He nodded. “I suppose so. Do ya want to go to get something to eat, or do ya wanna crash?”
I ran a hand over my face. “I ate on the plane, but if you’re hungry, we can go.”
Owen looked at me like I’d grown a second head. “Who the fuck are you and what have ya done with my friend?”
I smiled for the first time in a while. “Yeah, that would be Carson’s influence.”
Owen watched in amusement as I got into the car. “What are ya doing? You think it’s a good idea to drive with no sleep?”
Looking down, I was trying to get in on the wrong side again. Except it was the right side here. “Sorry. It’s the opposite at home.”
He looked at me like I’d lost my marbles as I got in on the left side. “You are home, mate.”
The words hurt when I realized what I’d said. Somewhere over the last two days, I’d come to understand what Carson meant. The further I got from him, the more I believed that’s where I was supposed to be.
“No, mate. Home is with him. On the beach by our ocean.”
Owen stared at me until the horn behind us honked. A soft, knowing smile crept across his face as he eased into traffic. It reminded me of how Carson looked at me when he thought he knew something I didn’t.
I looked down at my phone, wondering if I should text him or wait until I got to the apartment.
“Carrie and I stocked your fridge and had a cleaner tidy up the place. We thought you might be too tired to worry about it.”
I smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
It reminded me of Carson doing the same when I arrived six months ago. My heart hurt, and I wasn’t sure I could eat, even to spend time with my friend.
“Would ya mind if I just went to the apartment? I need to sleep.”
“That’s where we’re headed, mate. I’ve got a lot to tell ya when you’re up to it.”
I nodded as I looked out the window. Everything looked exactly the same, but completely different. Maybe it was the way I viewed it now.
Owen left me to my thoughts until he pulled up outside my building. “Do ya have your key, mate?”
“Yeah. I do. But I should probably have the locks changed.”
He nodded. “Call me when you’ve had some sleep. We’ll get a pint at the pub.”
Nodding, the exhaustion was beginning to set in. “I will. Thanks, mate. For everything.”
“You’re welcome. Glad you’re back.”
I wish I could say the same.
Climbing from the car, I picked up my bag and went into my building. The doorman met me and opened the door.
“Welcome home, Mr. Kearney. Glad to have you back.”
“Thank you, Oscar. It’s good to see you. How’s your family?”
I’d obviously taken him off guard. “Uh, fine, sir. Thank you for asking.”
I managed a part of a smile. “By the way, no visitors until further notice.”
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
With a single nod, I headed for the elevator.
