Read Déjà Date for Free Online

growing up. Then I recalled how he’d kissed me, then promptly disappeared from my life without so much as a sticky note. The corners of my mouth turned downward. “That’s when we were kids. We’re grown up now.”
    “Yeah, it has been a long time since we’ve seen each other.” He glanced away for a moment, then turned back to me wearing a somber expression. “After the last time I saw you, I came home from the park and my parents told me they were splitting.”
    “I had no idea that’s when you found out,” I said, wondering if he hadn’t called me after that day because he’d been too devastated over his parents’ divorce. Still, he could’ve sent a letter once things had calmed down.
    He nodded. “They also told me that my mom was moving to France with some guy I hadn’t known about, and I had to decide if I was going with her or staying here with my dad.”
    “How awful.” I’d heard through the grapevine that his mom’s relationship with that French dude hadn’t lasted. But she’d stayed in Paris and eventually remarried.
    His brows furrowed, then he shrugged. “My dad’s always been the strong one, so I decided my mom needed me more. That was the hardest year of my life.”
    “Mine, too.” I understood all too well what it felt like to have your family torn apart.
    “I was sorry to hear about your dad.” His voice was wrought with sincerity. Then he leaned toward me and placed his hand on my arm. “He was an amazing person.”
    “Thanks.” Even through my sleeve, my skin felt warm where his fingers wrapped around my forearm. I felt my emotional walls giving way a bit. The envelope in my hand suddenly felt like lead, and I held it toward him with the top facing upward. “I just came from my mom’s house. She found this letter my dad wrote to me before he died.”
    “She just gave this to you today?” He watched me nod, then lines formed between his brows as his gaze dropped to the envelope. He took it from me and flipped it over as if checking the seal before meeting my gaze again. “You haven’t read it?”
    “No.” I shook my head, surprised that I’d shared something so personal with him. But once we’d started talking it had felt natural to tell him.
    “You said you wanted to be alone . . .” He glanced from me to the envelope, and a look of understanding crossed his face. “That’s why you came here. To read his letter.”
    I nodded.
    He threw his gaze upward, shaking his head. “And here I’ve been babbling on like an idiot, thinking you were just trying to get rid of me because . . .” His voice trailed off, then he stood. “I’m sorry, Melinda. I should’ve given you your space right away.”
    “Don’t worry about it.” My heart rate sped up since I could tell he was going to leave and part of me wanted to ask him to stay. We’d been such good friends when we were young, but I’d let my stupid feelings get in the way by kissing him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been so hurt by him not calling me and would’ve reached out to him myself when I’d heard his parents were divorcing.
    “I’ll be at the bakery if you need anything,” he said, backing away.
    “Thanks.” It was on the tip of my tongue to ask him to wait, but he turned and strode across the lawn to the motorcycle I hadn’t noticed parked at the curb. Seconds later, it roared to life and he sped down the street.
    As soon as he disappeared out of sight, I inhaled a deep breath, then ripped open the envelope. I pulled out a watermarked piece of stationery, customized with an “E.M.” monogram at the top for my dad’s name, Edward Morgan. My eyes watered at my dad’s familiar handwriting, and I read:
     
    My beautiful princess,
     
    Since you’re reading this letter, I’ve passed on to my next adventure. I’m proud to say I married the love of my life, had you for my daughter, and lived as fully as any man could want or deserve. I am truly thankful for this.
    Nothing would make me happier