Page 51 of The Disasters of Dating (Love Connections #6)

“It looks like syrup from New Hampshire and a crock of apple butter.”

I lift my brows. “I’ll hand it to him, he apologizes in style.”

“It seems genuine, Soda,” she says.

“Because you can tell that from handwriting?” I shake my head and roll my eyes.

My mom motions to the package she brought to me. “Are you going to open that?”

My shoulders bounce up. “Maybe I’ll return it to sender.”

“Pops, he had to work. What do you want him to do? Get fired so he can prove himself to you?”

“No,” I growl. But deep down, I think maybe that would be a step in the right direction. I mean, if he’ll blow off something he knew was this important to me when we’re newly dating, what will he do when we’re serious?

“Will you open it so I can see what it is? Adam’s probably wondering if I’m ever coming back.” I don’t know why, but that hits me wrong. “I’m not keeping you from going back to him,” I snap .

My mom’s head jerks back as if I’ve slapped her. She nods. “You’re right. I’ll leave you alone.”

I clench my fist. Now I’m mad at myself for making her feel bad. And I don’t want to feel bad for her. I want to feel bad for myself.

I pick up my phone.

Lincoln

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe he had a good reason?

He ‘had to work.’ Lamest excuse. And now he’s sent a penance gift.

Lincoln

What did he send?

I haven’t opened it yet.

Lincoln

Are you going to?

Lincoln

I’m going to say something at the risk of you severing all communication—per our agreement.

I feel the anger rising in my stomach.

Lincoln

I’ll take your silence as permission. I’m wondering if you’re more hurt than mad?

It seems to me you’ve been abandoned—or that is probably what it feels like.

Your mom has Adam and, therefore, isn’t spending as much time with you.

And your sister has a new boyfriend so she likely isn’t spending as much time with you.

And then there’s your dad. The first one to abandon you.

Now, BEG comes into your life and gets you to lean on him…

to need him. And then when you need him, he abandons you, too. Or that’s what it feels like.

I swallow, and it hurts because all my emotions and tears are lodged in my throat. I want to sever communication with Lincoln. Not because what he says isn’t true. But because it is. For someone who’s as in tune with the universe as I claim to be, I totally didn’t see this coming.

I swipe at a tear as it hits the crease of my nose.

I’m not sure what to say.

Lincoln

I think maybe it’s time we meet in person. I know it goes against the rules. But there’s something I need you to see. We can meet in a very public place, one that makes you feel safe.

I pick up my phone and then put it back down. I’m not sure what to do.

Lincoln

It’s a big decision. I get it. Maybe open your penance gift while you decide. I’m intrigued by what it is.

I reach over and grab the package. But then pull back. Why am I even listening to him?

But my curiosity is piqued. I can feel through the packaging that it’s some kind of frame. Which seems weird. I’d have pegged Keaton as a guilt flowers kind of guy.

A little card is taped to the corner. I grab it and rip it open.

Sprite,

Words can’t express how sorry I am for missing tonight. I know it was hard and that you needed support. It kills me that I couldn’t be that for you tonight. I know this is little consolation—not even an attempt at a pun—but the sentiment is true, for me, at least. I hope you can forgive me.

Keaton Lincoln Barrington

Ripping off the paper, I gasp as more tears form in my eyes. Looking up at me is a nighttime constellation on a purple background. I choke out a laugh. Keaton, who’s known me for a month, even knew purple was my favorite color.

Below the constellation it says:

The Brightest Star in the Constellation

Even when we’re far away, remember we’re under the same night sky, looking up at the same moon and stars .

Salt Lake City

40°45′00.00″ North March 10 111°53′00.00″ W

Oh. My. Heck. I don’t even know what to say. The picture is enough to make me speechless because it’s so personal. It’s the night sky from the night I was born. I mean, who does that?

I’m not sure that Grandma Alice even knows the information on this picture. But even if she did, she would never have known how much I would love it. I don’t think anyone else would…except maybe Lincoln.

And that brings my eyes back to the card. Keaton Lincoln Barrington. I knew that was his middle name, but putting it on the card feels intentional—like he’s trying to tell me something.

I’ve wondered more than once if my two Lincolns were the same man. But why would Keaton have fake wrong-numbered me in the first place? As much as I hope it’s true. The pieces don’t all fit together.

I grab my phone and text Lincoln.

Yes. Let’s meet. How about Spoons in Draper?

Lincoln

At noon tomorrow?

I nod, even though he can’t see me.

Putting my phone on the charger, I pick up my picture and run a soft finger over the Pisces constellation. I’m hurt. But I’m having a difficult time being mad because someone who thought to give me this, had to care for me, right? Dang, I hate it when people are more intuitive than I am.

I give my amethyst one last rub and put the picture on the floor, leaning against my desk. With a heavy sigh, I head toward the door. I need to apologize to my mom.