I nod.
Before I can stop myself, I step forward, pressing my lips to his cheek, holding them there for several seconds. I close my eyes briefly before pulling back.
“Take care of yourself,” I say.
His hands move, gripping my upper arms. He drops his head, resting his forehead against mine, his own eyes closing for a moment before he reopens them, holding my gaze.
“Goodbye, Pen. Take care of yourself,” he says, pulling back.
I bite my lip and grip his damp forearms, squeezing them once before I turn and leave the room.
“Be happy, my beautiful friend. Time and fate never were on our side.”
His whispered words reach my ears, and I freeze as the door clicks shut behind me.
I drop my chin to my chest and inhale deeply. “Goodbye. I hope you find the happiness you deserve, too.” I whisper back, before kicking myself into motion. It’s time to go.
CHAPTER 33
PEN
Mum pulls me in for a hug, and I go willingly.
“I’ll see you in a few weeks,” she says, squeezing me tightly. This is just what I need.
“You will, then it will be full steam ahead,” I say.
She pulls back and cups my face.
“Just be happy,” she tells me.
“I will. I promise.”
Knowing eyes stare back at me. It’s eery how perceptive she is. The years when it was only the two of us, have formed a bond stronger than most.
She hasn’t mentioned Elijah this morning, instead, she’s gone full steam ahead in getting me back to the US and Kris.
“I love you,” I say, moving towards the car as Mason holds the door open. Gabriel having sent him to pick me up.
“I love you too.”
Mason shuts the door, and I hear mum say something to him.
When he gets into the driver’s seat, he turns to face me.
“Do you need to stop off anywhere, or is it straight to the airport?” he asks.
“Airport. The plane should be ready to go by the time we get there.”
He nods in confirmation and starts the engine.
I contacted Kris this morning. He managed everything despite the early hour. He’s heading to his sister’s birthday party at some fancy resort a couple of hours away. By the time I get back, I’ll be ready to crash, so I told him I’d see him on Sunday when he gets back.
My phone rings, and I pick up.
“Gabriel?”
“I just wanted to saythank youbefore you left.”
