“Good,” he replies, pulling me into his arms. I cuddle into him and we fall asleep.
CHAPTER 19
GABE
It’s now February and it’s that time of year again when I move back to Blue Valley. Normally, I tell my kids goodbye and hit the road. It’s pretty straightforward. But this year, it’s not so easy. Not with Layla.
Layla: I have some bad news. I have to fly out tonight. For work.
Gabe: Damn.
Layla: I know. I feel terrible. But I can’t cancel this meeting. It’s a big one for us.
Gabe: Okay.
Layla: Are you mad?
Gabe: Not mad. Just a bit disappointed. That’s life, though. I really wanted to see my woman one last time. Feel her arms around me.
Layla: I wanted the same. Cora’s kid got sick and she can’t get a babysitter. And Chris is out of town.
Gabe: I understand.
Layla: You sure?
Gabe: 100%.
Layla: Okay. I love you.
Gabe: I love you, too.
Layla: Let me know when you get back to Blue Valley.
Gabe: I will. Stay safe.
Layla:
I planned to leave in the morning, spending one last night in Layla’s arms. But that’s not going to happen now. I head to the gym to work off the disappointment. I’ll live. It just makes my heart hurt a tad bit. But we’ll see each other as soon as we can. I just hope it doesn’t take months, as I have to head to Florida with the team in a couple of weeks for Spring Training.
The next day is uneventful. I drive back to Blue Valley and settle into my place there. It’s not as nice as my place in Chicago; it’s just a condo. A really nice condo, but still. It’s not a home; it’s more of a bachelor pad.
As soon as I pull into my designated parking stall, I shoot off a text to Layla.
Gabe: Made it back to Blue Valley
Layla:
Gabe:
Layla doesn’t reply again, so I’m going to assume she’s still busy with work. I’ll call her later, as I don’t have to be back in office until tomorrow. Meanwhile, I need to unload my car and unpack my stuff.
Later That Evening
Layla
I FaceTime Gabe.
“Hey, handsome. Miss me?” I murmur.
