The Keepsake

By Eve Corso

After the biggest loss of her life, Luisa was finally ready to go back out into the real world. When one small dinner party brings on a roller-coaster of emotions, she wonders if she's ready to face her life again.  A keepsake she hadn't expected to find there turns her world upside down. Can that keepsake and her new friends teach her how to let go?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crazy Ink
• Release date: Sep 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201904999

Book preview

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Chapter One

Luisa took a sip of her coffee but all she had left was the remnants at the bottom of the coffee mug, a spoonful’s worth of cold coffee mixed with some coffee grounds. She made a face at her computer screen as she set her office mug down. Luisa looked down at her watch, wondering if it was early enough to have another cup. It was just before noon . Definitely okay to go for one more cup , she thought. 

She smoothed down her loosely fitted, grey, button-down blouse and adjusted her pencil skirt as she stood up, her legs numb from sitting down for the last few hours. She walked to the breakroom in the office, avoiding eye-contact with her co-workers, per usual.  

Entering the breakroom, she could smell the aroma of a freshly brewed pot. Mandy, a new co-worker turned around and smiled at Luisa apologetically. 

After a month, I think I finally have this machine figured out, Mandy said with more energy than Luisa had in two years. 

Yeah, it looks more like a diner coffee machine, doesn’t it? You’d think they’d upgrade to a Keurig by now, Luisa replied, her voice soft. 

Well, it makes great coffee. Once someone can figure it out, Mandy said with a laugh. 

Luisa didn’t know much about Mandy, but she seemed nice. She was few years younger than Luisa, full of life, with a big smile. Her wardrobe was more colorful and stylish than Luisa’s own. Mandy was dressed in a bright blue dress with colorful flowers as a pattern. But it wasn’t the dress that caught the eye, it was the accessories. Mandy wore a bright orange necklace that matched the flowers on the dress, with cute silver shoes. The whole ensemble worked for someone like Mandy with her pretty blonde hair curled around her face. Luisa felt like a dark cloud just standing next to her. She toyed with the back of her brunette ponytail subconsciously as she waited for Mandy to pour coffee. 

Suddenly, the door to the breakroom swung open heavily and one of Luisa’s favorite faces popped in. 

Hey, people! What’s going on? Rick asked cheerfully. Rick worked in a different part of the office but came in for deliveries a couple of times a week. Luisa didn’t think she ever had the energy to match Rick’s, not even when she had been a toddler. But he made the workplace fun, even for Luisa, though she rarely partook in conversations with him. 

Good morning, Luisa said, with Mandy echoing the words as well. 

Man, that coffee smells good. I tried it once, you know? Hated how it tasted, but I love how it smells, Rick said. He was the kind of person who was usually an over-sharer. But it’s what Luisa liked about him. She wondered what kind of person he was married to, what his wife was like. If she was as merry as Mandy and Rick, or if she was more of the quiet type, like Luisa herself.

I’ve been drinking coffee since college and didn’t start drinking it for the taste. But now that I am older, I can honestly say that I appreciate its flavor, Mandy said. 

Luisa meanwhile, couldn’t remember the last time she enjoyed anything, much less the taste of coffee. Drinking it now seemed like a ritual. She remembered having liked it before, back when she seemed like a completely different person. But now, it had become routine, just like everything else in her life. Having nothing to say on the matter, Luisa stepped up to counter since Mandy was done mixing her own coffee. But instead of leaving right away like Luisa would have done, Mandy lingered in the breakroom for a little bit of chit-chat. 

So, it’s finally Friday. What kind of shenanigans are you two up to this weekend? Rick asked. He looked at Luisa first as he filled his water bottle from the watercooler. 

I was thinking about maybe buying some house plants, she said, lying just for something to say, then realizing that she probably should buy some house plants. A little greenery might not be a bad idea. She had only thought of it on-the-spot since she hadn’t thought about what she was going to do besides curl up with a book and read all weekend. 

House plants are cool. Rick looked at Mandy next. How about you?

Oh, well, I got invited to a barbecue in Manhattan Beach, but not sure if I’m going, Mandy said as Luisa opened the fridge for coffee creamer. 

Barbecue? Why wouldn’t you go? That sounds awesome! Rick replied.

Well, a cousin of mine invited me but then came down with a cold yesterday. The couple hosting still wants me to come even though I wouldn’t know anyone there. Won’t that be awkward? 

Oh, yeah, that is kind of awkward, Rick said  then he shrugged, turning to Mandy again. But dude, free food. I say, go.

Mandy laughed. That’s the thing. This couple is known for their barbecue. They enter and win all types of contests. I was so looking forward to it. 

You could take a friend, Rick suggested. 

Mandy thought about it and made eye-contact with Luisa just as she was about to walk out of the breakroom. 

Hey, would you want to come with me? Mandy asked Luisa before she got to the door.

To the barbecue? Luisa asked, a confused look on her face. 

Yeah, I mean, it could be fun. Plus, think of all the great food.

Hell yeah, Luisa. You should go, dude! Rick said, agreeing. 

Luisa almost smiled at Rick’s use of the word dude again but kept her composure. Oh, well I won’t know anyone, she said, stating the obvious in her moment of shock at being invited somewhere. 

Mandy laughed a sweet-natured laugh. You’d be doing me a favor. We could get to know everyone together.

Food, dude, Rick said. Go, he nodded encouragement. 

Rick’s simple words inspired Luisa. Without thinking, she nodded and gave a half smile. Okay. Why not? You can find my phone number in the employee roster. Text me the details, Luisa replied, unsure as to how to feel about the whole situation. 

Mandy gave her a bright smile. Will do. 

Luisa nodded, a sign of her departure as she held the coffee mug close to her face, hiding her anxious nerves. 

When the door closed behind her, Rick took one look at Mandy. She could use a friend, you know? 

Mandy nodded in reply. Yeah, some of the others have told me about her past. So tragic. I can’t even imagine, she said, both of their voices low.

They were going to be married a month after the accident. I guess she was never really the same afterwards. 

And who can blame her? Imagine losing the love of your life like that? They were both deep in thought for some time when Mandy voiced her thoughts. How long ago was it? I mean, how long has it been, if I can ask?

Rick whistled a low whistle. I don’t know, honestly. Before she started here, for sure. And we’ve both been here about one year now? So maybe two years, I’m guessing? 

Poor thing, Mandy whispered. 

She’s a good person, I think. She seems nice and everything. But she could probably use a break, is all. 

Mandy nodded again. I get it. I moved from Colorado to get away from an ex. This is my fresh start. We all deserve one. 

Rick held up his full water bottle. Cheers to that. Good luck and may the force be with you. We are all rooting for her. And for you too. Hope your fresh start, is uh, off to a good start.

I’ll do my best, Mandy said with a laugh, accepting the challenge. 

Chapter Two

Luisa was in a deep sleep when she felt a bearded face nuzzle hers. She placed a palm to his face, her hand against his stubble. She smiled in her sleep-ridden state, her body curling up to the warmth of his body against hers. Her hands looked for a half-naked body next to hers, but instead she found a fully clothed lover hovering over her, blankets wrapping her body in warmth. She looked at him in the dim light of the dawn in the bedroom. 

What are you doing up so early? she asked. 

Oh well, I wanted to get some writing done this morning. Hey, but I brought you some coffee. Cal tilted his head, indicating the steaming mug sitting on the bedside table. He scooted away from her, giving Luisa room to stretch. I even fixed it the way you like. One tablespoon of sugar, right? 

Luisa sat