Another round of goodbyes and hugs makes me feel like I’m leaving a whole lot of big brothers. Noah and Lix walk me to the gangplank, and Noah gives me a big, fierce hug as if I’m going off to war. “Have so much fun,” he murmurs. “Use condoms.”
I wince and laugh. I feel his smile.
“Call us if you need anything at all,” he whispers. “I meananything, Roux.”
I nod. “I will.”
Noah kisses my cheek and releases me. He rests a hand on Lix’s arm before walking back toward the guys. Lix nods in the direction of the ramp, and I lead the way down. He falls into step beside me once we’re on the pier, but we don’t speak as we head for the checkpoint. This time, we stop at the check-in.
“Welcome to the Isle of Kala,” the woman greets with a big smile. “Are you checking in?”
I nod. “Roux Kipler,” I tell her and take out my ID to hand over.
“I’ve got you right here. Staying for six weeks, Mr. Kipler?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She inclines her head. “I just need a credit card attached to your account. It can be the one you booked with or a different one.”
Lix hands her his credit card. I watch as she scans it, and after a few seconds, she hands it back.
“Dominant wrist, please,” she says.
I reach across the counter with my right hand, and she attaches a rubber bracelet. It’s thin and dark green. I glance at the thin, plastic paper one that Lix still has on his hand. I’m guessing the greater permanence of this one marks me as a guest rather than a visitor in need of a day pass.
“This side is the scanner. It is linked directly to your credit card, your food and beverage package, and serves as the key to your accommodations, which you’ll be escorted to right after you go through security. Do you have any questions, Mr. Kipler?”
I shake my head.
“Then right this way when you’re ready.” She gestures to the path on her right.
I nod, thanking her, and turn to Lix.
“Check in often,” he says. “Promise?”
I step forward and wrap my arms around him. “Promise. Thank you for spoiling me.”
He sighs. “Happily. You’re the best little brother, and I love being able to give you everything you want.”
“I don’t say this nearly enough, but I love you.”
Lix kisses the side of my head. “Love you too, Roux. Be good. Be safe. Have all the fun. Check in often. And please, check in with your therapist.”
I laugh. Hugging him fiercely, I nod and back away. “I will. I promise that too.”
“Good. Go.”
Nodding, I grab the handle of my suitcase and head down the path I’d been directed to. My heart races. This is it. Time to be an adult. All on my own. Have some fun and maybe… maybe come back a new, better man.
CHAPTER 5
OSCAR
I’ve finished packing my satchel and dropped it on the floor by the door when there’s a knock. Glancing at the clock, I surmise that breakfast is here.
The man at the door greets me with a smile. “Good morning, Mr. Lennon.”
“Hello.” I take a step back to let him in. “Would you bring it to the deck where my husband is, please?”
