Something Forever(48)

I knew she was saying those words to make us feel better, but we both knew that once she got married things would be different. It already was when she got together with Max, and it would get worse when she married him. I wouldn’t have it any other way for her. She deserved all the happiness. Me, on the other hand, I didn’t know.

Maybe Matthew and I would work things out, and maybe we wouldn’t, but that was all up to fate. Before I decided to do anything, I needed to take a trip to the doctor’s office again. If my predicament was what I thought it was, then I was in deep shit.



After the doctor’s visit I went to Starbucks near my apartment. With a hazelnut coffee in my hand, I settled into my favorite corner table where the sun shone just enough on my back to give me warmth. As I took a sip, it soothed my throat and blocked out my troubles.

I had an important decision to make, but the question was should I take care of this on my own? I didn’t want to trouble anyone. It would have to wait till after Jenna’s wedding. How would I tell Matthew about this life altering situation? Either way, I was screwed. Surprisingly, I was calm...too calm. Maybe I was more in shock. I jerked a little when I felt a body brush against mine. A part of me wished it was Matthew. Reminiscing on our last encounter there, it made me miss him. I didn’t know why I thought it was Matthew, but I glanced up with a smile.

“I was wondering if this seat was taken?” a tall, good-looking guy asked.

Feeling disappointed, I was about to tell him that it was when someone else spoke for me.

“Actually, this seat is mine.” His tone was territorial.

I flashed my eyes in the direction of that familiar voice, and saw a sexy smirk across his face. My heart thumped mercilessly from just the sight of him. Our eyes finally met, then he turned away and stared hard at the guy who was still standing there waiting for my answer.

“Uh,” I started to say, but no words came out of my mouth. However, I didn’t have to say anything as Matthew pulled out the chair and sat. The guy scowled and left.

“Hello, Becca,” Mathew said. “You’re not working today?”

I took a sip to give myself some time as I tried to decide if I should tell him the truth. “I just got back from a doctor’s appointment and I decided to stop by here.”

“Is everything okay? Are you sick?”

I shook my head and took another sip. “Everything is fine. Just a routine check up,” I lied. Biting my lip, I forced myself not to cry. I wanted to jump in his arms and tell him the truth, but I couldn’t. “Why are you here?” I diverted the subject.

Matthew leaned forward on the table with his arms crossed. “I came by, hoping you would be here. You told me you needed space and I’m trying to give it to you, but I miss you. I miss us.” Matthew paused. “I was going to sit at the opposite corner table and watch you, but then I saw that guy checking you out. I wanted to punch him.”

“Matthew,” I said softly, but my high pitch made some heads turn.

“He was lucky we were in public,” he added. “I came here because I wanted to be where we shared our very first not so friendly connection.” He made me laugh, recalling that day clearly. “It’s the day you stole my heart, and you never gave it back.” He leaned forward, piercing me with his eyes. “It’s still with you.”

When Matthew reached for my hand, I let him take it. “Becca, let me in. Let me help you. Whatever you’re feeling or whatever your worries are, I’ll take it away. I’ll fix it. I promise you. If the roses don’t show you how I feel, at least hear my words. Let me make this right.”

He had no idea how much I wanted to say yes and jump into his arms, but not until I got more results, so I had to think of something fast. “Matthew, let’s talk when you get back from Australia. You’re leaving tomorrow, right?”

“Come with me,” he pleaded.

I looked away. “I can’t. I’m going to the London Book Fair. It’s my first time.”

Matthew nodded, but it hurt me to see the sadness in his eyes. And I knew it would hurt even more when I built the courage to tell him unwanted news.

“All right, Becca. I’m still going to text you to make sure you’re okay, and I expect you to text me back to let me know. Otherwise, I will worry and call everyone you know. Hell, I’d call the whole damn world just to know you’re okay.”

“Got it.” I smiled.

“Well, Becca, like before, duty calls. I’ll talk to you soon.” Matthew stood up and planted a long, lingering kiss on my cheek and left.

Without turning to see him walk out the door, I looked down at my drink and let the tears that I’d held in stream down my face.