Been Searching for You

Chapter One-3

“Maureen’s pet name for her lovers when she wants something. Nice.”

I stopped in my tracks, turning toward him. “You know the musical? I’m impressed.”

“It’s one my favorites. I studied it when I worked as a dramaturge during my college internship.”

Handsome English professor who knows Chicago history, studied theatre, and made an effort to say good-bye to me… could this guy get any more perfect? There had to be a catch. There always was—ask any woman. I knew he wasn’t gay, so that left the ex.

She had to be it. But how could I ask about her without seeming all crazy stalker?

I looked around as though the perfect question would be written on the buildings towering over us. All I succeeded in doing was catching the eye of a cabbie who, guessing correctly that I needed a ride home, started his engine and pulled up to the curb in front of us.

“I guess this is my signal to go home,” I said. The part of my brain that would forever be sixteen prayed he would ask for my number.

Alex hesitated, leaning toward me, then pulled back. He opened his mouth then closed it again. Instead, he took my hand and kissed it just as before. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Annabeth. Happy birthday.” He squeezed my hand. “We’ll miss you tonight.”

My breath caught, and I cleared my throat. “Thank you. I enjoyed meeting you as well.” He didn’t say anything else or make another move, so if I wanted to see him again, it was up to me. I mentally took a deep breath. “Since I’m bailing on you tonight, what do you say I make it up to you over coffee sometime?”

Alex’s gaze turned toward the pavement. He shuffled his foot. “Now really isn’t the best time. Maybe in the future.”

I held up a hand to forestall any further excuses. “Say no more. I had to at least ask.” Inside, disappointment was hardening into a crust of ice around my heart, but there was no way I would let him know that. I reached into my handbag and withdrew a business card. “In case you change your mind.”

He took it with a soft smile. “I meant what I said about wanting to read your book. I’ll email you when my class load is light enough to give it due attention.”

I turned toward the cab, and Alex opened the door for me. As I got in, I couldn’t resist casting one last glance in his direction, drinking in the green and gold flecks in his eyes. A hint of sadness glinted in them as if he regretted our parting as much as I did.

I closed the door, gave the driver my address, and raised a hand in farewell. Alex mirrored my gesture, not breaking eye contact until distance forced us both to look away.

I sat back with a sigh and closed my eyes. The city passed by as brief spots of light behind my lids as the driver turned down Michigan Avenue. Seriously, God, is this your idea of a joke? Give me a guy for my birthday, but he’s not interested? Thanks a lot.

The taxi crossed over the river, getting closer to my empty apartment with every second. I thought about the box waiting for me with its growing collection of letters. It didn’t appear I was any closer to finding their intended recipient. But what did I expect after only one night?

I directed my thoughts to that soul at the other end of my invisible red cord. Whoever you are, I hope you really can feel me. At least that way you’ll know how much you’re needed and how mad I am that you’re so slow in getting here. I obviously can’t leave our future up to you. In that moment, I made a promise to myself and to him. I will find you this year…one way or another.