Never Forget (Memories) (29 page)

"If someone had told me nine weeks ago when my parents drove into the smallest town in history that I'd be stood here saying goodbye to my Grammy today, I would have told them where to go. I would have laughed and told them my Grammy was immortal, with foundations rooted deep enough on this Earth to withstand a tsunami.

"I also would have been wrong. I've found out many things over the last two weeks, things I didn't know, but should have. It's all because of Grammy.

"One last summer is all she wanted with me. I'll always think I didn't spend enough time with her, but time isn't something you can measure. It's what you do in the time you do have that matters. This summer I've laughed, cried, joked and danced with her. I've listened to her tease me and try to play Cupid. I know why, now.

"She'll never get to watch me marry the man of my dreams, have children or graduate university. She'll never watch me land that big fashion label I've talked about since my mother introduced me to Chanel at age seven, and she'll never see my clothes on the runway. But, she's seen me happy. She's seen me fall in love and do some really, really crazy stuff this summer. Courtesy of Jen," I smile at my friend to a small rumble of laughter and she bows. "Seeing me happy was enough for her. Because of that, I've changed and grown into the kind of person I know she wanted me to be and for that, I'll always thank her.

"She wasn't just my Grammy. She was my friend, my rock, my confidante. She made everyone's day brighter without even realising it, especially mine. Some things in life are priceless, and she was one of them.

"So, Grammy, if you're up there listening with your Vino in hand, then thank you for being you because it's the greatest gift you could have given us. You're not here in body but you'll live on in our hearts and you'll never be forgotten. I don't know what else to say, and there's a pretty good chance I'm boring everyone now. We all know I got your, um, gift for talking, so I'm just gonna tell you that I love you. Those three words say pretty much all I need to say." I step down and pause at the coffin, kissing my fingers and pressing it against the wood. "You should also know I cut back your lavender plant earlier. I'm still waiting for you to come and kick my ass, so if you get a minute, I'll be on the M5 waiting for you."

Everyone laughs and I smile. I look back up and tears stream down Mum's face, but she smiles proudly and winks at me.

I did it.

~

"He's not here," I say to Jen and she hugs me.

"He's probably running late. I'll see you next week, right?" She smiles and I nod.

"Sure you will. Can't have a small town country girl getting lost in the big city." I shrug a shoulder.

"Ha, joker." She winks and climbs into her mum's car. "Love you!"

"Love you!" I wave after her.

"We gotta go, Lexy," Dad calls from the car.

I look around again and sigh. "Okay, Daddy."

I put my hand on the door handle when I hear the familiar rumble of a black 4x4 behind me. I turn my head slowly and Alec parks behind Dad's car.

"Need a lift?" He leans out the window.

"I'm pretty sure you're not headed my way," I say sadly.

He jumps out and slams the door. "You might be wrong there."

"Wh-what?" I mumble and drop my hand.

"Two months ago this little city girl walked into my life and took my world by storm." Alec stops in front of me and tilts my chin up. "She did something that made me fall stupidly in love with her, and baby, call me crazy, but there isn't a chance in hell I'm lettin' her walk back out of my life."

"You... You're coming to London? With me?"

"I know a guy who owns an estate agents. Said he'd find a flat close to some hot shot university and give me a job until I found one of my own or I could stay working for him." He winks and I turn to Dad in amazement. He shrugs his shoulders innocently and I smile.

"I'd never ask you to leave your home for me, Alec. There's no surfing in London." I stroke my finger down his cheek.

"Princess, you're not asking me to do anything. I made the choice and spoke to your Dad about finding a place to stay. He did it all. And besides.'' He leans his face into mine. "There might not be surfing in London, but there's no Lexy in Lilac Bay. I can live without the surfing, but live without you? You'd have to kill me first."

I press my lips to his and he holds me tight.

He's coming.

With me.

To London.

"So, did you need that lift?" His eyes twinkle.

"I'm pretty sure you're headed my way." I grin.

It's been a whirlwind summer filled with the unexpected. I've found true friendship again, I've fallen in love, felt the pain of heartbreak and I've said goodbye to a woman who I'll always remember.

As I climb into Alec's car and say goodbye to Lilac Bay, I know it's been a bitter sweet ending to a roller coaster summer.. But it's one I'll never forget.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By day, Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of wine and writes books.
She likes to write about magic, kisses and whatever else she can fit into the story. Sarcastic, witty characters are a must. As are hot guys. Emma is currently working on The Love Game, due 29
th
March, and the companion novel to Never Forget, titled Always Remember, due May sometime. She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to when all the ideas come to life.
 

You can find Emma online at:

Blog: emmahart93.blogspot.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/YAAuthorEmmaHart

Twitter: @EmmaHartAuthor

Goodreads:
www.goodreads.com/EmmaHart

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