I inhale the fresh scent of vanilla bean. My easy-going smile has been a permanent fixture on my face. Ever since the call from the bank last week, my life has taken a drastic turn. I greet the barista, gaze up at the wall menu, and recite my order.
“That will be right up. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
“That’s it! Have a splendid day,” I chime in with a smile and move out of the way and wait for my order. I reach into my bag and pull out my freshly signed contract with First Avenue Marketing. I can’t believe I got the job. The position turned out to be perfect for me. Two phone interviews and one in-person landed me an opportunity of a lifetime. And I couldn’t be more stoked about it.
The bank made me come in and sign some papers, claiming I wouldn’t sue them for negligence, which I kindly told them was no problem. Mistakes happen. I held in my laughter as I walked out of there five figures richer.
“Katie?” the barista calls my name. “Large latte, double shot of expresso, soy milk, and a shot of vanilla.”
“That would be me.” I smile widely, accepting my tasty drink. It’s crazy to say, but it’s like everything in my life is starting to fall in place. The worry I would never be free of the hurt and damage James did to me suddenly started to evaporate. Even he’s left me alone, which I’m thankful for.
I walk toward the exit when my phone rings. Trudy’s name crosses my screen.
“Hey! I was just about to call you. Guess who is now currently employed as Senior manager of content marketing?”
“Katie…have you seen the news?”
“No, why?” Who watches the news these days?
“Where are you?”
“I’m just leaving The Vanilla Bean. Why, what’s up? Why are you acting all weird?” I stop, waiting for her to give me bad news. Things have been going so well, part of me has been waiting for the shoe to drop.
“Girl, grab one of the newspapers by the exit. Turn to page three.”
Confused, I grab one off the stand and open it, searching for whatever has her up in arms. “What, did another ex of yours get engaged?”
Then I see it.
Local Man Goes Missing After Trip to Everglades.
A gray and white photo of James is plastered next to the article.
James Winston, thirty-two, a Florida resident, disappeared two weeks ago, after renting a speed boat with an unnamed female. The two were scheduled to return later that day. When the rental company reported the boat missing, local officials responded in a search and rescue mission. The boat was located off the uncharted parts of the Everglades. The unnamed female was still on the boat, but James was not. In a statement, we learned the female woke up alone, with no recollection of how James exited the boat. Local officials confirm it is impossible anyone would survive the terrain of the alligator infested waters. Their search has been called off.
My coffee slips from my grip, splattering at my feet. I barely feel the burn from the hot liquid as I re-read the article.
“Holy fucking shit.” Holy fucking shit!
“Right? I can’t even believe it. Like holy karma, right?”
“No, I mean holy fucking shit!” My raised voice causes a table full of customers to glance my way. My mind races back to New Orleans. Back to my confession with Macareus. “I wished this…I wished this would happen.”
“Didn’t we all?” Trudy sighs.
“No! Like, I did this!”
I wish my ex would go swimming with the alligators in the Everglades and never return.
“Oh, Katie, I wish I had bigger boobs and a plumper ass, but it doesn’t mean it happens. James was a total jackass. He was probably trying to show off and his big head caused him to tumble off the side of the boat. I know this sucks, and I know you loved him, but let’s be honest, he got what he deserved.”
“Trudy! Morbid much?”
“I’m just saying. Listen, it’s probably a terrible way to go, not to mention really messed up, but I just wanted you to know. Hey, listen, I’m running back into work. Call me if you want to talk about anything. I’m here for you, girl. Love you.”
I mumble a goodbye, end our call, and slide my phone back into my pocket. My eyes have yet to tear away from James’s photo. This has to be a coincidence. There’s no way…