He watches me and I know that’s not what he meant but I can’t promise him I’ll be back soon. As I told Sage, I don’t intend to come back to Cedar Brook Falls for a very long time.
*
My plane lands at LAX at noon, and while flying first class affords me to be one of the first people to leave the plane, I take a minute to compose a text to Sage.
Hey. Hope you slept in this morning. I missed waking up next to you.
Shit. I delete the last part before continuing the text.
I just landed in L.A. and the sun is obnoxiously shining but it feels good on my face. I had a great time with you, Sage. And—
And—what? I hope she has a great day? No. That’s stupid.
I hope you find someone who treats you right.Nah. That sounds like a cop out even for me.
I rub my face with my hands and sigh a big breath through my fingers.
“Sir? It’s time to leave now.”
“Oh,” I say, having completely forgotten where I was for a minute. I grab my bag and pull away from the seat. “I’m sorry. I’ll get out of your way.”
“No problem, sir. I hope you had a great flight.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
As soon as I get off the plane and walk through the boarding bridge, my phone buzzes. It’s my agent. “Hey, Brett. What’s up? I just arrived in L.A.”
“I know. I got a notification on my phone that you landed. I need you to come straight to my office. There are some offers I want to discuss.”
“Um…” I look at my watch. I’d planned to go to the gym as soon as I got back, right before meeting with my trainer later. “Can we discuss it over the phone? I’ve got a lot lined up for today.”
“You blew me off all week. I won’t let you do it now that you’re back.”
“Brett, I’ve been busy.”
He sighs and I can feel his frustration through the phone. “Fine. Call me back when you’re in the car on the way to your apartment.”
“Fine.”
I hang up but clumsily drop my phone as I approach an airport rep showing people where to line up for the exit. She picks up the phone and I can tell by the way her eyes widen that she recognizes me. “You’re Casey Tucker, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Oh, you don’t have to wait in line. I’ll take you straight through.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. I’m a big fan. I bet you’ll win the World Series this year.”
I smile wryly. “I hope you’re right.”
She ushers me through the crowd and nods to the security guard. “It was great meeting you. Do you mind if I get a picture with you?” She’s already reaching for her phone in her back pocket.
“No, that’s fine.” I pose beside her and she puts up a peace sign next to my face.
“Thanks!” she says as she’s checking the photo.
I pick up my bag and search for the exit to find a taxi.
