Part 2Thirty Two Secrets Seven Thousand Goodbyes

The next morning, Cassidy had to go into the office. She offered to drop me at a mall to kill time.

When I got in the car, I reflexively tried to connect my phone to the Bluetooth.

The device list popped up on the dashboard.

There was a name I recognized, yet didn't: [Jordan’s iPhone].

I stared at it, the air leaving my lungs.

She was backing out of the spot. She caught the screen out of the corner of her eye and went still for two beats.

Without a word, she reached over, took my phone, and manually synced it for me.

When she handed it back, she squeezed my hand, the way she always did.

I forced a smile and tucked the phone away.

Outside, the morning rush was a slow crawl of steel and red lights.

In the glove box, I saw a shaving kit. A brand I didn't use.

And Cassidy would never buy a men’s razor for herself.

I couldn't stop the thoughts.

On the mornings I wasn't here, was she picking him up at this exact time?

Was he sitting in my seat, playing his music?

Did she look at him during red lights the way she used to look at me?

Did she laugh? Did she ruffle his hair with that indulgent look in her eyes?

The car pulled up to the mall entrance.

As I moved to get out, Cassidy grabbed my hand.

She looked hesitant. “Hey, the team is really pushing to take me out for my birthday tonight. It’s also a celebration for the project launch... it’s kind of a big deal. I promise I’ll be back by midnight so we can blow out the candles together. Just us.”

I looked at her.

There was a flicker of guilt in her eyes, a plea for permission.

“Can’t I come?”

She blinked, surprised.

“Am I that much of an embarrassment?” I asked.

She stammered, “What? No, of course not. It’s just... it’s going to be all work talk. I don't want you to feel out of place.”

She squeezed my hand again.

“I’ll come get you tonight. I’ll show them all what an amazing boyfriend I have.”

I nodded and got out.

I stood on the sidewalk and watched her car merge into the sea of traffic until it disappeared.