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“That’s the other thing I wanted to talk to you about. I would have called sooner, but it was late and we didn’t want to wake you. We decided to come home early, and the earliest flight we could get was close to midnight. Could you come pick us up at the airport? Our plane just arrived at the tarmac.”
“Sure thing, man. What gate are you coming into?”
After exchanging information with Jonathan, I quickly shove all the food back where I found it. I then walk quietly back into my room. Mia is still right where I left her, fast asleep. Her bareshoulder is visible. Her hands scrunch up the comforter close to her face. Her hair cascades across the pillow.
My reality has come early. Earlier than I wanted. There’s still so much I have to make her see, make her hear. Will all of what I’ve done be for nothing in a matter of just one confession? I wish today wasn’t the day I could lose my job, my best friend, and the love of my life all at once. Maybe then I could be a bit more secure in the knowledge that Mia loves me despite what Jonathan thinks. But I don’t know that yet. I don’t know what’s going on in that gorgeous head of hers. For now, I burn this image of her in my bed—naked, asleep, and satisfied—to memory.
Forcing myself to walk away, I grab a T-shirt from the laundry room and put on my shoes next to the front door.
Before I leave, I grab a notepad and pen to write a short note. When I’m done, I rip the piece of paper from the notepad, grab a piece of tape, and tape my note on the inside of my door. I might not be here when she wakes up, but she’ll know I was thinking of her and intend on coming back.
Twenty minutes later, I pull into a parking spot at the airport. The airport is as empty as if it were deserted as I make my way down to their gate. I only have to wait a few minutes before I recognize Jonathan and his sickly pale bride-to-be. Wow, when he said she wasn’t feeling well he wasn’t kidding.
“Welcome home, guys,” I greet them.
“Hey, man.” Jonathan and I briefly hug, patting each other’s backs.
“How’s the invalid?” I take my focus back to Kiera. I’d hug her, but I don’t think that would be wise.
“I feel like shit.” Kiera’s face turns slightly green. “Where’s the closest bathroom?”
“You need to vomit again, sweetheart?” Jonathan drops the luggage in his hands, turning his focus to Kiera.
She takes deep breaths. “I think I’ll be fine. Just get me home.”
I interject. “Down the hall and it should be to your right just past the chapel.”
I barely finish the sentence before she starts running in that direction by herself.
“I hope she makes it,” I say to Jonathan as we both watch her sprint down the corridor.
“Me, too,” he replies, grabbing the luggage again. “Has any luggage come out of the baggage claim yet?”
I shake my head. “Not that I’ve seen.
We both sit down at some chairs nearby. I notice how tan Jonathan is. “Spent a lot of time in the sun?”
“More than I was expecting in all honesty.”
“So you…shook some sheets?” I wink at my best friend.
He laughs. “A gentleman doesn’t tell.
And that is why I respect him. “But seriously. You guys had a good time?”
“It was nice. I admit going on vacation, or at least spending more time away from work, is something she and I should do more often.”
“I’m glad she suggested it.”
He shakes his head. “Oh, no. I knew that idea had you written all over it.”
I scoff, trying to hide that truth. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No need to hide it. Kiera told me you two were talking about it.”
Of course she’d tell him. No surprise there since they seem to tell each other everything.
“How’s everything been on your end?” Jonathan asks.