Page 78

Story: Frozen Over

Forcing my feet to carry me to the bedroom, I walk the few paces to the door and push down the handle.

I don’t hate moon gray.

I’ve never hated it. In fact, I’d never paint it yellow because that would erase the memories I know I want to hold onto.

But it’s not until I see the gouge in the wall from the headboard that I realize I want to makemorewith him. In whatever form they come and under whatever circumstances they happen, whether fleeting moments or long weekends, I need to make more memories.

Because for the first time in months, Ifeel. I have clarity. And I know what I want.

I promised myself when I was driving over here that I would walk through every room in the house.It’s not like there are many in this tiny place.

The last room aside from the bathroom is the spare bedroom—the first room we worked on—and I wonder if he did much more with it since it was an empty shell when I left.

The door opens with a click, and instantly, I want to fall to my knees when I see a state-of-the-art telescope set up and mounted in the middle of the room.

He knew my current scope was on its way out.

It’s a thing of beauty as I run my hand along the gleaming white optical tube. I know, without a doubt, I’ll be able to see the International Space Station as it passes across the moon, something I’ve never been able to do.

My phone pings with a text.

Zach

When you get to it, look up.

Oh. My. God.

He installed a huge skylight directly above the scope, which can rotate three hundred-sixty degrees.

My phone pings again.

Zach

No matter where we are, we’ll always be able to see the same stars.

I don’t bother to hit reply or find out how he knows I’m at the beach house.

It doesn’t matter.

All that does matter is speaking to him and hearing his voice.

“Hi,” he says on a choked breath.

“Hey.” My voice is shaky, thick with emotion.

“You found it then.”

“You never told me.”

“I wanted you to come back when you were ready.” He puffs out a breath. “But I was starting to think that would never happen.”

“It’s amazing. I love it.” My voice cracks, and tears stream down my cheeks. Again.

“Come back to Seattle. I need to see you, Rocket.”

My heart trips out at the thought. “When?”

“Tomorrow? Hell, fucking now?”