If It Makes You Happy

by Julie Olivia

“You know,” he says, running a free palm through his hair, “I’m not exactly familiar with how to handle someone kidnapping my child.” “What?” The word comes out sharper than I intended it to. “Should I call to report you and your”—his eyes trail down to Rocket—“attack dog?” He smirks. It’s a joke. He’s joking.

“So,” Carol says, “Michelle, how do you like it in Copper Run so far?” “I’ve only been here an hour.” “An hour?” Carol gawks. “I stole her,” I say nonchalantly.

“You should tell more jokes. Be yourself. It’s charming.” “Charming?” “You’ve charmed me.” I roll my eyes. “See?” he says. “Your scowl, for one, is gorgeous.”

“He’s a loser,” Cliff repeats, moving back to kneading dough. “Why else would he cheat on you? You’re stunning.” My heart skips as I stammer, “Wh-what?” “That’s not an opinion. That’s a fact. You are. Even when you scowl at me.”

The world tilts. It suddenly feels like I’m falling through the ground, straight to the center of the earth. God, she’s breathtaking.

“Ah, screw it.” Cliff sinks his hand into my hair, cups my head, and collides his lips with mine.

“Question for you now, Clifford,” she says, mocking my tone from earlier. I chuckle and raise my glass. “Shoot.” “Do you know you’re in love with my sister?”

“Cliff likes you, Shelly. What are you doing?” “I don’t understand the question.” “What. Are. You. Doing?” she says, enunciating every single word. “That man would jump off a bridge if you told him to, except, whoops, he’s already jumped, and he’s now down the river, waiting for you to tell him what to do next.”

I dig in my pocket for coins and push a quarter into the pay phone. My fingers shakily mash over the small numbers until a dial tone rings. Over and over as my heart pounds more and more. Then, the line clicks. “Thanks for calling Bird & Breakfast. This is Michelle. How can I help you today?” My heart rate slows. Her voice is soft. Warm. Comforting.

“This is so complicated!” I raise my voice above the jumble of a nothing argument I’ve created. “I want you to be happy and⁠—” His next words almost come out in a whisper. “Have you ever thought I might be happy with you?”

In Seattle, the plows are practically on the roads before the meteorologist even says there will be snow.

“I’ll see you sooner than either of us can blink,” I reassure her. “You’re right,” she says with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “I know.” Michelle shakes her head and laughs. Then, finally, she turns, dragging both suitcases behind her, and walks away. My breath catches. My nose stings. My chin is wobbling. Michelle turns around to see me again, and I let out a choked exhale. I hope she can’t hear it.

Through another choked exhale, he says, “Don’t get on the plane.” “What?” “Don’t get on the plane, Michelle.” “I don’t⁠—” “I love you.”

“Oh my God, I’m sorry, ma’am. I forgot to introduce myself.” He sticks out his palm. “My name is Cliff. I can’t believe I showed up and kissed you. So rude of me.” My heart leaps so high that it cuts into my throat and stings my eyes. I slide my hand into his. “I’m Michelle,” I say. “It’s nice to meet you.” Shake. “God, you’re beautiful,” he says. “I actually think I might love you.” “I think I might love you too.” Shake.