But before he could fly back to Australia, he needed to sort a few things out first.
Picking up the landline phone, he dialed Mike’s number. When he answered, Nate said, “Get the band here ASAP. I’ve got news.”
* * * *
Jade was done crying. She’d sobbed on Toby’s shoulder and on Ava, Lauren’s, and her family’s shoulders. But now it was time to put on her big girl panties and face the world. She’d chosen Wonder Woman today because she was fierce. Well, she’d pretend to be until it happened.
It had been three weeks since Nate left, and she’d been through hell and back. But no more. It was time to pick up the pieces. With the curse finally broken—well, it was never really true—she didn’t live under the shadow of it anymore. Maybe one day she might fall in love again, but at the moment, it hurt too much for her heart to imagine.
The distance she’d put between herself and her father was closing. They’d made plans to catch up, and she no longer avoided his calls. Their relationship was slowly growing stronger.
Too many memories of Nate surrounded her here in Brimland Point, and to try to truly get over him, she needed to leave. She’d miss the place. Miss her family and friends, and Dorito too. But it was what she needed to do to help her heart heal.
A knock sounded at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Connor called out. Her brother was giving her a lift to the airport.
She quickly scanned the room in case she’d forgotten anything and headed toward the living room.
“What the hell are you doing here?” she heard Connor growl.
“I need to see Jade.” The answering voice sent shivers down her spine and turned her knees to jelly. Steadying herself, she placed a palm on the wall and peered around it in the direction of the front door.
Connor stood with his legs braced apart and his arms crossed over his chest, blocking the doorway. “She doesn’t want to see you, so get back in your car and piss off.”
“I’d rather Jade tell me that.” Nate stood his ground, not intimidated by her brother still dressed in his police uniform.
“You’ve missed your chance. She’s leaving,” Connor snapped.
“She’s leaving? For how long?”
“Indefinitely.”
“If you won’t let me in, at least tell her I’m here and let her decide if she wants to speak to me or not.” Was that desperation Jade heard in Nate’s voice?
“I won’t tell you again—”
“It’s okay. Let him in.” Jade stepped into the hall. She was a little worried her brother might pull out his gun and shoot Nate.
Connor gave a stern look over his shoulder. “I can have him taken off your property in minutes.”
She shook her head. “I think the neighborhood has witnessed enough drama on my front lawn lately.”
“Yeah, that’s because of this piece of shit,” Connor sneered.
“Let him in.” Jade’s voice shook.
Connor blew out a frustrated breath and stepped aside, peering down his nose as he let Nate enter.
For a moment Nate and Jade didn’t move, only stared at each other. She drank in the sight of him like she hadn’t seen him in months.
Then her attention flicked to Connor who stood like security at the door. “Can you give us a minute please?”
“I think I should stay,” he said as he scowled at Nate.
“I’ve got this.” She wasn’t sure she did, but she didn’t need her brother scowling at them.
When she stared him down, he huffed, “Fine, but I’ll be just outside if you need me.” He said this to Nate with a cruel grin on his face like he was hoping he’d have to come in and intervene.
