Unexpected Changes Read Online Free PDF Page B

you should remember, you were there, with me pressed up against the window. Look, I’m tired and I have to go,” I say as I hang up. I shouldn’t have called him, I haven’t the slightest idea what is going on, and I’m not sure I even care. Hell, who am I trying to fool? I do care.
    Now I’ll be up all night going over everything that’s happened in the past and what I dream of for the future.
    Dragging my luggage into my room, I hoist it onto my bed and head over to close the blinds. The pictures have caused a little paranoia now—it’s best to be safe and keep things closed up.
    I flip on the iPod dock and search for a song to help me unwind as I unpack my items. I hit the link for “Cool Kids” by Echosmith; it fits perfectly for this evening.
    Sighing as I hang up my items, I let the words sink in and realize it really does fit. I reach back into my bag and grab the framed picture of me and baby Graham. I stare at it and allow it to warm my heart. Looking around, I find the perfect spot for it and place it on top of the dresser. This way I can see it every day when I wake.
    Tomorrow, I plan to call my doctor here in town and find out the next step in my plan. I’m still keeping it all a secret until I’m ready. No way are they going to talk me out of it.
    Happy that I’ve unpacked and everything is in its place, I head out to the living room to do some work. The emails and reports have been piling up for the last few days, and it’s causing my OCD to go into hyper drive.
    Laptop, drink, and my briefcase situated, I get comfortable as I wait for everything to load.
    When the background to the laptop shows, I smile as I look at the picture I have plastered across it: Seth, Cory, and me at The Hill. It was taken a few months ago, after he did the toast. It was before things got complicated.
    I dial Cory and wait. “Hi.”
    “Everything okay, Firecracker?”
    “It is. I just wanted to thank you for picking me up today and all.”
    “Anytime, and you know that.”
    “I do and … I was wondering if you’d like to maybe go out this week and have a few drinks at The Hill. You can ask Meredith to come if you’d like?”
    “I think we need a night out and it will just be the two of us.”
    “Oh okay … What about Seth and the guys?”
    “Sounds great. We haven’t all been together for a long time. Text with what night works and I think I know the time.”
    “Are you going to sushi this week?” I ask.
    “I’m going to try, and I’m sure I’ll see you then. Are you sure you’re okay? I can come over if you need me to.”
    “No, I’m good, just trying to figure a few things out, that’s all.”
    “You know I’m always here for you, and things don’t have to be the way they are.”
    “I know. I just don’t know how to let it go and move past it all, Cory.”
    “You will figure it out soon enough, Firecracker.”
    “I hope so,” I whisper into the phone.
    “How about I bring pizza over? I’m just here alone tonight.”
    “No, Cory. I have some work to do, and I promise I’m okay.”
    “Okay, but you know where I am if you change your mind.”
    “I do, and thank you.”
    “Anytime, talk later.”
    “Later,” I respond and toss the phone onto the cushion next to me as I let out a rush of air.
    I know that in so many ways I’m the luckiest person on the planet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream of more.
    Opening up my emails, I notice a few from Carter and decide to skip over them and answer the most important ones first.
    I wasn’t due back in town until this weekend so I’ll have time to catch up on the office work before I’m getting those frequent flyer miles again. Ugh … just thinking about having to get on another commercial flight causes my shoulders to slump. I admit I’m a little spoiled when it comes to flying on Logan’s jet. It’s so sweet to use when I go to see them, but I refuse to allow him to let us use it for our business.
    It could be considered a