Present
“I’m sorry,” he says, holding my hand as we stand in front of the security gates at the airport.
I cup his scruffy jaw. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I’m sorry for leavin’ you.”
Bringing my other hand to curl around his neck, I pull him closer. “Never be sorry for being you. This is part of your job. It’s part of who you are. One of the many reasons I love you.”
“I will never get sick of hearing that,” he says, resting his forehead against mine then pressing his lips there.
“You better go,” I whisper around the knot in my throat.
His knuckles drift across my cheek before his lips meet mine in a tender kiss. “Please think about coming next weekend,” he pleads. “There’s no way I’ll make it two full weeks without holdin’ you in my arms.”
We discussed this on the way here. He wants me to come up for the weekend for dinner with his label and to help him pack up some things at his house since he’s moving back to Grandeur permanently. I really want to go but I don’t want to leave his mom or Caroline.
“I’ll think about it.”
He nods, clasping my hand with his. “You’re coming. So make plans.”
Ignoring his demand, I kiss him once more. “Have a safe flight.”
“Stubborn woman.” He finally releases my hand. “I love you,” he nearly shouts as he makes his way past the gate. He’s walking backward, an adorable grin smothering his handsome face.
“Love you, too,” I mouth.
I stay rooted to my spot until he’s out of sight. Sucking back a deep breath, I mentally prepare myself for the days ahead. I’m going to need to keep myself extra busy so I don’t think about this deep ache in my chest.
I almost make it back home when my cell begins ringing from the console. I smile, thinking it’s Linc but it’s not, it’s Dani.
My smile falters as I think about our last encounter.
“Hello?” I answer, hesitation thick in my voice.
“Hey, Sylvie.”
“Hey.”
“How are you?”
“Good. How are you?”
“I’m okay.”
Painful, awkward silence fills the line, making me feel uncomfortable. Dani and I have always kept it civil, but there is an underlying truth that she’s never really liked me. I was never good enough for her brother and she made that clear more than once while we were married.
It was my fault I got pregnant.
My fault he turned to drugs.
And we all know she blames me for his death.
“What’s up, Dani?” I try to keep my voice calm when inside I’m anything but. She always puts me on edge, and I’m eager to get to the reason for her call.
“I wanted to apologize,” she says quietly.
I can hear the sincerity in her voice but I’m still on guard. Manipulation is her game and I’m not playing.
