Flight? Brody must be flying back to LA today.
But why did Greg say “their” last day?
I shake my head. I must have misunderstood.
I nod at Greg and thank him before making my way upstairs. I walk through the empty penthouse, feeling a gnawing sense of unease. Something is… different.
I go straight to Cooper’s room and push the door open.
No more clothes spilling out of the drawers. No more stack of books on the dresser. No more baseball caps and sneakers strewn on the floor. Instead, three packed suitcases are lined up at the foot of the bed. Just as they were when he arrived at the beginning of the summer.
I walk slowly into the vacant room, my stomach twisted into a knot. On his bed, I notice a backpack with a piece of paper lying beside it. I pick it up, hands shaking. It’s a flight order for a private jet leaving Bozeman at 7pm tonight.
There are two passenger names on it:
Brody Monroe.
Cooper Monroe.
I drop the flight order like it burned me.
He’s leaving. Cooper’s leaving.
In just a few short hours, Cooper will be on a flight to LA. He’s cutting his summer at Legacy Inn short and going back to his life. Kade must’ve lifted his grounding, which means that he finally has his freedom back. He must be so excited!
I try to feel happy for him, but my stomach hurts. My eyes well with hot, stinging tears, and a droplet rolls down my cheek. I watch it fall onto the sheaf of papers in my hand. My essay.
I hold it up, but my words are blurred. I was going to risk everything and give it to him. I could finally communicate what I actually want — to be with Cooper. I was going to put my heart out there, be vulnerable, and show all my cards.
But I’m too late.
I can’t fathom bringing the essay back to my cabin with me, so I fold the papers in half and stuff them in the backpack. At least, this way, Cooper will have proof that I finished my essay.
“Goodbye, Coop,” I whisper, my heart constricting painfully.
I look around the room one last time, committing the place to memory before I finally close the door.
40
Cooper
The last 24 hours have been an absolute blur.
After my blow-up at Brody on the film set, things for the Monroe family took a turn. Dad and Brody followed me off the set and, in front of the huge, nondescript white warehouse, we finally had a conversation. A real conversation, just the three of us.
In the most atypical Monroe fashion, I levelled with my family and laid my cards on the table. I was finally able to tell them the truth. I explained how it felt when Brody threw me under the bus after the party, and that I suspected Dad never really wanted to know us. For the first time, I told them how much it hurt to feel like the family screw-up.
It was hard to reveal my true feelings, but it was an incredible moment. Dad told us emphatically how much he loved us both, and how much he hated being removed from our lives. Then, Brody surprised me when he admitted that he’d always been jealous of how little I cared what other people thought. He was always so consumed by appearances.
It was a healing moment between father and sons, and between brothers. Peace was made. For the first time in a long time, I was able to look at Dad and Brody and smile, thankful for my family.
In the end, Legacy Inn has done a lot for us. And I could never have confronted my family, and started to believe in myself, without Stefi. I’m eternally grateful for the series of unfortunate events that led me here.
Even if “here” is the last place I would’ve expected.
“Coop, wake up.” A low voice penetrates my fitful dream — one where I had to say bye to Stefi. “Coop?”
A warm hand grips my shoulder and I’m shaken to consciousness. “What?”
Dad is sitting on the edge of my bed, smiling at me. I rub my eyes a couple of times, groggy, and smile weakly back at him. My mind is half-stuck in the dream, and I wonder, briefly, what’s real and what’s imagined.
“I have a surprise for you and Brody,” Dad whispers excitedly. “Get dressed.”
“Where are we going?”
“I wanted to take my boys on an adventure to celebrate our last day together. You know, a real Montana experience.”
I chuckle and run my fingers through my wayward hair. “You took the day off for this?”
“Of course I did.” Dad pats my shoulder affectionately. “You’re my boys. You are my priorities. And, going forward, I promise to work harder to show it.”
With a final smile, Dad leaves the room and I slowly get out of bed. I want to feel happy and excited for the day ahead, but a hollow feeling gnaws at my stomach. Stefi lingers at the back of my mind. There are so many things I want to tell her.
I check myself out in the mirror before leaving my room, and I vow to stay focused on the day ahead. I need to enjoy the last few hours that Brody, Dad and I have together.
The day is a whirlwind of surprises and laughter. From when we hop in the limo to drive to the trailhead of a beautiful hike, to floating on one of the National Park’s crystal lakes in a kayak, to watching a series of mountain goats trot across a hillside.
The best part? My eye didn’t twitch once — a new record for being around my family.
But as the limo pulls up outside the penthouse for the last time, I’m no longer able to keep my thoughts at bay. All day, I felt that same hollow, empty feeling. I can’t keep Stefi off my mind.
Brody and Dad run upstairs to the penthouse and I follow them slowly. I remember every spot in the penthouse where Stefi and I spent time together. On the couch watching Jeopardy!, in the kitchen cooking lunch, tanning on the rooftop deck.
I walk into my bedroom and find that my bed is already stripped and my luggage has been taken out to the limo.
It’s really happening.
The only thing left in my room is my backpack, sitting on my bed where I left it this morning. I debate grabbing my sunglasses inside, but change my mind at the last-minute. I sling it over my shoulder, then go to Brody’s room. He’s standing in front of the full-length mirror, staring at himself like he’s trying to work out who, exactly, is staring back at him.
“Ready, bro?” I put a hand on his shoulder.
He turns and gives me an upward nod. “I was born ready.”
Brody’s still arrogant, rude and conceited, and that may never change. But he’s my brother, and I love him. Blood really does run thicker than water.
“Hurry up, kids!” Dad calls from the kitchen.
It’s time.
Dad waits for us at the kitchen island, his expression sad. “I’ll miss having both my boys here with me.”
“Miss you too, Dad,” Brody mumbles.
Dad’s face splits into a grin. Before Brody can protest, he pulls us into a bear hug. Affection in the form of hugs is something we Monroes have never done.
Until now.
41
Stefi
“Wanna have a girls’ night?” Bree asks as she pops a tater tot into her mouth. “We can all pile into my loft.”
Kiara looks up from cutting her chicken. “I’d love to. We’ve had nowhere near enough girl time lately.”
“I’m in, too,” Anaya says and then eyes Bree suspiciously. “As long as you don’t make us watch any more weird horror movies.”
“Can’t promise that.” Bree smiles sweetly, then reaches into the pocket of her trendy blue shorts. “I can, however, promise more of these!”
She produces a crumpled fruit roll-up and throws it at Anaya. The fruit roll-up bounces off of Anaya’s chest and into her lap. She picks it up, rips open the package, and stuffs the entire snack in her mouth.
Kiara and Bree burst into laughter, but I don’t join in.
Instead, I check my phone. No texts, and it’s 5pm. Two hours from now, Cooper will be on a plane.
Anaya places a hand on my shoulder. “You okay, Stefi?”
“Yeah, than
ks.” I smile tightly, dragging my fork through the untouched rice on my plate.
“Is Kade Monroe going somewhere fancy tonight?” Bree asks through a mouthful of salad.
Hearing the word “Monroe” makes my heart go haywire. I can hardly bring myself to think about any of them.
And worse, that Cooper didn’t come to say goodbye.
Bree is looking at me expectantly, so I shrug. “Not sure. Why do you ask?”
“His security team was in reception right before I came for dinner. Apparently, the driver was pulling the limo around.” Bree leans forward, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “And Stefi, why didn’t you tell us that there was another Monroe boy staying here?”
“The other one’s a jerk,” I blurt. Three pairs of curious eyes turn on me, but I don’t elaborate further.
Arnold is likely pulling the limo around to the penthouse entrance this second. Kade is probably wishing his sons well before they climb into the backseat with all of their bags. Never to see Legacy Inn again.
I’ll never see Cooper again.
The thought is too much.
I push my chair back. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I’ll see you later for girls’ night.”
Before any of them can answer, I bolt out of the dining room. I run out of the front door of Legacy Inn and around the corner towards the penthouse. My heart slams against my ribcage as I run. It’s the same path I’ve walked every day for the past couple of months, but today, it feels like a death march.
I just want one last look at Cooper’s face before he leaves forever.
Breathing frantically, I peek around the side of the main Inn building, keeping myself out of sight. He obviously doesn’t want to say goodbye, and I’m sure he has his reasons. But I just need to see him. For my own closure.
Cooper exits the penthouse lobby and I immediately wish I hadn’t come. It’s painful to look at him. He and Brody walk towards the limo, the two of them laughing and joking around. He’s dressed fashionably in slim dark jeans and a soft burgundy button-down, open at the neck. No more sweatpants and PJ pants. Legacy Inn Cooper is now a thing of the past.
Brody says something with a smirk, and Cooper shoves him, laughing. His black coffee eyes sparkle even from this distance. He looks… happy.
My heart lifts to see his smile. He must be so excited to be going home.
The next moment, the boys walk around the back of the limo and out of sight. The sliver of joy deserts me and my heart cracks, right down the middle.
That was my last glance of Cooper Monroe.
He must’ve read my essay by now, he must’ve seen what I had to say. I just hope that, if he got anything from it, he understands how much he means to me. How much he’s changed my world for the better.
As for me, Cooper Monroe will always have a place in my heart. I’ll keep an eye out for him in magazines and tabloids, make sure he’s doing alright. I’ll follow what he’s doing and how his life is going. Despite the pain in my chest, the idea soothes me. With Cooper in the public eye, I’ll always be able to know if he’s okay. Even from afar.
Maybe I just have to accept that this is the perfect ending — the only possible ending — to our fairy tale.
The limo’s engine revs up and I collapse against the wall. My eyes sting.
This is it.
I wouldn’t dare blink as the limo pulls away.
A lone tear drops down my cheek. I feel empty.
Until I spot a dark figure, standing behind the limo and waving as it drives away.
What on earth?
The figure can’t be Kade — he never came outside — but it can’t be Brody or Cooper either. It can’t be.
The limo disappears around the corner, and the lone figure drops his hand. His black hair is standing on end from the wind, and he shoves his hands deep in the pockets of his jeans. The figure turns in my direction, like he somehow knows I’m here. Senses that I’m watching him.
My heart stops in my chest.
Cooper.
42
Stefi
The sun skims the top of the mountains in the distance, and the early evening light bathes the world in a warm glow. The sounds of people laughing in the garden feel distant and far away. A cool breeze brushes my skin, the first hint of fall.
But I barely register any of it. All I can see, all I know, is that Cooper Monroe is standing on the pavement in front of the penthouse entrance.
He frowns as he assesses the main Inn building, looking somewhat confused. What is he doing, still standing there? He should be in the limo. He begins to walk my way, towards the front door of the Inn. My body kicks into gear and I jump backwards. He notices the movement and his gaze zeroes in on where I’m hiding around the corner.
“Stef!” His mouth breaks into a wide smile. “Hey, Stefi!”
Me? He’s looking for me?
Every self-preservation instinct tells me to run away, to turn back, to avoid the potential for pain. But, I remember what I learned this summer. I take a step forward, shaky.
“Hi Cooper.” My heart is racing.
Cooper runs towards me. “Stef, I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Did you forget something?”
“Yes.” Cooper stands in front of me and takes both of my hands in his warm ones. “I forgot to tell you something that I should’ve told you a long time ago: how I really feel about you. I was helping you be brave and face your fears and take risks this summer, but I forgot how to do it myself when it mattered most. I’m so sorry, Stefi, for not telling you earlier. But you need to know the truth.”
“The truth?” I echo, dazed.
“Yes. That this was never a temporary thing for me. Ever.”
The world tilts on its axis and I’m grateful for Cooper’s hands around mine, steadying me.
“My entire life, I’ve felt untethered. I’ve been floating around, unsatisfied and uncertain about everything. Something was missing.” Cooper shakes his head. “It was you, Stef. You were never fleeting to me, you’re the one keeping me grounded. You’re the one thing I considered permanent. Whether we stayed together or not, whether we went our separate ways, your impact on me will last forever.”
I think my heart has stopped beating. I can’t believe what he’s saying.
“And speaking of permanence,” Cooper adds with a smile. “I’ve decided to stay in Montana. Permanently.”
My head spins. I look at Cooper — beautiful, kind, caring Cooper. The one person who changed my life. The one person who understands me completely.
“You’re staying?” I whisper.
“Yes. I asked my dad if I could move in with him. We’ve rented a house in Edendale, just for the two of us. I’m going to live with him, go to school in Edendale and work part-time on his movie set.”
“That’s why your room was all packed,” I breathe, dizzy.
Cooper frowns for a moment, confused. Then his eyes widen. “You thought I was leaving with Brody today. Did you really think that I wouldn’t say goodbye?”
“I had no idea what to believe.”
“Stef.” Cooper’s voice is low and his eyes shine earnestly. “I would never leave you like that. But, I don’t want you to feel any pressure because I’m staying. I completely understand if you don’t want to be with me, and I would never want to stand in the way of anything you want in life. So, if you want to be friends, or even acquaintances, it would be an honor. I’d like to be in your life in some small way... If you’re okay with that.”
My eyes fill with tears and I’m overcome by his words.
Cooper takes my hand and squeezes it. “I know that I let you down this summer, I’ve been a distraction to you. I never want to hold you back, or put you in a position where I could screw things up for you. But, if you could ever want to be with me — for real — I promise to put you first every single day. I promise to make sure that you’re on track to achieving your goals and dreams. Whatever you want. You deserve the world, Stef.”
His words are so beautiful and so true and so false all at once. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Cooper has never held me back, he’s never been a distraction. I’m the luckiest girl in the world to know him and be a part of his life. And now, he’s sacrificed so much to be by my side — whatever that might look like.
I take a step closer to him, and look into his eyes. I need him to understand every word I’m about to say. “Cooper. You’ve shown me so much this summer. You’re the one pushing me forward, the reason I want to be better. And I want to be with you more than anything.”
His eyes soften. “You do?”
“Of course.” I frown. “Didn’t you get my essay?”
Cooper blinks. “What essay?”
43
Cooper
I stare at Stefi blankly. Here I am, pouring my heart and soul out to her, and she’s talking about her essay.
“I left you a copy,” she says quietly, her beautiful face confused.
“You mean your college one?”
She nods. “I came to the penthouse this morning to give it to you. But I saw that you were leaving so I left it in your backpack.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and I look back towards where the limo pulled away. My backpack is lying on the pavement, abandoned. I grab the bag and run back to her before ripping it open. My heart pounds as I dig through the contents. Then, my hand lands on a slightly crumpled sheaf of folded papers.
I hold up the papers and Stefi’s hazel eyes glow. “Open it.”
With slightly shaking hands, I unfold the essay.
The Summer I Fell for a Billionaire
By Stefanie Clark
Three months ago, if you’d asked me about the “real” Stefanie Clark, I would’ve told you that I was a girl with a carefully curated plan for my life. I worked hard and studied harder. Strived for excellence in every single extracurricular and philanthropic endeavor. Never took risks.
The Complete Legacy Inn Collection: Four Sweet YA Romances Page 48