Knox (A Merrick Brothers Novel) by Prescott Lane

Author:Prescott Lane [Lane, Prescott]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Prescott Lane
Published: 2020-07-29T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

Cassette

Mae to Knox

Age Sixteen

Knox,

I got your cassette. You know the one. The one where you said you loved me. I loved it.

Love . . .

Is love a choice? A decision? Or are we all victims to it?

I don’t think you woke up that morning and thought, I’m going to love Mae today. You made the decision to tell me, but was loving me a decision, or was it something that just happened to you?

You happened to me, Knox. I like to think with my head. A pro/con list is my best friend, but with you, it doesn’t matter how many cons there are. Honestly, there aren’t many. Really, only the distance.

I know how hard it must have been to make that cassette, to send it, to wait for me to respond. To me, the most important thing about love is to appreciate it, and protect it. Not to overlook it. My dad always drops me and my mom off at the door of a store if it’s raining. That’s love.

My mom sends him a text when she’s running late. Love.

Most love isn’t big. It’s not jewelry and flowers. Love is in the details. The small, everyday acts.

The cassette tapes.

That’s the key to a long relationship, I think.

Notice the love.

This is me noticing.

This is me saying . . .

I love you, too.

*

Mae

Gigi’s party is in full swing. It’s a beautiful Colorado evening. The sky is painted in pinks and oranges, the wildflowers are in full bloom. The lake looks extra bright today, like Mother Nature knows it’s Gigi’s day. I’ve got tables and chairs set up outside. My place is too small for everyone to be inside. All of Gigi’s friends are here, Everly and Timothy included. Amy showed up, too. I’m glad she came; it’s good to see her away from the office. I’ve got music playing. It’s been a warm day, so I’m wearing a bikini top under my tank top and shorts. Several party goers are already swimming in the lake. It’s low key, but it’s been a wonderful time.

Two of the three tiers of birthday cake are gone. Gigi didn’t blow out any candles, but the Silver Sirens did perform a very sultry version of “Happy Birthday” in her honor. It was a hoot!

Thomas has barely left her side all day. I still can’t get used to it. That was always my grandfather’s job, being her sidekick. He worshipped the ground she walked on, opening every door for her, never letting her carry a single bag in his presence. Seems like Thomas has the same affliction.

There are a lot of single people here. Granted, most of them are AARP members, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like something, or rather someone, is missing.

My sidekick.

I’m in my twenties. Most of the time when I go to functions, people my age are coupled up. It’s strange, but it’s human nature. We are pre-programmed to seek companionship. I think it’s the only explanation for blind dates and arranged marriage.

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