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Chapter 3
On Saturday morning, I wake up with a smile on my face. I’m having lunch with my niece today. I miss her beautiful face. She chose a convenient bistro near my apartment, which made me realize how I had forgotten that she lives several blocks away from Noah’s loft.
I decide to forgo shaving and leave the day’s growth of stubble on my face because I want to hide how thin my face is. The main thing I need to maintain is my short hair, which I style with a brush and comb I bought.
By the time I arrive at the restaurant, it’s shortly after noontime. A few minutes after I take a spot, waiting in the vestibule, Rory shows. She’s beautiful—a spitting image of her mother with long blonde hair and an athletic figure. She hugs me tightly, and as she leans back, her eyes focus on my face.
“Uncle Lucian, you’ve lost weight.”
“I wasn’t eating for a while,” I dismiss. “It’s hard not to in the city, though. I had an entire pizza to myself on Thursday. And last night, I had Chinese.”
She laughs, and I give her another hug before they show us to our seats. As soon as the waiter takes our drink orders, she’s questioning me.
“How are you?”
“I’m okay. Doing alright.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“If you want to know how I’m dealing with Cassie’s loss, the answer is I’m not. I don’t know if I ever will.”
“Maybe you should talk to someone. Attend a bereavement group.”
“What, sit around listening to other people talk about how miserable they are?”
“That’s not what it’s for. It’s getting things out so you can move on.”
“Rory, I don’t want to move on. Cassie was my soulmate. I’m not going to find anyone like her.”
She puts her hand over mine, but I don’t pull away. “I know it’s hard, but don’t you think eventually you’ll want to marry again?”
“I doubt it. I haven’t even considered it.”
“It’s been over a year.”
“One of the worst of my life. Can we change the subject please?”
She gives me a look. “Sure. I got my wedding dress, and we’re finalizing arrangements now.”
“When is it again?” I couldn’t remember.
“May tenth. We’re sending out the invitations this week. I’ll send yours to the loft.”
“Rory, I’m not sure I’ll go. I’m not sure I want to celebrate anything.”
“Uncle Lucian, you have to! I’m going to be more than upset if you don’t come. I’m your only niece.”
“I know, baby. I’ll try, but–”
“For me,” she stresses.
“No promises.”
The waiter arrives with our drinks, and we discuss what else is going on in our lives. Rory details her wedding plans and how excited she is for their two-week honeymoon in Tahiti. Not having much to say, I tell her about my new role at Eltech.
“Does that mean you’ve seen Olivia?” she asks.
“I have. Very nice woman.”
