Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Aubrey’s car pulls up and I usher Amelie and Talisa outside. They each carry a bag, while I make a couple of trips to get everything. Talisa is excited about moving to the states and tells me she plans to watch Coming to America on the plane. I don’t have the heart to tell her how outdated the original film is, and how where we’re going is nothing like Queens. I think she’s going to enjoy living a subdued lifestyle and after a week, everyone in town will know her by name.
While I’ve been gone, Liam has been busy revitalizing the downtown space. He’s purchased the building next door to Whimsicality and has turned some of the floor into different businesses, such as a photography and dance studio. There’s a new bakery, ice cream shop, and some other businesses. Of course, this isn’t enough for him. He decided to start his own record label—FMG Records—whatever that’s supposed to mean. Liam’s hired Elle to work for him, while she manages her bands. Betty Paige works there as well while Mack works wherever he’s needed, which is mostly at Mr. Powell’s or walking Beau, Ben and Elle’s dog. After Ben’s cancer scare, he and Elle have decided to spend more time in Beaumont, which is great for my son because he’s very attached to their dog.
Of all people, it was Josie who convinced Amelie to move back. With a new dance studio opening up, she said she’d sign Amelie up for lessons if she wanted. And the owner of the photography studio offers classes. There were things to do now. In less than the year we’ve been gone, Beaumont has grown. The only thing I cared about was the water tower. Not that I want Mack drinking there, but it’s a rite of passage and I’d hate for him to miss out on it. Liam assures me, it’s not going anywhere.
When we arrive at the airport, Aubrey pulls along the curb and puts her car into park. She gets out and opens Amelie’s door, while Talisa and I gather the luggage. Aubrey and Amelie are hugging, and I can’t hear what they’re saying to each other. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s not overly pleasant if Amelie’s doing all the talking. She’s very upset with her mother right now. Can’t say I blame her.
Aubrey lets her go, and then comes over to me. She rocks back on her heels, and I wonder what’s on her mind. The thing is, months ago, I would’ve asked her. Now, I don’t really care.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say. Should I shake her hand? Thank her for almost twenty years of marriage? I’m not sure I’m thankful, not after the things she told me when I confronted her. She never fully loved me, not in the way I loved her. She pined for a man she had given up when she met me, and for what? To go back to him? It’s Josie and Liam all over again, and it fucking stings. The difference is, I knew about Liam. I knew I was always the second choice in Josie’s life and as much as I wanted to be first, I never would’ve held that title as long as Liam Page was alive.
“That’s it?”
“What do you want from me, Aubrey?”
“A hug would be nice or for you to tell me you’re sorry for taking Amelie away from me.”
I step forward and give her a one arm hug and don’t even touch the last half of her request. I’m not sorry. I should’ve stood my ground from the beginning, but I wanted my family to stick together. At the time, I thought I was doing the right damn thing.
Live and learn.
Aubrey mumbles something unintelligible and I don’t care enough to ask her to repeat herself. She goes to Amelie again, and instead of eavesdropping, I start taking the luggage over to the porter. It’s much easier than dragging all of these bags through the airport. I hand him our passports, and Talisa gives him hers. Her hands are shaking. Gently, I rest my hand on top of hers to ease the anxiety.
“Everything is good,” I remind her. Some of her friends told her it was hard to get into the states and that they’d kick her out as soon as she got to the airport. It doesn’t matter how much I reassure her she still looks over her shoulder and shakes like a leaf when she sees the police.
“Amelie, we have to go,” I say as soon as the porter hands over my tags.
Aubrey hugs her again, and I can see it in Amelie’s eyes, she’s not happy. I hold my hand out and she skips over to me.
I’m about to step through the door when I stop and turn. My ex, the woman I fell in love with so many years ago in this beautiful country, stands there with her arms wrapped around her center. I take a deep breath.