I released her hands and watched her pick up the first book.
* * *
BROOKLYN
I opened the book and found the dedication page.
To Little B,
This book is for you. You’ve always believed in me and because of you I want to be more, to be worthy of your faith. Thank you for being you.
I looked up to Nolan and the intensity in his eyes made me lose my breath. I gasped and let a tear fall for the young girl I had been and who had thought that I must not have been that important to him. I now knew that I had always been very close to him and it hadn’t been just a figment of my imagination, but that dedication was the proof I didn’t know I needed to let that old wound heal and finally disappear.
“Read the others,’’ he said in a whisper and bit on his lip ring.
I grabbed another one and another tear fell.
To Little B.
You’re the only good memory I have from home. I hope you’re proud of what I’ve become.
“Even if you hadn’t published a book I’d be proud of you, Nolan. Always.’’
He leaned closer to me and kissed my forehead. But he said nothing. I saw his Adam’s Apple jumping in his throat, and I knew it was as overwhelming for him as it was for me.
I took the other one.
Little B,
You’re never far from my mind. When I write I always wonder if you’d approve and that pushes me on. You’re my motivation.
The others were the same. They’re all dedicated to me and only me.
Little B,
Another book and another dedication for you. I’m a writer and yet I never know how to express what I feel whenever I think about you. Maybe you’ll understand this;you’re my Little B.
Little B,
I’m sorry for everything.
Little B,
In my head we’ll always be Big No and Little B. I hope we are in yours, too.
I closed the last book and put them on the coffee table, tears blinding me. I dried my face and turned to Nolan. He closed the gap between us and put his hands on each side of my face. With his thumbs he dried the tears under my eyes, very softly.
“I’ve never forgotten you. Ever.’’
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him to me. Just before our lips touched I put my forehead against his. “Thank you.’’
“I messed up and hurt you and I can never apologize enough, but you have to understand that you’ve always been in my heart. You’re a part of me, the best part.’’
“I love you, Nolan.’’
“I love you so fucking much. I will never turn my back on you again.’’
I nodded and let him kiss me. I felt our love, our years of friendships, our hopes and dreams in that kiss and it curled my toes.
Knowing that he had hurt too from that separation comforted me and soothed the last of my rough edges. Life had been tough on us both for different reasons and the important thing was that we were back in each other’s life and this time…this time is was deeper and didn’t have an expiration date.
Oh! And I had new dreams too, starting by sending a few demos to some small music labels. Who knew, maybe I could achieve more dreams now that I had the most important one.
The rest would find a way either with my parents or Nolan’s grief. We just needed time.
Acknowledgements
I’m very lucky to have several amazing ladies in my corner. I can’t thank them enough for their support, their friendship and their willingness to always read my books and give me their honest opinion.
First, I have to thank Wendy from the blog Bare Naked Words. She’s following me sincePatch Up and I don’t know what I’d do without her. Wendy, you know how much I love to work on my books with you. I can’t wait to know what you think of Jensen, hopefully your next book boyfriend.
Stacie, you’re one of the sweetest person I’ve been lucky to virtually meet. Even when you’re going through a lot you’re still there for me. Thank you.
Lucii, you’re my bestie from another country. Thank you for your patience, your friendship, your love for this book and for checking on me even when I’m not much online. Thank you for readingSix Years and giving me your opinion.
Cheree, Christie, Chloe, Louise, I’m always delighted and nervous when I send you my books. Thank you for your eagerness to read my stories. I can’t wait to send you the next ones!
To you, readers and bloggers, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for sharing my cover reveals, my sales and for recommending my books to your friends and followers. It means a lot and without your help I’m pretty sure no one would read my books. I hope you enjoyed this one!
See you soon with a new book!
About the Author
Stephanie Witter is a French dreamer. She started learning English at three and fell in love with the language. Always with a book or two close by, she started reading in English when she couldn’t wait any longer for Harry Potter to be translated in French. After a while, reading wasn’t enough. She started writing Young Adult and New Adult Contemporary novels, and PATCH UP is her first New Adult Contemporary novel.
Where to find Stephanie:
Website: http://stephanie-witter.weebly.com
Blog: http://stephanie-witter.blogspot.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/Stephanie.witter.author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/StephanieR76
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/stephaniewitter
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6982524.stephanie_witter
Email her at [email protected]
Newsletter: http://stephanie-witter.weebly.com/newsletter.html
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