Exposed Live at His Launch

On our third anniversary, my boyfriend said he couldn't get away from a project overseas. He told me to take a trip on my own.   I rented a bike and rode around Lake Bellmere, stopping for a break in Willow Quay.   The wooden bridge at the rest stop was covered with locks carved by couples. I trailed my fingers across them, then I froze.   The last one in the third row read: Gavin Kessler & Cecily Morrow. Our First Trip, 2022.   Gavin Kessler was my boyfriend.   It had to be a coincidence. I smiled and leaned closer to check the date.   A young woman with a canvas bag walked over, hung a new lock on the bridge, and dusted off her hands.   "Are you hanging one, too? My boyfriend and I carve one every year. This is our third."   She sounded proud as she pointed out the first two.   I followed her finger. A line of smaller writing was carved into the back of the first lock.   Gavin promised to bring me back every year.   The signature was exactly like my boyfriend's.   Still pointing at the locks, she asked, "Have you and your boyfriend been here together?"   I tightened my grip on the handlebars and forced a smile.   "We have. But his memory's terrible. He only remembers to bring other women."   "Traveling alone is so boring. My boyfriend booked a table by the window at our lakeside inn. Come have some tea with us."   Cecily took my arm with a guileless smile.   I lowered my eyes and nodded. "Sure. I could use a break from cycling."   She wheeled the bike ahead of me, her steps light.   "This is our third year together. Gavin says we've made a tradition of it."   I watched her walk ahead. "You've come on this exact date for 3 years?"   "Yes! Every year, on this exact day."   She looked over her shoulder, beaming.   "Gavin runs a big startup. He's always swamped. But when this date comes around, he'll cancel anything."   On this day 3 years ago, Gavin had sighed over the phone. The company's overseas risk management system had crashed. He was stuck working around the clock for 3 days in Port Alder.   On this day 2 years ago, he'd said his investors in Meridian Bay had called a last-minute closed-door meeting. If he missed it, he'd have to wait another year.   Just 2 nights ago, he'd kissed my forehead and told me how sorry he was that his European project was still wrapping up. He'd asked me to enjoy the moon over Lake Bellmere for both of us.   We'd spent more than 1,000 days and nights together. For 3 years, every excuse for breaking a promise to me had its own love lock in Bellmere.   "You're awfully quiet."   Cecily stopped and turned to me.   "Just thinking."   I took out my phone and pretended to photograph the distant Alden Mountains.   "The light's beautiful here."   I opened my chat with Gavin and typed a message.   Audra: Are you in a meeting?   The Typing... indicator appeared.   Gavin: Just got out of a closed-door meeting with the teams in different time zones. Happy third anniversary, baby.   A voice message followed. His voice was husky and tender.   "The jewelry I ordered for you has arrived at the house. Once things settle down, I'll make it up to you. I promise."   I gripped the warm phone and fought to keep my emotions in check.   He was only 1.2 miles away, hiding behind an imaginary time difference. Even his punctuation made him sound devoted.   "Gavin just texted to ask if I wanted steak or wild mushrooms on the grill."   Cecily swung the insulated mug in her hand.   "He's so thoughtful. I get cold easily, so he got up early to make me honey-ginger tea in the inn's kitchen."   I looked at the pink mug and managed a thin smile.   "Does he make it often?"   "Every time we go away. He even knows exactly how many slices of lemon I like."   She pushed open the wooden gate of the lakeside inn.   "Gavin! I met this lovely woman at the rest stop. I invited her for tea!"   A breeze off the lake lifted the white curtains around the patio.   Gavin came toward her with a woman's wrap in his hands. He was wearing the gray shirt I'd ironed for him last month. His expression softened at the sight of her.   "Look at you, all sweaty. Put this on before the breeze gives you a chill."   He took her half-finished cup of juice, slipped in a straw, and held it to her lips.   He did it without thinking, with the easy familiarity of 3 years together.   His back was still to the gate. He hadn't noticed me.   I stood in the shade of a patio umbrella. When I stepped back, the gravel crunched beneath my shoe.   "She's traveling alone, too."   Cecily turned and waved me over.   Gavin finally looked around. The smile froze on his face.   "Au... Audra?"   His eyes widened. His fingers clenched around the plastic cup until it creaked.   "Small world, Mr. Kessler."   I met his panicked stare.   "Since when do meetings in Port Alder take place in Bellmere?"