I Have Nothing Good To Wish Them

The grocery bags felt heavier than they should have as Melody wheeled the cart across the parking lot, but it wasn’t the weight of the items inside that slowed her steps. It was her thoughts layered, tangled, refusing to settle. The late afternoon air was cold enough to bite, yet her cheeks were warm, her chest oddly light.

That was really thoughtful of Blake.

The thought slipped in again, uninvited, settling comfortably where it didn’t belong. She pressed her lips together, almost annoyed at herself. Thoughtful wasn’t something she was used to receiving without a catch. Not anymore. Men didn’t usually do things just to be kind, not in her experience. There was always an expectation, an invisible receipt waiting to be signed.

She unlocked Tara’s old Mustang Beetle and carefully arranged the grocery bags in the backseat, making sure nothing would tip over. When she straightened, her reflection stared back at her from the shiny red paint eyes brighter, shoulders less slumped. New York had changed her in subtle ways. Or maybe it was survival that had done the work.

Instead of pulling out of the lot and heading straight home, Melody hesitated. Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel as she glanced down the street. A row of boutique shops sat quietly a short distance away, their windows glowing softly.

Tara’s face flashed through her mind.

Tara, who had opened her home without hesitation. Tara, who worked exhausting shifts and still found energy to care. Tara, who loved beautiful things in a way that felt earned.

“I should,” Melody murmured to herself.

She turned the car and parked in front of the jewelry store.

The bell chimed softly as she stepped inside. The space smelled faintly of polish and something floral, warm lighting reflecting off glass cases filled with gold and gemstones. A woman with sleek hair and a calm, welcoming smile approached her.

“Hi. How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for something… meaningful,” Melody said slowly, choosing her words carefully. “A gift. Simple, but special.”

The attendant nodded knowingly and guided her to a selection of bracelets. Melody’s fingers hovered over the glass as she studied the pieces, too flashy, too plain, too generic until she spotted one that made her pause. It was elegant, understated. The kind of piece Tara would wear every day.

“Can this be customized?” she asked.

Minutes later, she was discussing engraving options, weight, clasp styles. Tara’s name. Something discreet. Something personal. The process felt grounding. Real. When she finally paid and the bracelet was placed gently into a small box, a sense of quiet pride settled in her chest. It was pure gold, it was expensive but she didn't really care since she can afford it.

The drive home was calmer. Music played softly as the city blurred past her window. By the time she parked, dusk had settled, painting the sky in muted blues and greys.

She made two trips from the car, balancing grocery bags against her hip. Inside, she dropped them on the kitchen counter and leaned back, exhaling deeply. Without overthinking it, she reached for her phone and tapped Cynthia’s name.

The video call connected almost instantly.

“Oh my God, Melody!” Cynthia squealed, her face lighting up the screen.

Melody laughed, emotion rising fast. “Cynthia… I’m so sorry. I’ve been a very terrible friend. I should’ve called sooner. I was just…things were really hard.”

Cynthia waved her off. “Stop it. Forget all that. You know I’ve got your back. Always. I’m just happy to see you.”

Melody swallowed. “You look amazing. Seriously. You’re glowing.”

Cynthia’s eyes widened. “Are you for real?”

“I swear. Motherhood looks good on you.”

“That was the exact same thing your mum said when she came to the hospital. I feel fat and sore, I don't see the glow.”

“You look perfect my dearest friend. Good thing we can all see the glow.” Melody smiled.

Cynthia grinned. “Guess what?”

“What?”

The screen shifted, and suddenly a tiny face filled Melody’s phone.

“Oh my goodness,” Melody breathed. “She’s perfect. The chunkiest, most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.” The baby was sleeping peacefully, like she had no worries in the world.

Cynthia laughed. “She looks just like me.”

A familiar voice chimed in. “Absolutely not. She’s her daddy’s girl.”

Jamie leaned into frame, smiling proudly.

“Hi, Jamie,” Melody said softly.

“How are you holding up?” he asked.

“I’m doing so much better. I’ll always be grateful to both of you.”

“I'm very happy you're finding your way around. How's Tara?” Jamie asked, the ever so intentional one.

“Tara is doing great, she'll call you guys when she gets back from her shift.”

“We can't wait. It's really nice to hear from you Melody.”

“Likewise, and congratulations to you. The latest daddy in town.”

They all laughed, as Jamie gently scooped the sleeping baby from Cynthia's hands.

Cynthia’s smile shifted, mischief creeping in. “Guess what else?”

Melody hesitated. “What?”

“I’m not supposed to say this, but Brandon is getting married on Christmas Eve. To some Claudia chick.”

The words landed heavier than she expected. Not crushing, but sharp. Christmas Eve. Their day. The day he was supposed to read his vows to her? How selfish.

“Oh,” Melody said quietly.

“Yes, Claudia is a bitch. You needed to see the way they keep kissing each other around town, they've got everyone talking. Rumours have it that Claudia left her gangstar husband, because he was always physically abusing her and she ran to Snow Brook. Since she got here, she's been sleeping with almost every man that cared to stick his dick inside of her.” Cynthia paused to catch her breath. “She's some miserable sex starved, lunatic.”

Melody couldn't hold back her laughter. Cynthia was a handful, always going all out for people she doesn't like. Unfortunately, Claudia is at the top of her list right now.

“I wish them the best.”

Cynthia rolled her eyes. “I have nothing good to wish him. They deserve each other.”

Melody laughed, genuine this time. “You’re terrible.”

“And correct.”

“So when are you coming to see baby Melody?” Cynthia asked.

“Before New Year,” Melody replied quickly, then laughed. “I’m not promising. I just want to sound like a cool aunt.”

“I hate you,” Cynthia said fondly.

When the call ended, the apartment felt quieter. Melody stood still, phone in hand, letting the truth settle. It wasn’t the wedding. It was the timing. That meant Brandon had been seeing Claudia longer than she’d ever known.

She straightened her shoulders. Good thing she didn't make the mistake of walking down the aisle with that cheat and liar. She missed her friends back home.

That chapter is closed now.

She had money. Plans. Logan. And whatever she had with Logan was casual. Safe. No feelings.

………..

Logan glanced at his phone as it rang. It was his mum calling.

“Mum, how are you doing?” Logan asked, his voice soft.

“My boy I'm doing great, I just got back from Hawaii, and it was so beautiful this time of the year over there. I'll be travelling to France to see Doctor Padrek. I have a Botox appointment.”

His mother was always particular about her looks. For her it was a crime to see any wrinkles on her face. She was obsessed with looking young. She's always travelling, ever since he was still a boy, his mum was hardly ever home. Miss Penelope brought him and his younger sister up.

“Darling,” his mother said briskly. “When are you coming home?”

“I’ll be home before Christmas Eve.”

“Perfect. I’ll schedule France first, Botox, cheeks, lips.”

He chuckled. “Of course.”

“I'll be home just in time to welcome you. I've really missed you, my boy.”

“I've missed you too Mama.”