Page 41 of The Promises We Were Never Meant To Keep

Look at me, sweet sixteen going on sixty. I’m pathetic.

“Hey, hon.” Mom appears from around the corner with a dish rag between her hands. “How was the movie?”

“Good.” I push off the door, kicking off my sandals. “Do I smell burgers?”

“There’s my little foodie, all grown up.” Dad swings an arm over my shoulder to pull me in close to his side. “The Wilder’s invited us over for a fire tonight. Your mom offered to make her famous jalapeno and cheese burgers.”

I’m confused. “But Holt’s not home.”

“He’ll be missed, honey. But we’re still going to keep with tradition.” Mom wiggles a bottle of wine. “And me and Elise have been looking forward to this all day.” At my frown, she sets the bottle down on the counter. “Unless you really don’t want to go. In that case, I can give her a call and tell her you’re not feeling up to it tonight.”

I’m being silly. “No. I’m just tired. It’s fine, though.”

Mom is studying me a little too closely now. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I’m sure.”

“Okay.” She frowns. “If you change your mind⁠—”

“I won’t.” I start for the stairs but stop when Mom speaks.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Tate dropped off a birthday present for you. He said it’s from Holt.” Mom gives me a cheeky little wink, sensing the perk in my mood. “I put it on your bed.”

My heart flutters, because he remembered me even though he’s not here. With a quick, “Thanks.” I race up the stairs to my room.

The box is little and wrapped in peach colored paper. My heart flips and I can’t contain my nervous little giggle as I hurry to the box. Behind the cage of my ribs, my heart flutters. I tear into the wrap and flip the lid of the box to find a raw rose quartz bound in a simple, thin gold band. I slide it from the cushion that holds it and slide it onto my right ring finger. It’s a perfect fit and so pretty.

With a happy little sob, I pull my phone from the pocket of my shorts. It’s still shiny, and new and, of course, pink. I slide the phone up to expose the keyboard and type out a message to Holt.

Me

I love it.

It’s a promise, Faye.

A promise of…?

That you’ll always be mine.

I flop back on the bed feeling full of emotion. So full I could burst.

My phone chimes with another text.

Happy sweet sixteen, baby.

I love my boyfriend.

Miss you. So much.

Miss you, too.

A tap on my door sounds before it opens and Mom leans against the frame. She wears a small smile that looks thoughtful and maybe a little sad. The super boost of happiness my gift and little chat with Holt gave me dwindles as I sit up.

Mom enters. When she closes the door behind her, I know whatever she wants to talk about is serious. The bed dips under Mom’s weight. I pull my heels up to the edge and wrap my arms around my knees. Mom lets a big sigh loose.

“So.” Even though she just let out a sigh, she manages to blow another breath between puffed cheeks. “Sweet sixteen, eh?”

I bob my head. “Yeah.”