Page 120 of How We End

I’d taken the job with Roman.He didn’t care that somewhere I had made some mistakes or that I spent the last fifteen years of my life doing questionable things.He said we all had a past.It was what we made of our future that counted.I helped with the reservations in the morning and trail rides and ranch chores in the afternoon and evening.I loved this job.I loved being outside, my coworkers, wearing normal underwear, not being beholden to anyone but me.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.”I knew I should be happy for Julian.But the selfish part of me thought if he failed, no team would want him and he’d come back.And I hated myself for that.I should probably get therapy.

“I hear he might be going to Toronto.Rumor is that they’re offering him forty mill for three years.I also heard his house sold.”

“I heard that too.”I took a deep breath and exhaled my disappointment.“I’m not really in the celebrating mood.Plus, I have to get some more painting done.”Jerry was helping me redo the bathroom and expand the kitchen and living area.It was a good life.But I was still lonely.

“Throw in a pizza and some beer, and I’ll keep you company.”Rook kicked a pile of dried horse shit as we came around the corner.The sun was just setting.I didn’t hate sunsets now, but they did make me sad.“You really think he’d walk away from you?”

“For forty million, yeah.”We all had a price.

“Are you sure?”Rook bumped my shoulder with his and nodded ahead.“I mean, absolutely sure?”

“Yes, I’m…” The rest of my thought was cut off.There in the setting sun was Julian Silver.All six foot four of him.He was here.

I ran to him, flinging myself into his arms.I felt his arms tighten around me, picking me up off the ground.And like one of those movies where they find their happily ever after, the sun was setting behind him.I lifted my head, looking at him.His brow was stitched, tiredness leaving its mark on him.“You’re here.”

“I am.I’m sorry, I would’ve been here sooner, but contract negotiations took longer than I wanted.”

I tried to hide my disappointment.I wouldn’t have him forever, just long enough to fall back in love with him and lose him.“I see.”

“No, you don’t.As of midnight, I’m done.I’ve officially retired.Well, tomorrow it will be official.I am all yours.”He cupped my cheek.“If you’ll still have me.”

“Yes.”I laughed as he picked me up.

“Is that the Stanley Cup?”Rook pointed to the back seat of Julian’s truck.

I used to hate sunsets.

But now I know there was a silver lining in every one.