Forever and Ever (Complete #1-7)

by E. L. Todd

  He was such a smooth talker.

  “I know graduation is a celebration of the end of an accomplishment. We acknowledge the light at the end of the tunnel that looked so dark in the beginning. We’re remembering a journey we all took together, one that wasn’t fun at the time, but in a few years, we’ll remember it as the best time of our lives.

  “I’m looking forward to the future, to working in society and getting all the nice things I strived for. But I know I’ll miss this campus, these students, and these professors.” He paused for a second. “I mean, who wants to have a job?” He chuckled. “I’d rather stay on campus and learn forever, partying on the weekends, and pretending I don’t have a hangover on Monday morning.” He turned toward one of his professors. “Yes, I wasn’t always the perfect student.” The crowd laughed at his words.

  Cayson turned serious again. “We’re treating this moment as the end, as a goodbye, and while that’s true, it’s a lot more than that. We’re beginning our journey to bigger and better things. Some of us will save lives for a living, some will make the world a better place, and some will be ridiculously rich.” The crowd laughed again. “And the fact that we don’t know who’s going to end up where makes it better. I’m excited to begin my next journey, and I speak for all the students behind me in that regard.” He cleared his throat. “There are a lot of people I want to thank, but the biggest shout-out goes to all the parents. It’s because of you we’re here, whether you paid our tuition or tutored us when we couldn’t do basic math when we were children. Now you’re standing out there, probably crying just like my mom is, and we all want you to know we love and appreciate you—forever.”

  “I love you, baby!” Cayson’s mother shouted.

  Cayson smirked. “Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to my mom.”

  “You still suck!” Clementine shouted.

  Cayson laughed. “And my adorable sister.”

  The crowd laughed at his words.

  Cayson moved his tassel over and made his hat lopsided. “Now, let’s loosen up and not be so stiff, Harvard grads. Let’s get down and party!” He walked away from the podium to a loud round of applause.

  Everyone stood and clapped, including me. My hands hurt from smacking together so hard, but I kept going. Once the crowd died down, we returned to our seats. His speech made me feel invigorated but sad at the same time. I couldn’t deny how amazing and wonderful Cayson was. He deserved something more, not what he was settling for. I turned to Trinity, speaking with my eyes.

  She gave me a sad look, one full of empathy and tears. “You’re making the right decision.”

  I nodded. She didn’t need to tell me.

  I already knew.

  We spent the next few hours chatting with other graduates, promising to stay in touch while we went our separate ways. I knew people always said that even though it never happened, so I was grateful my friends would always be a part of my life. Time and distance wouldn’t make a difference.

  By the end of the day, everyone headed to my parents’ house in Connecticut, where a celebration was waiting. Even though it was a two-hour drive, it was still the best place to have a good time. There was plenty of space for everyone, and we had no neighbors, so we didn’t have to worry about keeping it down.

  When we arrived, cars were already in the driveway. Everyone had a spare key to our place and knew the alarm code. My dad wasn’t a trusting guy, but when it came to his family, he didn’t blink an eye over sharing his private belongings.

  We got out and headed to the door. I was eager to take off my gown and cap. I’d bought a new dress for the occasion, but no one could see it.

  My dad walked in front then put his hand on my shoulder. “I’d like a moment with the graduate.”

  My mom and Roland looked at us before they walked inside the house, giving us privacy.

  I suspected a speech was coming. My dad was known for those.

  He stared at me for a while, affection in his eyes. “I’m very proud of you, pumpkin.”

  “I know, Dad. Thanks.”

  “Your mother and I worked very hard to raise the two of you right. Never did we expect you and your brother to be even better versions of ourselves.”

  “Even Roland?” I teased.

  He nodded. “Especially Roland.”

  I dropped my smile.

  “I could sit here all night and tell you how proud I am and how much I love you…but I know it would be repetitions of the same thing.”

  “Please don’t,” I said. “I’m hungry.”

  He chuckled. “Okay.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box. “I got you a graduation gift. I hope you like it.”

  I eyed the box but didn’t take it. “Dad, you don’t need to get me anything. You’ve already given me the world.”

  His eyes softened then he held the box out farther. “Pumpkin, take it.”

  I sighed then grabbed it. I felt the box in my hands before I opened it. Inside was a key card. It was completely black with small writing in the corner. I stared at it, unsure what it meant. I looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

  “It’s a universal key card,” he explained. “You can use it on any door at any building in any country within the company. It even unlocks Mike’s office door, not that you should go in there.” He smirked. “He doesn’t like it when people barge in. Now you have access to everything, even confidential files.”

  I held it in my hands, my eyes wide. “Thanks…”

  “Keep looking. There’s more.”

  I looked through the box again. There was a business card inside. I held it up and read it under the light of the porch.

  Skye Preston

  President and CEO

  PIXEL Software

  I felt the thickness of the card in my hand and watched the metallic sheen shine in the light. It was heavy and radiated power and authority. The second I held it, my nerves tingled. It was the beginning of something scary and frightening. It was the start of an age, a new beginning. My destiny was in my palm, my gateway to the spot I’d been working to take.

  My dad watched my reaction. “It’s always been yours, Skye. Now take it.”

  I looked at him, feeling the emotion in my throat.

  He could read my mind. “Don’t be scared. You were made for this.”

  “I don’t know if I’ll ever do as good of a job as you and Uncle Mike.”

  “No, you won’t.” He patted my shoulder. “You’ll do better.”

  His faith made me feel stronger, but I feared it was misplaced.

  “And you’ve got me, Uncle Mike, and Grandpa if you need any help. You’ll be fine.”

  I nodded then returned the card to the box. “Thank you, Dad.”

  “Of course, pumpkin.” He hugged me then kissed me on the forehead. “I’m so lucky to have you. I thank your mother every day for making you.”

  “Is that why you always let her get her way?” I teased.

  “Among other reasons…” He rubbed my back while he rested his head on mine. The sun was starting to set, and the sky was starting to darken in colors of purple and pink. I was excited to go inside and celebrate with my friends, but I was also content being out here with my father. He was the opposite side of the same coin, someone who understood me in a way no one else ever would.

  “Thanks for everything, Dad. But I’m glad you didn’t buy me a ridiculously extravagant gift—like usual.”

  He chuckled. “About that…”

  I pulled away and gave him an incredulous look. “You’d better not have…”

  He smirked then reached into his pocket. Then he pulled out a key.

  I eyed it with a raised eyebrow. That key could go to anything; a new car, a private jet, a yacht, even a damn spaceship.

  He grabbed my hand and dropped it in my open palm. “I bought you a penthouse in the city.”

  My jaw dropped. “What…?”

  “It’s on 58th Street, just a few blocks from the office. It ha
s a beautiful view of the skyline with floor-to-ceiling windows. And it’s already furnished so you don’t need to worry about that. Your mother decorated it.” He rocked onto the balls of his feet, clearly excited about giving it to me. “It’s close to us, but not so close that you don’t have your own space.”

  I stared at the key then looked at him again. “You know you’re crazy, right?”

  He shrugged. “Your mother may have mentioned that to me at some point in our marriage…”

  “You didn’t need to buy me anything, Dad.” I was shocked he gave it to me, but secretly, I was excited. Having a luxury apartment in the city was a dream come true. Anybody would want it.

  “I know I don’t. But you deserve something great for working so hard.”

  “You gave me a billion-dollar company…I think that’s enough.”

  He chuckled. “Pumpkin, just take it. I’ve already paid for it and it’s ready to go.”

  I stared at the key then closed my palm around it. “I don’t know what to say…”

  He gave me a fond look. “Don’t say anything. The happiness on your face is more than enough.”

  I hugged him again. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

  He held me for a while before he pulled away.

  “Sorry to interrupt…” My mom came out of the front door, smiling. “But I wanted to see your reaction.”

  “Mom, I love it,” I blurted. I ran to her and hugged her tightly. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, honey.” She hugged me back. “I know it’s a little extravagant but—”

  “A little?” I laughed.

  She chuckled. “Okay, it’s ridiculous. But your father convinced me after talking about it for months.”

  “Well, I love it. I haven’t seen it, but I know I will.”

  “And your dad likes their security system,” she explained. “I think that had a lot to do with it.”

  I laughed and pulled away. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  My dad put his arm around my mom then smiled at me. “This is an exciting time for you. I know you’re going to have quite an adventure.”

  “Yeah…” I tried to stay positive even though I was dying inside.

  My parents both knew it. It was clear in their eyes.

  My mom hugged me again. “You’ll be okay, honey. I admire you for what you’re doing. Your love is selfless, and the fact that it is makes it true. You will find your way back to each other.”

  I clung to her. “Thanks, Mom…”

  My dad hugged me too, making a group hug. “We’re always here.”

  “I know that too…”

  My parents held me while we listened to the music from inside the house.

  Roland came out of the front door. “What a soap opera…”

  I pulled away and tried to hide my pain.

  “Seriously, it’s always The Young and The Restless with you guys,” Roland said. He came to me then reached into his pocket. “I wanted to give you something. It’s not as good as Dad’s gift so don’t expect anything ridiculous.”

  “You got me something?” I asked in surprise.

  “Hold on, don’t get too excited.” He pulled out a long, thin box. “Here you go.” He handed it over.

  I eyed it for a moment. “Is something going to squirt on my face?”

  “No,” he said with a smirk. “But that would have been a good idea.”

  “Is it going to be a practical joke?”

  “Just open it,” he said in annoyance.

  My parents watched our interaction, staying silent.

  I opened the box and looked inside. There was a bracelet inside made of white gold. A large pendant was in the center, thick and long. I was shocked he got me jewelry, and I was even more shocked by how nice it was. I picked up the bracelet and read the engraving.

  Although annoying, ugly, and stupid, I still love you.

  From your handsome, awesome, and amazing brother, Roland.

  I laughed after I read it. A grin stretched my lips, and I couldn’t stop smiling. A good laugh was what I needed most. My brother gave me more than I realized. “Thank you.” I pulled him in for a hug and embraced him. “I love it.”

  “Did you not read it…?”

  I laughed. “I did. And I’ll hear your voice every time I do.”

  He patted my back and pulled away. “I’m glad you liked it. It’s straight from the heart, especially the ugly part.”

  “Well, we share DNA…”

  “But we aren’t identical.”

  My dad watched our interaction. “At least you guys are getting along…for once.”

  “It’s a nice change,” my mom said.

  Roland put the bracelet on my wrist. “Don’t get used to it. It’s just a one-time thing.”

  “I’m sure…” I gave him a playful grin.

  His eyes turned serious. “All kidding aside, I’m proud of you.”

  “I’m proud of you too.”

  “For dropping out of college?” he asked incredulously.

  “No. For chasing your dreams.”

  He slugged my arm in a gentle and playful way. “You know, you’re pretty cool…sometimes.”

  I slugged him back. “I guess you are too…every now and then.”

  “I wish I had a camera,” my mom whispered.

  My brother realized this was getting too emotional and heavy. “Let’s go inside and drink. It’s boring out here.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” My dad patted Roland’s shoulder as he walked with him. They were the same height and looked eerily similar. My mom and I looked like sisters, according to everyone who met us. She and I walked side by side back into the house.

  My heart felt a little lighter, a little less painful. With my family, I could do anything.

  Even this.

  Slade scrunched up his face and started to mimic Cayson. “Look at me, I’m the valedictorian. Okay, everybody, we need to loosen up, even though we’re a huge congregation of nerds.” Then he acted like he moved his tassel over. “Hooray!”

  Conrad laughed hard even though it wasn’t that funny. He was just drunk.

  Trinity was laughing too. “Don’t tease him!” But she kept laughing.

  Cayson took the taunts in stride. “Other people seemed to like it.”

  I kissed him on the cheek. “I, for one, loved it.”

  “Thank you, baby.” He gave me a quick kiss then pulled away, his hand on my thigh.

  “Why didn’t you tell us?” Slade asked. “I’m your best friend.”

  “Because I knew you would be a dick,” Cayson argued.

  “I would not,” Slade said.

  Everyone gave him a look that said, “You just were.”

  Slade caught on. “But I’m teasing you because you didn’t tell me.”

  “No,” Cayson said with a laugh. “You were going to make fun of me either way.”

  Slade shrugged. “I guess you have a point.”

  Cayson’s sister, Clementine, sat beside him on the couch. She turned to me. “How does it feel to date the biggest nerd on campus?”

  “Amazing.” I gave him an affectionate look, refusing to side with everyone else and tease him.

  Clementine rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what you see in him…”

  Cayson nudged her in the side. “You’re the one who wanted me to dump Jasmine because you thought she wasn’t good enough for me.”

  “She wasn’t,” Clementine argued. “All she cared about was makeup and hair.” She cringed. “It never would have worked out between you.”

  I hated talking about Jasmine. I wished she would disappear from our lives, at least from our conversations. I rubbed Cayson’s arm, feeling the muscle and strength underneath. “The fact that Cayson is so built exonerates him from being a nerd.”

  “No, he’s still a nerd,” Slade said. “And always will be.”

  “Okay, stop picking on Cayson,” Roland said. “It’s his
night too.”

  “Thank you,” I said to Roland.

  “I didn’t defend him for you,” Roland hissed. “He’s my friend.”

  Cayson drank from his glass and finished it. “Are we getting shit-faced tonight?”

  “Duh.” Slade tapped his glass against Cayson’s empty one.

  Silke rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you guys aren’t going to be there next year.”

  “Me too,” Conrad said sadly.

  Roland clapped him on the shoulder. “We’ll still see each other all the time.”

  “Get a room,” Clementine snapped. “If you weren’t related, people would think you’re together.”

  “If we did gay porn, we’d be millionaires,” Conrad said. “You’re just jealous we’re so good-looking.”

  “Yeah…that’s it,” Clementine said sarcastically.

  We spent the evening drinking in the living room with our graduation gifts in the corner. Our parents were drinking as much as we were, and laughter came from the kitchen area in loud echoes.

  “Let’s play tag,” Slade said.

  Trinity looked at him like he was crazy. “What?”

  “Come on, it’ll be fun,” Slade said.

  “We just graduated college,” I said. “We’re adults now.”

  “All the more reason to act like children one last time,” Slade said. “Come on, we used to do it all the time when we were little.”

  Ever since we could run, we’d played hide-and-seek on the property in the dark. We had the beach, trees, and house for cover. The only thing off-limits was the inside of the house. We had a lot of good memories doing it. “I’m in.”

  Roland shrugged. “Let’s do it. Playing while we’re drunk will make it fun.”

  “Okay,” Trinity said. “Who’s it?”

  “Let’s do it in teams since there are so many of us,” Slade said.

  “Not it,” Conrad said immediately.

  “Me neither,” Roland said.

  Clementine put a bottle on the side then spun it. “The mystical bottle of wisdom will select the worthy candidates,” she said in a mysterious voice. She spun it and it landed on Trinity.

  “Damn,” Trinity said with a sigh.