Listen to Your Heart(18)

“Hi. What’s up? You sound tired.”

“Couldn’t sleep.”

Something’s wrong. She sounds miserable, which isn’t like Jules at all, especially when she’s at a photography conference. Unlike most normal people, there’s nothing Juliana loves more than sitting in workshops all day.

“Okay, Jules, what’s going on?”

“What do you mean?”

I roll my eyes and inch the car up the freeway. Traffic is at a complete standstill.

“Don’t do that. Tell me what’s wrong.”

I hear her sigh. “Caleb, I’ve been thinking about what you asked me.”

“When?”

“As I was leaving for the airport. You asked if I’ve ever met someone. Someone who took my breath away. Remember?”

Thank God for traffic jams. Otherwise, I probably would have crashed my car into a median.

“Why did you ask me that, Caleb?”

Juliana and I have always had a strict no bullshit policy, but I’m not sure I’m ready to have this conversation with her. For one thing, she’s thousands of miles away. For another, I have absolutely no idea what to say.

“Jules, let’s talk about this when you get home, okay?”

“That’s two weeks away.”

“I know.”

She sighs softly. “Okay.”

Traffic starts creeping, and I change the subject by asking questions about the photo conference. The Juliana I love suddenly emerges, and I can’t keep from smiling as she talks about filters and lenses and the new Nikon she purchased at a discount. She also mentions a photojournalist she met who works for National Geographic. Her excitement is infectious, and by the time traffic starts moving at a normal speed, I find myself relaxed and not dreading the day so much. That fact that I’ll see Skye later tonight might have a little something to do with it, too.

“Did you get my message about the fitting?” she asks quietly. “You didn’t reply.”

And just like that, my anxiety’s back.

“Sorry. Yeah, I got it. I’ll text the guys to remind them.”

“Good. I just realized it’s Thursday. I’ll need to call Mom later.”

“I’m headed there right now.”

“Oh, Caleb, you don’t have to visit her today. She knows I’m out of town. At least, I told her I was going to be. Who knows if she remembers.”

“I know I don’t have to go. I want to. You know I love her.”

“I know you do,” she says with a quiet sigh. “Trust me, I know.”



Today’s Thursday, and like every Thursday for the past few months, I find myself standing in the foyer of the Martinez mansion. The house is immaculate, with stark white walls displaying endless family photos—most of which were taken by Juliana. The Martinez family is made of money, but neither the house nor its occupants are unwelcoming or arrogant. Rafe and Luisa Martinez have treated me like a son since the day we met. I love them almost as much as I love my own parents, which is why I’m here, standing in their house, and engaged to their daughter.

Luisa had always expected a lot out of Juliana, and that list included a college degree, a successful career, an extravagant wedding, the perfect son-in-law, and a bunch of grandkids. During our college years, Luisa had dropped many not-so-subtle hints about my relationship with her daughter, and while Jules and I constantly reminded her that we were just friends, Luisa never gave up hope that someday we’d be exactly what we are today.

Engaged.

Luisa Martinez now has what she always wanted, but the circumstances are far from romantic.

“Mr. Caleb, it’s good to see you. Mrs. Martinez is excited that you’re here.”

I smile at Joaquin, the family’s butler. “How is she today?”

“Oh, today’s a good day,” he says, but I can hear the sadness in his voice. Joaquin’s been part of the family almost as long as Juliana’s been alive, and Luisa’s illness has hit him hard, too. “Come with me.”

Taking a deep breath, I follow him down the hall that leads to Luisa’s bedroom . . . if you can call it that. These days, it looks more like a hospital room, with machines and wires and bags of fluid hanging on each side of the bed. Luisa had always been an active woman, but these past few months have left her fragile and weak.

Joaquin turns the golden knob and waves me inside the room, but I stop short when I see Luisa’s head leaned against the headboard. I softly clear my throat, and her eyes snap open, blinking rapidly and then shining brightly when she sees me standing in the doorway.

“Caleb,” she says softly, a smile grazing her lips. “Come in.”

“I hope I’m not disturbing you. I can come back.”

“Nonsense. It’s Thursday.” She smiles, and I’m encouraged by her clarity. “I didn’t expect you today since Juliana’s out of town.”

Joaquin offers me a smile before closing the door, and I slowly make my way to her bedside. Leaning down, I kiss her cheek and notice that her skin’s paler than usual. I sit down in a nearby chair and reach for her hand.

“I wouldn’t have missed our Thursday visit for the world.”

“I’m glad.”

“How are you feeling?”