Page 97 of Chasing Lyric
How the hell does Mary-B know about Lyric’s newfound love of goats? Or, maybe it’s just a coincidence, and it’s meant to be. Either way, this card is perfect.
Dax reaches out, placing his hand on my shoulder. “I’ll give you a minute,” he offers, tilting his head to Mary-B. She picks up the basket of goodies, and they both walk down to the main conference room.
I take a deep breath.
This is important.
This is my first connection point with Lyric since everything happened, aside from my text and showing up at her house, of course. So, whatever I say in this card has to mean something and be from my heart. It has to tell her how I feel. The card is small, so I can’t explain everything, but I can at least start.
I take out my finest pen and start to write.
My dearest Starlight,
You have to know I never meant for any of this to happen.
I didn’t enter into our relationship with a plan to lie to you or to carry on that lie for months. Things got out of hand. I own my mistake, and it’s a massive one. I will never forgive myself for losing you, Lyri. You are the single greatest thing in my life. I didn’t tell you everything because I love you. That wasnevera lie. Please believe that. I will do whatever you need to make this up to you.
My life is nothing if you’re not in it.
Because honestly, I didn’t start living until I met you.
Forever,
Your Hallmark.
P.S. I hope Polly is eating his apple. If not, I will come by and give it to him anytime you need me. Love you both. xo
I place my pen on the table—it was cathartic getting that out. I need Lyric to know that even if she doesn’t want me, I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be right here.
I wave the card through the air, letting the ink set, while exhaling a deep breath, unsure how she will receive my words.
She may love them.
She may hate them.
Hell, knowing Lyric, she may set the card on fire in her backyard and dance around it in her underwear like she’s burning an effigy.
Let’s face it, she is that freaking sassy.
With the card, I walk out to Dax and Mary-B to see them wrapping the basket and flirting like there’s no tomorrow. I swear Dax will flirt with anything with breasts. I think he would flirt with a roast chicken, given half the chance.
Still waving the card in my hand, I say, “Finished.”
Mary-B turns with genuine excitement. “Great! I hope you made it count.” She snaps it from my fingers, then places it inside the basket.
It’s not half bad. Between the two of them, they’ve done a great job. Mary-B pulls up the cellophane, tying it at the top with a yellow bow. Lyric’s favorite color. Again, I don’t know if she somehow knew or if that’s a coincidence too.Maybe Mary-B is reallythatamazing at her job.
“Right, Mr. Covington, if you could place the address here for me, I’ll go ahead and deliver this for you,” Mary-B announces as she finishes the final touches.
It looks great. I can’t help but think Lyric will be impressed with my well-thought-out gift basket. Things from our first date and our road trip. It should remind her how good we are together.
I jot down Lyric’s address for Mary-B.
She winks at Dax, picks up the basket, and then heads off.
“Mary-B,” I call out. She turns back, void of emotion. “Thank you.”
She dips her head, then spins around, and continues to leave.
