Page 133 of Company Ink

"So, what does the letter say?" Monique probes. "Read it to me."

"No! This is private!" I exclaim, holding the letter to my chest. "For my eyes only."

Vanessa scoffs. "You read it to me earlier, Cassie."

My mouth drops. "Traitor!"

"Come on, Cass!" Monique pleads. "Entertain me, I can't do anything fun anymore. Please!"

"Fine!" I grunt, opening the eggshell white letter, my fingers tracing the cursive ink.

"Okay, so he wrote:

Dear Cassandra,

Today is August 4th, which means it's been 1 year since I semi-stalked you to New York. 52 weeks since you agreed to have a coffee with me, a coffee that took us a little over three months to actually schedule. 365 days since you told me that you were going to spend the next year focusing on your studies. 8760 hours since I knew you'd be worth the wait.

As I sit in my empty, dark office with only the flickering shadows of tea candles for light (another power outage), I can't help but countdown the days until you're back in Seattle. The year is over, Cassie, and if it's okay with Vanessa (hi, Ness) I'd very much like to pick you up at the airport on Sunday.

I've waited long enough for you. Say yes.

Yours Truly,

Blake Pearson

P.S. Perhaps your reply can come in the form of an email or a text message. Even though I have great faith in the United States Postal Service, I'd hate for you to arrive before your answer.

P.S.S. Hello Monique

"Holy cannoli," Monique sings. "That guy is one smooth...writer."

Squealing, I throw my head back. "I know!"

"Okay, relax there, Monica," Ness quips. "You're getting all squeaky."

"I can't help it! I'm just so—" I let out an ecstatic sigh. "I just can't wait to be back in Seattle. Everything is just so perfect right now. I have my degree, I've lived in New York, and now I just—I need my man." I pause, my face falling. "He is mine, right? He wants to date me... right?"

"Oh my God, Cassie," Monique laughs. "The man wrote you handwritten letters for a year, I think it's safe to say that he's interested."

I grin, biting my lip. "You're right. You're right. Ah, I'm so excited."

"We're excited for you," Ness says warmly. "A year is a long time for you to go without sex."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, shut up!"

"Oh gosh, you guys are too much," Monique laughs. "So, you're flying back Sunday? Where are you staying? With Ness and Lucy?"

I groan. "Well, I rented this Airbnb downtown until I figure out what to do with the house. The lease for the renters is up at the end of the month, then I might sell."

"And for a job?" Monique asks in her mom-voice. "Any leads?"

"I'll have you know that I've hired a job agency to help me," I state proudly. "They've been sending out my resumes this past week. I've gotten a few replies but nothing that really catches my eye."

"A job agency?" Monique purses her lips, nodding. "I'm impressed. No Twitter?"

I scoff. "It's the last resort now."

"I'm proud of you, Cass," Monique smiles.