Page 47 of In Every Lifetime
“Promise.”
Now
It was twelve years later that I stood at that intersection again. The intersection that had decided my fate yet again, ultimately leading me here when I went straight. When I went to get help after finally losing Sarah. After breaking my promise to her.
I wanted to rewind time and fix all my mistakes, all the times I went wrong, but it was impossible. I was stuck with the consequences of my actions, consequences I had to live with for the rest of my life. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t try and do better.
I would never have Sarah’s love again, but I didn’t want to lose her as a friend. The almost kiss last night nearly did that. I needed to fix things, apologize, and explain it would never happen again.
“Fai?” the barista called out.
I stood and walked back to the counter. “Thank you.”
She smiled as she handed me the cups. “We don’t get many new faces around here. Are you just visiting, or did you move into town?”
I smiled politely at her. “Just visiting. My brother lives nearby.”
Her eyes lit up. “Oh my god, who’s your brother? I know everyone in this town, I bet I know him!”
“Gabriel Gomez.”
She tilted her head in question, pondering the name. “Gabriel Gomez? I don’t know that one…” She trailed off.
“He works most of the year in Alaska,” I explained. “He lives just up the road. He’s in the cabin just at the base of the mountain.”
Her face grew more curious. “The log cabin? Big windows, gorgeous view, wraparound porch?”
I nodded. “The very one.”
“That can’t be,” she muttered. “The Kellars own that cabin. They rent it out short term, usually for hunters. Are you sure that’s where he lives?”
I stared at her, trying to process. “To be clear, you don’t know any Gabriel Gomez? And he definitely doesn’t own that cabin?”
She nodded firmly. “Yes to both. I’ve never met the man, and I know everyone in Willow Creek. There is no Gabriel.”
