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I see the girl he once loved through his eyes—all pointy nose, green eyes, high cheekbones. She’s happy.
She’s so, so happy.
I finger the paper before turning it around. There’s a quote on the back, one I recognize from Oscar Wilde.
“Never love anybody who treats you like you’re ordinary.”
I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the world. It was impossible to do so when I haven’t wanted to be a part of it for so long.
—Harvey
His parting gift.
Why didn’t I see how much he was struggling?
I wrap my arms around my legs, closing my eyes, focusing on breathing, as I repeat to myself that we both deserve better than the way we treated each other. That with time, we’ll be happier.
Even the girl he drew can’t ever come close to the happiness that pours out of Claire every day. She’s spring and vibrant summer days and daisies all wrapped up in one.
She’ll make him happy. I know it.
I grab my phone and text him, thanking him for the drawing.
Then I tuck myself under the covers and close my eyes, hoping the nightmares bite a tad less than my reality.
On Friday, I snap out of it. I allowed myself all day yesterday to mope and skip basic human needs—like eating. I spent the morning with Gia and Athena at a breakfast place, and I unpacked the remaining boxes for the rest of the day.
Damon worked well into the evening before calling and telling me to dress comfortably. I settle for jeans, ankle boots, and my puffer jacket. I’m eager to know where we’re going.
He brings me to Navy Pier.
“How?” I ask Damon. It’s way past business hours.
“Money,” he says, as if that simple answer should suffice. He leaves the car, and I follow suit, glad I put on my warm coat. My teeth are chattering due to the sharp wind.
There isn’t a soul here except for us. That is, until Damon takes my hand and I spot a teenager hanging near the Ferris wheel.
“Damon!” The teenager with a loose winter coat, a beanie, and a megawatt smile quickly does a weird handshake with him.
“Marcus,” Damon says, greeting him with a hint of amusement. “This is Gemma—Gemma, Marcus—Matt’s little brother.”
Matt is Damon’s close friend. I met him once when he came to watch a sports game with Damon at the office.
“Nice to meet you.”
Marcus snorts. “Not so little anymore, if you know what I mean.” He winks at me, and Damon hits the back of his head lightly while Marcus laughs.
“We won’t be long,” Damon tells him.
“Take your time. Just don’t shag up there—surveillance everywhere, know what I mean?”
Damon shakes his head, and we settle in as he checks the metal bar to make sure it clicked properly so we won’t be falling off.
“Won’t he get in trouble if anyone finds out?” I stare at Marcus as the wheel brings us higher and higher.
When he shrugs, I hit his chest. “Damon! He could lose his job.”
“Then I’ll get him another one. Come here.” He pulls me closer to him, and I make a conscious decision to enjoy this moment as we do a few revolutions of the wheel before Marcus makes us pause at the top.
