Unbreak My Heart(49)

I wouldn’t trust that dog with anyone but you, and I’m so fucking happy that she helped you nab a cool woman.





A few days after you receive this, I’ll be sending something to your house. I’ll let you know the time. But that, I’ll text to you.





Your friend,

Andrew





*

Dear Trina,





I’m so sorry I put you in a difficult position. That was terribly unfair. I begged, and I pleaded, and I did everything I could to get you to do something unethical.

Thank you for bending for me, and thank you for not bending anymore.





P.S. I have a gift for you. It should arrive in two days.





Love,

Andrew





*

Dear Mrs. Callahan,





You might not be expecting to hear from me, but I wanted to thank you for checking in from time to time. Few people do that.





Also, your green thumb is seriously impressive. Thank you for tending to the flowers in the front yard. They look beautiful and the lawn does too.





Best,

Andrew





*

Dear Omar,





Your pizza is the best in the world. It helped my brother and me through some really tough times, but you know what? So did all those conversations about the games.





Have I mentioned your pizza is the best in the world? It’s so good, in fact, that you can expect a little something extra as a tip next week.





Andrew





*

Dear Laini,





I’m glad we got together. Let’s do a better job staying in touch. I’d love to see you again soon, and if you’re ever up for a visitor in Mumbai, I’ll make the trip.





By the way, I love you.

Andrew





*

Dear Kana,





Thank you so much for reaching out to me with your letter this summer. I’m not joking when I say it changed my life.





It changed it for the better.





It gave me hope. It gave me focus. It gave me a purpose when I was floundering.





Ultimately, it led me to the answers I most needed to be happy again.





Thank you, especially, for telling me stories about my brother. I’m so glad you came into his life because I now see you were why he was so joyful.





P.S. Do you have any idea what the Silverspinner Lanes magnet was all about? The last time I went with him to that bowling alley was ages ago. He beat me, landing two strikes, if I recall. It was one of his best games, and we had a great time.





Andrew





31





Andrew



I turn down a quiet alley and call Holland. She answers on the second ring, distant, but still kind, when she says, “Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good. I’m great actually. How are you?”

“Fine. Just prepping for my new job.”

There’s the chatter of crowds in the background. “Where are you right now?”

“I’m over in Harajuku. I’m shopping for a lunch bag, since my job starts tomorrow.”

She’s so matter-of-fact, and it’s so clear she’s waiting for me to say something that changes the score.

“Can I see you? I need to talk to you.”

She sighs heavily. “You know I want to see you, but why is this different? What changed?”

“I saw the doctor today.”

Her tone shifts, softening. “Oh wow. How was it?”

“I didn’t need pills to get through it.”

“Good. I’m glad.” I can hear a faint smile in her voice.

“I want to tell you about it. Tell you what I realized.”

“Tell me now.”

I nod, taking it on the chin, the directive that she’s not ready to see me yet. I can’t just wave my magic wand and tell her I’m all good. “You were right. It was hard, but it didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would. You were right about other things. I needed to finish, to see this journey through, and I had to do it on my own.” I manage a small laugh. “You kind of gave me the ass-kicking I needed.”

“And I didn’t even have boots on.” I hear the smile in her voice widening.

I lean against the wall. “Listen, Holland. I know you were worried I was using you to get through the pain, and I’d be lying if I said you don’t make me feel better. Because you do. With you, I feel fucking amazing. But it’s because I love you. Because I’m crazy for you. Not because you’re a Band-Aid or a panacea.” I drag my hand through my hair, more words tumbling out—words that need to be said. “And yeah, there were probably times back in LA when I was desperate to have you with me because you and Sandy were the only ones who made a day better. But that’s because I love you two. Madly.”