If I was a betting man, I’d say that you’re jealous.”
She scoffs. “You wish.”
I can see her breath quicken and I can only imagine her heart is beating at a faster pace. If only I could bring my hand up against her throat to feel her heartbeat on my palm to confirm it.
I continue speaking against her ear. “It’s too bad, Indy, because your boyfriend is a bit of a snooze. Can he see into your soul like I do?”
Her intake of breath is audible, but she pushes away from me right then.
“Maybe you knew me like that once upon a time. But those days are long gone, Tyler.” She’s shut down now, and I won’t get anywhere with her tonight.
My words were meant to take her back to our last night together, but I don’t regret them. She shifts herself far enough away from me so there’s a few feet of distance between us. We simply stand and stare at one another.
Someone walks down the dark hallway, breaking the trance between us.
“I’m heading back to my table. I’ll reach out to get something set up. This time, we should really get things finalized. We can’t keep putting this off.” She looks at me until I finally nod in acknowledgement.
I watch her walk off and once again, it feels like a piece of me is being carried off with her. Why haven’t I learned my lesson when it comes to Indiana Ranton?
CHAPTER 20
Tyler
7 YEARS AGO
October 2, 2018
Dear cutest grad I know, Indy,
Congratulations! I’m so proud of you! I wish I could have been there to see you walk across that stage. You deserve all the accolades. Tell me all about the day.
Sorry this letter is getting to you much later after your graduation, but I was out on a training mission during your graduation and unable to write. You’ll see there’s something for you included with this letter as a gift.
I just returned from traveling and saw this bracelet that reminded me of you. The green beads are so similar to your eye color, I had to pick it up for you. The woman at the booth told me the colors symbolize growth, renewal, and prosperity. You’re starting your new journey as a professional in the world, so it seemed fitting.
Last you wrote me, you were on the fence about having your parents attend graduation. Did you invite them after all? I know it’s been hard trying to navigate things and you can always lean on me if you ever need to. Don’t blame Bryce for trying to keep pushing you to make amends with them. I think he’s simply wanting to build the family he had between all of you again. I can see that.
As someone that never had the dynamic all of you had, I can see where he’s coming from. It must be hard. I’m not saying you’re not justified to feel the way you do, but I get where your brother is coming from as well.
How’s your health? I know last year was still rough, but our last few letters, you seemed to be on the mend. The last medication seemed to work really well. Is that still the case? Keep me updated. When you were hospitalized that summer, it took everything in me not to fly home and see you. It broke my heart what your parents did to you. You are the strongest person I know. Never forget that.
Have you decided to take the offer from your grandfather and work at his company full-time? I think it’s a great opportunity to do something independent andfrom everything you’ve told me throughout the years, you seem to really enjoy the publishing world.
You’ve come a long way since that night after high school, and now, look where you are! I cannot believe you’re a college grad and embarking on a whole new career. This is amazing, Indy!
Have you been able to look into getting answers to your biological parents again? I know last time you checked, you couldn’t do that because of the cost and the records being sealed. Is this something you can do now that you’ll have the means?
We recently got a new crew from the States arrive here. They look so damn young, all from boot camp. I forgot how fresh-faced we looked at eighteen, even though it wasn’t that long ago for us.
I’ve taken one of the newest guys that arrived recently under my wing. His name is George, but the guys and I call him Georgie. He’s so funny, I’d love for you to meet him one day. If I had I little brother I would want him to be just like this guy.
