“I have to tell you, Beth, this is the best writing I’ve seen from you. I didn’t think I was going to appreciate it as much as I did,” Tom says. I nod along with him, cracking a smile that feels foreign.
“It wasn’t easy and it’s not what people expect from me, but it really helped me move on. I can talk about Crystal without getting upset. It helped me heal. You’d think that by bringing all of this back up, I’d be a wreck, but I’m doing okay. I needed to do this,” I say.
“Well, it appeals to your present fans and will hopefully help people who don’t know how to deal with break-ups. It’s fantastic. It’s sad, funny, emotional, and, when I finished it, I wanted more. I need to know more about what’s going on and what your next move is,” he says.
“I don’t even know my next move. I really wish I knew how this is going to work out.” I sigh.
“I’m sure things will turn out fine. Just have a little faith.”
My smile feels better this time. “You’re sweet. I guess I need to talk with Ali and see what comes next.”
“Make sure to take some time for yourself. Go celebrate. Go to the park and get tan lines. I’ll submit this to Kyle, and once we get his giant stamp of approval, Patty and I’ll take you out to a fantastic dinner. Who knows? Maybe by then we’ll get to meet this Ali girl.”
I hug him and leave his office. The giant weight that was on my shoulders is gone. I feel free. I stop by my place and change into running clothes. I haven’t spent any time in Grant Park and I miss my daily runs. Since it’s midday Monday, not too many people are around. I feel invigorated out in the sun. I feel new. It’s time to start making big-girl decisions. Now that my books are done, I can focus on my future, mainly Ali. I haven’t received any more email from her, and as much as that stings, I understand. Her final concert is Friday night in San Diego. Ali’s family always attends that one. If I count all of her family members, twenty people will be there, not to mention the band and their families.
I finish my jog and sprawl out on the soft grass, my arm serving as a pillow as I stare up at the sky. I close my eyes and simply enjoy the warmth and listen to the sounds around me. An older lady and her dog are close by playing ball, birds are chirping all around me, and I can hear a group of kids kicking a soccer ball around. I know I’m going to fall asleep. Not a safe decision, but I’m emotionally exhausted. I end up sleeping for an hour. I wake up feeling surprisingly refreshed and walk home, ready to plan the rest of my week.