“Yes, I do.” Another pause. “So? What are you going to do?”
“Honestly? I’m gonna crash somewhere for the night because I’m too exhausted to drive all the way back.”
“That’s sensible. No need to get into an accident because you’re driving tired.”
“Exactly.”
“May I offer a suggestion?”
He chuckled again. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Call the guys or text them and let them know you’re okay.”
“I will. I promise.”
“Good. And text me when you get to a hotel so I know you’re safe. Now I’m going to worry until you’re back at the resort.”
“Joanne…”
“Nope. You’re not going to talk me out of it. I’m a mom, and you’re one of my kids, so deal with it.”
That was the greatest reminder he’d heard all day.
“Thanks.”
They talked for a few more minutes, and as soon as they hung up, he searched for the nearest hotel and drove there. Fortunately, it was only ten minutes away. He was tired, hungry, and knew he needed to reach out in the group text to the guys and maybe eat a little crow.
Oh, there still needed to be a conversation between him and Connor, but not over the phone. It needed to be face-to-face.
As soon as he was checked in and in his room, he tossed his duffel bag aside, flopped down on the bed and pulled out his phone. First, he texted Joanne to let her know he had arrived safely and even gave her the name of the hotel. Then he opened up the group chat with the guys.
Axel: Hey. Just wanted to let everyone know I’ll be back tomorrow.
He figured no one would respond right away—probably because they all thought he was an asshole—but little dots immediately danced on the screen.
Walker: Are you okay? Where are you?
Walker: If you want to come back tonight, I swear we’ll all give you your space.
“Crap.” Sighing loudly, it hit him that he’d been a dick to Walker for no reason. He wasn’t the one Axel had an issue with.
It was Connor.
All Connor.
And maybe a little at Milo.
Axel: I’m already checked into a hotel. I was driving aimlessly and went farther than I realized. I’ll be back tomorrow.
And before he forgot…
Axel: Sorry I bailed like that.
Walker: Totally understandable. I know I wanted to bail more than once.
Axel: Yeah, but you didn’t.
Walker: My situation wasn’t the same.
