Never Give Up - Heidi Lis Page 0,52

my cheeks. I pick up the letter and read.

Hope you slept well, Sunshine. You looked so peaceful, I did not have the heart to wake you. I need to go check up on Liza before she wakes. I know we have a lot to deal with, but we will do these things together. Liza, however, is my issue, I will talk with her. Believe in me to handle this, please. Looking forward to seeing you, kissing you. Getting up to leave you cuddled in my arms was not an easy thing to do. I love you, pretty girl. Having you in my life again, is a dream come true. You are my light, always burning bright. Sleep well, talk soon…

Love,

Micah

Oh my, I read it twice, each time fighting back the happy tears. Having Micah in my life again and knowing I have a second chance at happiness is more than I could have ever wished for. The only thing I know for sure is, I refuse to waste a single minute. Unfortunately, waking up today means, I have to deal with the aftermath. First I need coffee and a hot shower, then I can tackle what needs to be done. Preferably, one at a time. Micah said he would talk to Liza, and I’ll gladly let him. Nick will have to wait until after I talk with my parents, because I’ve got a lot to say. They are my top priority for the day.

Showered up, I’m in the kitchen when I hear keys at the door. Shit, it has to be Liza. I’m not sure what kind of storm is heading my way, so I try to act busy. I pretend to wipe the counter as quickly as I can to clean up after last night’s disastrous dinner party. When she stumbles in, I keep my eyes trained on the counter, but not a second later, they automatically swing her way. I know the second my eyes find hers. The expression she is giving me tells me she had a long talk with Micah this morning. Nervously, she’s fidgeting with her hands. Anxious myself, I’m biting my lower lip, holding my nonexistent breath.

This will play out one of two ways, she will either go ape shit on me, or will ignore me all together. The longer we stare at one another, it’s quiet, too quiet, and my eyes wrinkle with worry. No matter what, I refuse to be upset with whatever she decides to say to me. She’s innocent in all of this, just like I am. I never asked for things to play out as they have.

Her eyes shift upward taking in a big breath. “So it seems, I never stood a chance. Not with you back in his life.” Her hands tremble wiping the falling tears. I’m struggling with the fact I want to reach out and comfort her. Wishing like hell I could run to her and give her a much-needed hug, I’m smart enough to know that it’s the last thing on earth she would want. I’m torn for the first time in a very long time, my happiness will come at the cost of my dear friend’s loss.

Taking a step forward, I hold out a trembling hand. “Liza.”

Looking a bit shocked as I approach her, she at once shoots her hand up. “No, don’t. I know. It’s easy to see how much he loves you. The pain in his eyes, when we talked, brought me to tears. Not for me either—for him.” Turning from me, Liza kept talking. She walked to the couch and sat, with her head falling to the back of the sofa. Closing her eyes tightly, she continues to talk while I stay where I am. “He kept talking like he had held all of these feelings inside for a very long time. I had no clue the torch he was carrying for you. I knew there was a girl from his past that he cared for deeply, but holy shit. Hearing him say the words, I not only felt the love he has for you, I could see it in his eyes.”

Shaking her head side to side, she turns to look my way. “You know what was weird? He opened his heart and talked to me as if we’ve been friends for years, but all of it had to do with his feelings for you. I hate to admit I was in awe.”

Her expression changes like she’s conflicted, hell, I think