I sent my last-chance text earlier this afternoon, and I still haven’t gotten a reply. NowI’mstarting to get angry. I think it’s time for me to stop crying over men who ghost…
26
OWEN
Gina
Kendall misses John very much. Would you please ask him to contact her?
It was on my phone when I got back from spending the afternoon with all my Eureka relatives. Holiday season is upon us, and everyone is in town.
My best friend Ryan stayed with me, filling me in on all the news. He’s slowly taking over the job of editor, publisher, reporter, and photographer from his mom at the EurekaGazette.
My cousin Pinky bounced around the group, bossy as ever. Her bright red curls were impossible to miss, even from a distance, and even though we butted headsall. the. time.as kids, we grew up to be really close as adults.
My uncles and aunts observed us all with proud amusement, the next generation.
I had to walk over and take a knee by the little dog mydrag-queen “aunt” uses in her act. The previous Angie Dickenson was a miniature pink poodle. Angie Dickenson II is a teacup Yorkie.
“Is it okay if I take a picture of her to send to my… roommate?” It’s the wrong word for how important Gina is to me, but I can’t call hermyfiancéejust yet.
Hell, she’s probably not speaking tomenow. I have a feeling I’ll have to do some serious groveling to make up for my weekend of inner turmoil. My weekend of going off the grid, giving up the fight, and facing the irrevocable truth: I can’t live without Gina Bradford.
“Yes, you can, honey.” Auntie Monay places a large brown hand on my shoulder. “Thank you for asking. Angie the Second isn’t as bold as Angie the Great was.”
I take a quick photo with my phone before walking over to my aunt Cass’s little sister AJ and her outlaw husband Raif.
“Hey, how’s Nikki doing? Is Porkchop still around?” I’m talking about the little girl AJ brought back with her from Branson when she ran away from a “bad situation.”
That’s all they told us as kids. It all came out in the wash, like everything else did when we were growing up here in Eureka. It’s a small town, but it’s never been quiet or boring.
“She’s so smart.” My other “aunt” smiles proudly like she always does when she talks about Nikki. “She’s working for the UN doing French-to-English translations. She’s just brilliant, and to think…”
She shakes her head, touching the sentimental tears from her eyes, and I give her a hug. “I hope to see her again soon.”
They’re the wildcards of the family, but they have the biggest hearts.
Dad drives me to the airport after lunch. Our conversationfrom earlier is on my mind, and when Gina’s last text comes through, I make the decision to go for it.
“Did you think about what I told you?” Dad stands beside me at the tiny airport outside of town.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about it,” I look down, admitting the truth.
“Let me know how it goes.” He pulls me in for a hug, and I slap him on the back. “Don’t be afraid, son. You got this.”
His words give me confidence. “Thanks, Dad.”
“I’ll probably be homeafter dinner, but I’ll fill you in on everything when I get there.” I’m talking on FaceTime with my sister as we taxi into the private airport in LA. “I’ve missed my girl.”
“That sounds positive.” Heather is bright-eyed and smiling. “Does that mean things are better now?”
“Let’s just say I hope we do some celebrating when I get back. I’ll keep you posted.”
We disconnect as the flight attendants give me the okay to move around the small cabin. I’m the only one on this cross-country flight. The rest of the team came back yesterday evening.
I was more than willing to fly commercial, but the coach told me after how I’ve been playing, I’m a star now. That’s going to take a little getting used to.
While I’m flying, I text Haddy and Maverick, then I take out my laptop and work on setting up a few additional items.
