5. Check on what I need to do to switch over to a North Carolina license and registration for my car.
6. Tell everyone goodbye.
I think I know how much time I realistically need.
"Ryan," I say through the line, but there's no response. "RYAN!"
"Shit, sorry little sis. I was talking to Jeremiah. He says to tell you hello by the way, and he can't wait to see you again. He just reminded me it's been like seven years since he’s seen you."
"Really? Has it been that long?" I ask casually, pretending it’s not a big deal, especially since I know exactly how long it's been. In fact, I could tell you how long right down to the second.
"Shit, wait until he sees you now. I mean, he's seen your pictures on the wall, but that's different than in person. Fuck, that reminds me. I've got to make sure all these damn horn dogs around here know that you’re off limits."
"Yeah, yeah, you know one day you won’t be able to scare off everyone. Don't you want me to get married someday and have little cousins for RJ to play with?"
"Yeah, but you're too good for these guys. I want you to find a good one. One with a stable job so he can help take care of you."
"Whatever, big brother. Okay, so how does two weeks sound? That way, I have time to learn the town and do any last-minute stuff before school starts." I bite my lip, hoping he doesn't care about me being there almost a month early.
“Fuck yeah. Two weeks it is. Shit, I got to plan a welcome party for you.” He starts to ramble, but I stop listening.No, no, no, he can't do that.I know for a fact he'd invite Jeremiah and I don't want to see him. Seeing him happy with his bitch of a wife and child would tear me apart, no matter how long it’s been and I'm not ready to handle that.
“Ryan, stop! Please! No party,” I beg, hoping he hears the desperation in my voice. “I just want to enjoy spending time with you before it gets hectic. Plus, I'd rather take my time being introduced to all your friends.”
“Fine, but can Maddy at least plan a girls’ night for you and her?”
“That I can do happily.” I laugh. I love Maddy, and I can't wait to see her again. It's been about seven months since they came home, and it was only for a few days to celebrate Christmas.
“Okay, let me get off here and finish my workout. Huh, hold on.” I can hear muffled voices on his end and I wonder what’s happening.
“Hey Amberlee, Jeremiah wants to say hello real quick.”
“Oh, maybe next time, my phone is dying. Got to go,” I quickly hit the end button and power off my phone. I need my little white lie to be convincing.
Just the thought of hearing that sexy, deep voice of Jeremiah’s has butterflies fluttering in my stomach. But I don't have time to sit and think about it. I’ve got a move to plan.
Turning back to my laptop, I type out my response to the job offer, accepting the terms and letting them know when I’m expected to arrive, just in case they need me to report earlier for any paperwork or anything.
Next, I send Principal Steiner a very heartfelt resignation letter. I wish I could have told him to fuck off, but I still need him to give me a good recommendation when needed. Telling him that I hope someone chops his dick off and he gags on it, might not go over well. Lastly, I do my thirty-day notice to my apartment complex.
Slipping on my sandals, I pick up my keys from the dish by the door and hand carry it to the office. I love this place and will miss it. I hope I find a place just as nice to live in Fayetteville. Thankfully, living with Ryan allows me to be pickier with where I stay, not just taking the first place that has availability.
I can't believe it. Soon I'll be in a whole new state, in a town where I have no friends and don't know a soul. Well, I do, but half of them I plan to avoid like the plague.
Two weeks later
“Okay, sis, the last box is packed up. Are you ready?” Ryan calls from the living room.
While he was packing the U-Haul, I was busy cleaning each room as he emptied it of the boxes still left to make time more efficient. I'd gotten the truck two days before he got here and a couple of my friends helped me load up everything but the couch and my bed and a few other things I needed my big brother to help me with. I was hoping to be on the road as quickly as possible and I knew he would be tired from flying in after not getting off work until almost midnight, then having to be at the airport by five am.
He could only get a week of leave approved, and I want to make sure he has time to rest before going back. By driving the U-Haul with the attached trailer with my car on it, I know we will have to drive a little slower, making the estimated three-day trip a four-day trip from Freeport. So, if we can leave by late afternoon, that would be ideal. Ryan had mentioned he slept some on the flight and that I was going to drive the first leg. We'deither pull into a rest stop and sleep a few hours tonight, or get a room somewhere on the road. Ryan said we could just play it by ear as we went, and that sounded good to me.
“I'm ready. I just need to drop the keys off at the office.” Stepping back into the room, I see him leaning against the wall, his eyes closed as he waits for me.
“Okay,” he pushes off the wall, stumbling slightly.
“Give me the keys. I put a blanket and two pillows in the front for us.” He smiles, and I know he'll be asleep in no time.
Chapter 3
