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“He has definitely made a name for himself. His face is everywhere. I really need to watch one of his movies.”
“You mean you haven’t seen one of Miles’ movies? He’s made so many, how have you managed to avoid them?” She scrunches her face together in shock.
I sigh. “I haven’t, I’m embarrassed to say. I tried for many years to push Parker from my mind. Watching one of Miles’ movies wouldn’t have helped with that.”
“Gah, Olivia, I’m so happy you two have found your way back to each other. It really is a love story. I’ve never seen him so happy. He’s crazy about you. He’s also really worried about you. I know today is a tough one for you.”
“So, my suspicions were right. Parker asked you to check on me today, didn’t he?”
Jules clears her throat and shifts in her seat. “He did. He called me this morning and asked if I could check on you, but I was happy he did. He filled me in on your dad coming home today. I hope you don’t mind me knowing.”
“I don’t mind. It’s okay and I appreciate you being there for both myself and your brother. I’m lucky to have you both in my life.”
“Of course. We are friends now, Olivia. You’re stuck with me. I’m hoping for life, by the way. And it doesn’t end with me. My whole family would like to be here for you and support you in any way we can.”
My eyes well with unshed tears. I bite my lip, trying to keep them from spilling down my cheeks. Not only do I have this amazingly supportive man, but I have his equally caring and loving family who have always made me feel like I belong.
“Oh no, I’m sorry Olivia. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“No, no. It’s okay, Jules.” I dab my eyes with my napkin. I feel like such a fool. “I just feel so lucky to be loved by your family. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
We finish lunch, hug goodbye and make plans for yoga and drinks with Ellie and Kate on Wednesday. By the time I get back to Bloom I feel like I just might be able to get through this day. My visit with Jules gave me a renewed sense of faith that everything will be okay. No matter what happens today, I have Parker, a man who loves me and who will always have my back. I am overcome with the feeling that I’m where I’m supposed to be, that I deserve happiness after everything I’ve been through.
“A special delivery for Olivia Madden.” Ellie grins as a delivery guy walks though Bloom’s doors. I take the package from him and politely thank him. I can’t find a sender’s name on it anywhere, so I unwrap it and find a small royal blue box tied with a white ribbon. There’s a note in the package as well.
Always my star. I love you. Parker.
“Let me guess. Judging by the look on your face, it’s from Parker?”
“Yes.” I open the little box and my eyes go wide. I cover my mouth with my hand. It’s the star necklace I eyed in Seaside. My heart nearly bursts through my chest. When did he purchase this?
Just when I thought I couldn’t love him more.
Ellie is smiling. “Can I help you put it on?”
I hold my hair up so Ellie can slip the chain around my neck and fasten it. It’s the nicest gift I have ever received. I rub the diamond star between my fingers, wishing Parker was here to see me wearing it, to see the happiness he brings me. Six months ago, I never would have believed that my life could be this good.
* * *
“I think that’s him.” Kate points to the prison gates. There is a lump in my throat. I fight to swallow it down.
My father walks towards us, accompanied by his lawyer. He’s wearing grey slacks and a navy sweater. His hair is trimmed very short, almost buzzed. With each step he takes I’m closer to the man responsible for so much of my pain. I notice the changes in his appearance. He looks pale and thin, he’s aged.
He approaches us with hesitation. He doesn’t look like the powerful, confidant man he once was. My chest tightens. For the first time in years my father is within reach.
“My girls, thank you for coming today. You have no idea how good it is to see the three of you. I’ve waited for this day a long time.”
“It’s good to see you too, Dad. You look good.” Kate moves towards him and hugs his narrow frame.
I stand to the side, avoiding eye contact. It is difficult seeing him like this, a weaker version of himself. My mother pulls him in, immediately bombarding him with our plan for the evening as though he’s just arrived home from a business trip or something. My dad seems to be going along with her craziness for the moment.
I’m saved for last because it’s no secret that I have struggled the most with this. I can see the nervous tension in his eyes and feel the apprehension thick in the air between us. My pulse is racing.
“Hi my sunshine. It’s good to see you. Thank you for coming. It means a lot to me, Olivia.” I look up, making eye contact, but don’t move. Sunshine. Hearing him use the old nickname sparks something in me that I wasn’t expecting to feel. It brings me back to a time when we were all happy. I wonder if it’s possible to get back there again.
We are interrupted by his lawyer, who runs through the conditions of his parole. He will have to check in with his parole officer bi-weekly starting with his first meeting in person tomorrow. Travelling outside the United States will be off the table for the next five years. His lawyer pats him on the shoulder, tells him to go be with his family and that they’ll talk tomorrow.
We thank him for what he has done for my father and head to the car. Kate offers my dad the passenger seat while she drives. We drive to my mom’s house, an uncomfortable tension between us.
