Chapter 06.05

“I have a proposal,” I said. “If, after we’re both back at university, we ever run into each other again—and neither of us is in a relationship—then we go on a date. Just one. If either of us is taken, the deal’s off.”

“You mean, like if you’re a divorced dad of two and I’m a cat-loving spinster, and we bump into each other at a store?” she asked with a grin, starting on her dessert.

“Exactly,” I said. “But you’ll never be a spinster—you’re too smart and too beautiful for that.” She blushed, but didn’t say anything.

“That’s a weird offer,” she said, studying my face for a moment. I held her gaze calmly. “But alright,” she laughed. “Deal.”

She reached across the table, and I shook her hand.

“If it’s okay with you, I’ll stop by Mickey’s after this,” I said, signaling Tony for the check.

Tony brought the bill, and we each paid for our own burger. I walked her to her car—it was parked right next to mine.

“You’re leaving tomorrow?” I asked. I didn’t want to let her go.

“Yes,” she said. “I’ll be focusing on the shop. We want to open soon, and I’m dedicating these next few days to that.”

“I still need to pack,” I said.

“Go see Mickey now. I’ve got errands to run for the shop—I won’t be home until evening,” she said, slipping back into her usual composed tone. She held out her hand. “Well, thank you for these two years, Jay. They’ll be a good memory.”

“You’re very welcome,” I said, shaking her hand. “They will be for me too.”

I leaned in and kissed her cheek—she let me. Then she got into her car and drove off. I sighed. As I turned around, I noticed several people in the parking lot and near the entrance staring at us. Just like back in school.

I drove to Uncle Steve’s house and rang the doorbell. Daniel opened it.

“I was expecting you,” he smiled. “Janie just texted that you’d be coming.”

“Yeah,” I said. “I came to see Mickey.”

“Come in. He’s at a friend’s place but should be back soon.”

Dr. Cox stepped out from the kitchen and paused by the dining table. Uncle Steve came in from the garden and went to wash his hands.

“So, did you two finalize the divorce terms?” he chuckled.

“Excuse me?” I asked, confused. He motioned for me to sit down.

“Janie’s been thinking for weeks about how to divide up the friends, the shop, and everything else,” he began. “It really weighed on her. I suggested she write it all down and talk it through with you.”

“Adam said she should have you sign the agreement,” Daniel laughed. “But my sister didn’t want that. She said you were more honorable than that. She just made a few notes on her phone.”

“So that’s why she kept staring at it,” I laughed. “I thought she was waiting for a message from that French monkey.”

Adam just smiled.

“Benoît already went back home,” he said calmly. “Jane and I still have a few meetings, but the young man won’t be involved anymore.”

“Thank God,” I muttered. Adam just smiled again.

I glanced at Uncle Steve—he was grinning.

“Everyone already knows, Johnny,” he said with a warm smile. “They’ve known for days that you got accepted.”

“Then what was the point of that whole ‘divorce negotiation’?” I asked.

“Because my sister’s been stressing about how to handle it,” Daniel laughed. “Either we told her you were staying, or Adam had to give her legal advice.”

“One of my grandkids is definitely going to be a lawyer,” Adam chuckled. “She wrote it all out beautifully—even Brian was impressed.”

Mrs. Julie arrived with Mickey, and I went upstairs with him to play with his new car set.

After I finished playing with Mickey, I visited Brian. I knew they were heading out tomorrow, just to spend some time together.

“Hey, did you get in?” he asked—he was already waiting for me.

“I’ll drop by after the semester starts,” I said with a grin.

“You’re always welcome,” he said, pulling me into a hug. “You did great, man. Does she know yet?”

“She’ll find out soon.”

“My lips are sealed,” he smiled.

All my friends had already left, and this last week was passing by very slowly. I promised Jenny I wouldn’t call her, but it was a promise difficult to keep.