I swallow the lump in my throat. Old habits die hard. The words won’t come. Especially not with my sisters’ eagle eyes glaring at me from across the table.
‘Where are you?’
‘LA. I can’t get a flight until tomorrow.’
I disconnect the call, pushing my chair back with my bum.
‘Where are you going?’ Sasha and Victoria speak in unison.
‘I’m going to do what I should have done last week.’
ChapterForty
JAYDEN
Typical that the only flight to Scotland today left half an hour ago. Tempting as it is to hire a private jet, I give Chloe the day to reflect, well night, as it is in the UK right now.
Clearly, Sasha told her the truth of the situation. Something I could kick myself a hundred times for not doing myself.
I expected her to open up to me, but I just couldn’t do the same.
To try to clear my head, I hit my home gym hard, but no amount of physical pain can work off my internal agony.
Sara makes me one of her famous steak sandwiches, but I can’t stomach it, not knowing if Chloe can forgive me. Or if I can ever forgive myself for being so stupid. For risking everything we had, all because I was so determined to be a hero.
Lula’s gone to visit two colleges today and meet with the deans. At least that’s something. Sofia would be happy, of that I’m sure. I’ve fulfilled my promise to her, even if it’s cost me my own happiness.
I pack a bag, just to pass the time. My Samsonite’s got more action than me this year and that’s saying something, given it’s the same summer I embarked on the most fabulous fling of my life.
As day turns to night, Kim leaves the office in my house. She’s been fending off all my calls and emails today.
‘TMZ printed an apology for wrongly announcing your engagement, and Mia and Naomi both called to say someone had anonymously deposited a million dollars into each of their bank accounts. Not sure they’ll get an apology though…’
‘It’s something, I suppose. Any word on that snake, Colton?’
‘His car’s parked at the Johnsons. No surprises there. Do you want to sue him? He broke his NDA, violated your privacy and almost ruined the girls.’
‘I think it would be irresponsible not to, or else what’s to deter him from doing it again?’
‘I’ll get on to the legal team first thing in the morning.’ She pauses, shooting a sympathetic look my way. ‘Want to go for a beer? Me and Gareth are heading for one, anyway.’
I glance up from the couch. ‘No thanks, Kim.’
‘Wallowing won’t help, you know.’ She shakes her blonde hair gently.
‘I don’t know what to do with myself. I’ve never been in love before, let alone lost it.’
Kim pads across the marble floor to perch on the couch next to me. ‘I might not be the best person to give advice considering my track record, but I think the general rule is, when you find it, you fight for it.’
‘I just never imagined feeling this way. Especially about her. Everything’s changing and I don’t know if I’m coming or going. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.’
‘It’s all you can do.’ She pats my hand before standing again. ‘All jokes aside, Jayden, she’d be lucky to have you. You’re a good man.’
She slips out of the front door, leaving me to wallow in misery on the couch.
Just after eleven, the buzzer sounds from the front gate. I thought Lula was staying at Diego’s tonight. If it’s Kim and Gareth trying to cheer me up, they’re wasting their time.
The only person I want to see is five thousand miles away.
