OH BABY
Cici
Jackson waves when I step out of the secured area and wraps me in an enormous hug while spinning me around the second I reach him. I’m struggling to keep the tears at bay as the familiar tightness in my chest tells me they’re just under the surface. Knowing I was coming, I’ve been even more emotional over the last few days.
I school my features as he sets me down and pulls back. “You happy to see me?” I ask with a smirk.
“I’m so glad you’re here. It means a lot. Thanks for coming through.”
“Quit thanking me already. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Do you think she knows anything?”
“It doesn’t seem like it. You’ll have to tell me what you think after you talk to her.” He takes the handle of my bag, and we make small talk onthe way to the car.
“Are you nervous at all?” I ask as he pulls out of the airport parking garage.
“No, just impatient to put a ring on her finger. I’ve wanted to make it official since the day she came back. I won’t be settled until then.”
“And you think she’s ready this time? It’s only been three months.”
“Yeah, well, it was a year in the making, so she better be. But yeah, my instincts tell me she’ll say yes.”
“Phew, ’cause I’d hate to come all this way and have her turn you down again. I’d make you reimburse me for my ticket.” I punch his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, it won’t be for nothing.” He pauses, looking distressed.
“What’s that look for?”
“There’s something I want to tell you before you hear it elsewhere.”
“Is Mia pregnant?” I ask excitedly.
“What? No. It’s about Eli.”
“Oh geez, what about him?” I’m playing it cool, but my insides immediately clench. Do I want to hear what he’s about to tell me? Or should I avoid this talk altogether? “Actually, never mind. Stop right there. Eli doesn’t concern me, so whatever it is, keep it to yourself. I’m here for you and Mia, and that’s all. I won’t even be seeing him while I’m here.”
“Actually, that’s not true. I wanted all of you to be included, so Braden and Eli will be there too.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake.“Well, thank goodness we’re all adults. It’s fine, Jackson. That’s all you were worried about?” I ask. I’m a little offended he thinks I’m that sensitive, but with my emotions these days, I suppose he’s on point.
“Not exactly. Look, I’m just gonna come out and say it whetheryou want me to or not. He’s dating someone you know, and I’d rather you hear it from me than be taken by surprise, okay?”
“Okay….” Shit. I knew him seeing someone was a possibility, but fuck if it doesn’t sting to know for sure.
“He’s seeing Rebecca from the office.”
Did I just get punched in the gut?
I nod once. “All right.” That’s all I can say without flying off the handle because the shit that’s spewing in my head is anything but calm. I frickingknewshe’d pounce the minute I left. It wasn’t a coincidence when she was at the bar the first time he ran into her. I’m sure she staged it. I wonder how long it took to worm her way into his bed.
“How long have they been dating?”
He sighs, which tells me I won’t like the answer. Maybe it was a bad idea to ask. “Never mind, don’t tell me. It doesn’t matter. We weren’t in a relationship, Jackson. Hell, he could’ve started dating her the same day I left, and he would’ve had every right, so let’s leave it at that. And honestly, I’m not surprised. She had her eye on him from the start. Great. Good for them. They’re perfect for each other, and I hope they’re happy. Well, I hope Eli’s happy anyway.”And I should shut up now.
Jackson shakes his head in disbelief but doesn’t comment.
Luckily, he leaves me alone the rest of the drive. I’m only here for two nights anyway. Between dinner with Jackson and Mia tonight, tomorrow’s proposal, and Lily’s place, all before flying out Monday, I’ll be fine. A couple days from now, I’ll pretend I was never here. The prospect of seeing Eli tomorrow freaks me out a little, I won’t lie. Pretending in front of Jackson is one thing, but being faced with the man himself is an entirely different scenario—one I’m not prepared for.
Visiting with Mia and Jackson the rest of the day was relaxing. However, going to bed last night wasn’t. I lay awake for most of it, tossing and turning, wondering how this afternoon would go andwhat it’d be like to see Eli. When I finally fell asleep, it was early in the morning and fitful at best. Looking in the bathroom mirror upon waking, I almost lost it with how horrid I looked.
