Page 90 of Fate In Fiction

Me:

Letting you leave wasn’t easy. Make sure you have the best time trying new things. Stay safe. Xo

Josie:

You think it was easy for me? To go and face my father and admit I left you because you’re too good for me?

Dammit, that’s a stab that slices right through me. Especially since everything is properly punctuated. Her father has treated her like a fucking pawn and now she’s believing it. It couldn’t be further from the truth.

Me:

You don’t think I’ve been going crazy over whatever you won’t say?

Josie:

I still love you, Emmett. I just don’t think I’m the right person for you, not the other way around, like you’re concerned about.

For fuck’s sake. I don’t do this guessing game of drama. I’ve always been the speak your mind, talk shit over, and find a middle ground if we can kind of person. That’s the way my parents handled everything. I won’t pull teeth to get the answer out of her.

Throwing back the covers, I need some air. I get dressed and walk the few blocks down to the coffee shop. The one and only coffee shop where I first spilled tea on her and the many weekend mornings we spent getting our drinks from.

“I’ve got our drinks covered,” the voice from behind me calls out.

“Mayor Callahan.” Instead, I hand the barista a twenty. “For his too, and keep the change.” Stepping out of the way, the mayor shakes his head with my gesture to the barista.

“I’ll be sure to get yours next time.” He orders his drink, and we walk to the pickup counter together. “She left, you know.” And thank fuck she’s far away from him.

“Spain.” I nod. “I’m proud she’s following her dream.” I shove my hands in my pockets to refrain from the impulse swings I’d like to throw toward him.

“Emmett,” he begins. “I saw the interview, and then her tears the next night. I’m sorry she broke things off.” What? His eyes meet mine in surprise at his comment.

“Did she mention why she took the blame?” It would have made much more sense for her to just tell the truth. Her father should have enough sense to reason with me.

“That one is up for her to tell, if you aren’t aware.” The light in his eyes says he knows, and I have to respect the fact that he hasn’t come outright and told me.

“Mayor, I sent her off because she’s always wanted to see the world and needed to.” I leave the fake relationship part out. That can stay our secret. “She also left with a detail I can’t decode, so if have any idea, that would really help me out.”

“You two seemed happy.” Mayor looks forward, avoiding my eyes as he speaks.

“Your daughter is the best thing that has happened to me, sir. But if I am going to spend my life with her, she needs to be sure I am what she wants.” I clear my throat and feel it become thicker with emotion.

“She does. Josie doesn’t cry. Ever. And she did the night she came home.” He shrugs as our drinks are placed on the counter. “I’d love to hear your version.”

“For the most part, that is between us. With all due respect, you’ve kept her so close to you that she hasn’t done anything alone. Her freedom was going to brunch with friends or her tour guiding.” With a deep breath, I choose my words carefully. “She’s still young. I’ve explored and had the freedom to find myself. I want that for her too. It was all she talked about when we first started seeing each other.”

“I guess that makes some sense.” He nods, taking a long sip of his drink. “Anything else you care to share?”

“I didn’t want to be the one to steal that bit of freedom.” I refrain from mentioning her few trips to San Diego. “I want the full version of her. And if we are meant to be, we will be.” My throat constricts as I begin the next sentence. “I really fucking hope we work out…” His eyes widen as a smile cracks. "Excuse the language.”

“You two are the realest couple I’ve seen in all my years. Trust me when I say I know you two will cross paths again.” He holds up his drink. “I best be off to work now. Thank you again for the drink.”

* * *

Two weeks later

“You look terrible.” Adrianna stands at my door, holding a few folders.

“Excuse me?” I blink, wondering if I’m seeing the same woman who has been working for me for the past few months.