Page 3 of Take It on Faith

“Because.” I turned to her. “Michael is the one. Period.” He has to be.

* * *

So after all that you went through with this number all those years, you still kept it?

I laughed. Yeah, I couldn’t get rid of it. Memories, you know.

Naturally. When did you ever pass up an opportunity to hoard your memories?I could almost hear Andrew’s murmur of a laugh through the text. I could hear it echoing in my head, the richness of it filling my soul. My whole body went hot, heat pooling between my legs, and my watch beeped. Take a breath.

Don’t fix what ain’t broke, right? But the real miracle is that your number is the same. I’m surprised.

Fair. But ask me how many phones I’ve had since…

I frowned at my phone, looking for the spinning wheel of death at the top of the screen. My phone was as serene as an early morning lake. The dramatic pause for effect, I thought, sucking my teeth. Typical Andrew.

Anyway, he continued, we should get coffee tomorrow. Catch up.

I twisted my engagement ring around my finger as my mind scattered in several different directions. My skin felt like it was on fire as I remembered how things ended. On the other hand, I couldn’t ignore the dull ache in my heart.

What will it be like? Will we go back to the way things were? Does he still smile the same?

Does he remember?

IDK, I said finally. I chewed my lip, fiddled with my ring again. Let me check with my fiancé first.

There was a long pause, to the point where I wondered if Andrew would respond.

You have to check with your fiancé first? For coffee?

My nostrils flared as my nails tapped on my desk. The scorn in his text almost singed my hands. Deep breaths, I told myself. Stop letting him get to you.

Yes. Michael and I are a team.

Okay, Jones. Whatever you say.

I’ll let you know by tonight.

Great, he said, as if it was already decided. It’s a date.

Despite myself, I smiled.

* * *

“Did you pick up your dress?”

I rolled my eyes at the phone. My mother could be so short these days.

I snorted to myself. Just these days?

“What was that?”

“Yes, Mother, I picked up the dress.”

“And everything is in order?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” I heard her shuffle around some papers on the other end. I sighed. Even when planning her only living child’s wedding, she was still working. Still dictating. I breathed deeply, feeling the air expand within me. Keep it cool, I reminded myself. Keep the peace.

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