I head home to start composing a piece just for Elodie. A tune hits me on the drive home, and I know exactly what I’m going to do.
Elodie
My heart knows best, and I knew I couldn’t trust James. At the first opportunity, he ran to Rebecca. I heard him ask her out for tonight. Sighing, I continue to berate myself for being foolish and for falling for a man.
What the hell did I just admit to myself?
I groan aloud and take my glasses off so I can rub at my tired eyes, not caring if I smear my makeup as I go.
Why did I have to fall for a man I can’t have? I wasn’t looking for it. I didn’t ask for it, yet somehow it happened, and that’s why this hurts so much.
“Elly, what’s got you down?” my father inquires from my office doorway.
“It’s been a bad day, Dad. That’s all. Nothing worth talking about, though.”
“Does this have anything to do with James?”
Placing my glasses back on my face, I straighten in my chair and shake my head. “Why would you ask that?”
“Sweetheart, I could tell the other night when he came over for dinner that there was something between you two. Not that you need my permission from a company standpoint or dad standpoint, but you have my support and blessing. You know you can talk to your mom and me. We’re here for you. What happened all those years ago doesn’t have to stand in your way of being happy with someone now.”
Tears are pricking the backs of my eyes, and I shake my head to keep them at bay. I’ve managed to keep my emotions and painful past in check until James happened. Now he’s about to unearth a secret I’ve never wanted to share with anyone besides my parents. I never even told Lissa about it because we’re not close like that.
“Dad, I need to get back to this contract,” I lamely reply and then shuffle some papers.
“No problem, Elly. Just do me a favor? Let yourself be happy. Forget about work for a little bit. I know why you throw yourself into it, but there’s more to life than work.”
“Thanks, Dad, but work keeps me sane; you know that. And besides, James and I are not a thing. He has other interests, I guess you could say.” I roll my eyes.
“Well, if you ask me, he’s smitten. But I won’t interfere.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and turns to leave. “Oh, by the way, James took the rest of the day off and gave Rebecca some work to do tonight. So, I’m going to go track her down and sadly add more to the list.”
I set down the contract I was pretending to read to avoid looking at my dad when he was getting all sappy on me. “Wait, what?” Did I hear him right?
He just smiles, then leaves me at my desk both equally confused and curious.
My intercom buzzes, and Deb’s voice comes on the line, “Excuse me, Miss Alcott, Mr. Fox wanted me to give you a message.”
13
Elodie
My car is parked in front of James’s condo. Deb said he requested my presence to review a contract that needed urgent attention. Of course I don’t believe that’s why I’ve been asked here, but curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to come.
He answers the door after I knocked, and I momentarily lose my train of thought. He is dressed casually again, and my mouth goes dry. He’s so devastatingly handsome. Beyond his looks, though, I finally accept and recognize there’s a heart that beats in tune with mine.
“I’m glad you came. There’s a contract that needs your prompt attention.”
“I highly doubt that, Jamison, but you’re always full of surprises, so I figured I owed you the benefit of the doubt.”
“Why, Miss Alcott, I wouldn’t lie to you. There is, in fact, a contract waiting for you on the coffee table. See for yourself.” He makes a sweeping gesture with his hand for me to lead the way.
Biting my lip, I carefully walk over to the table, pick up the one-page document and begin to read.
Contract of Love
This contract is binding by both parties, hereafter referred to as Boyfriend and Girlfriend. Upon affixing signatures, Boyfriend and Girlfriend attest the following and set forth the terms:
I, Jamison Liam Fox, Boyfriend, do hereby declare my love for thee, Elodie Ann Alcott, Girlfriend, on this Tenth Day of August, 2018.
I will never lie.
I will never cheat.
I will be exclusive.
I will cherish you.
I will take care of you when you are sick.
I will always support your dreams, and all of your successes and failures are my own.
I will tell you every day you are beautiful.
I will love you until the moment I take my last breath on this earth.
I will love you in the next life.
I will let you be lead on any project you want at work, as long as you are the lead in my life.
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Date & Signature – Jamison Liam Fox
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Date & Signature – Elodie Ann Alcott
It takes a few moments for it to sink in, and I probably read the document at least four times before I can comprehend it. Since I was so lost, reading and rereading, I hadn’t realized Jamison was in the corner with his cello in hand. When he begins playing, I look up from the paper.
The song is hypnotic. All at once my head and heart are overwhelmed—overwhelmed by his words on the page, and overwhelmed by the music notes coming from his talented hands.
It’s as if I can see my future flash before my eyes. But not in the way one does when your life is about to end. I see my future in the sense of what I can have with this man—my fox.
I see a child running around, and me and James holding hands while watching the little one play. I see a gorgeous colonial house with a wrap-around porch, and he and I sitting on a swing kissing until the sun goes down.
I see it all…but I can’t give him that.
This melody is even more heartbreakingly exquisite than his aunt’s song. The final notes are played, and I drop the contract to the floor.
“That bad, huh?” He puts down his instrument.
Tears are falling from my eyes, and I don’t try to stop them. “James, it was beautiful. Everything you say and do is beautiful. You’re beautiful.”
“That’s not true. You’re the beautiful one. And I said I’d tell you every day,” he whispers.
“I didn’t sign anything.” I shrug as my face pulls up slightly at one corner.
“You will.”
“Don’t be so sure. It’s that cocky attitude that made me dislike you in the first place. Besides, I can’t give you the life you want. I won’t deprive you of the life you deserve.”
“Why do you say that? I find it hard to believe when you’re everything I’ve ever wanted in life.”