Page 85 of Artful Deceit

“Checking you leave. Apparently it’s a good job I came.” She put her hands on his chest. “What are you doing?”

His shoulders hitched. “Contemplating whether to go. I heard there’s going to be a job opening at the ice cream shop soon, so I thought maybe I could work there.”

Lily smiled and shook her head. “You’d never make it through the interview process.”

“I think I’d be good at scooping ice cream.”

“And I think you make a better police officer.”

He nodded but didn’t look entirely convinced.

“My flight is booked to visit you,” Lily said. “I’ll see you in three weeks. Everything will be fine.”

“When did you get so optimistic?”

“I think one of us should always be optimistic. Apparently it’s my turn.”

“Will you be okay?” he asked.

“Yes. I promise.”

“I’ll call you tonight,” he said and kissed her until the member of staff cleared his throat loudly.

“You have to go,” Lily said.

“It seems like it.” He gave her another peck and picked up his backpack.

“Wait,” she said, clutching his hand tightly.

“Now you’re giving mixed signals.”

She shook her head and moved to hug him. “I love you,” she murmured against his neck.

“I had a strong suspicion about that.” The smile spread quickly across his face. “I love you, too. Now I’m going to leave before one of us starts crying.”

With a sigh, she released him. “Go on then.”

She watched as he moved through the security area with a backward glance that felt as though it might shatter her heart. Reminding herself she’d see him really soon, she managed a smile, then went to find a window with a view of the tarmac. She didn’t move until the plane was in the air.

Sinking into the nearest seat, she let out a sigh. She didn’t cry, so that was something. She just needed a minute before she could face going home.

With her head bent, she didn’t notice Maria until her hand landed on her shoulder.

“Has he gone?” she asked from the seat beside Lily.

“Yeah.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “What are you doing here?”

“Jessica told me you were here.” She tilted her head. “I just wanted to check on you.”

“I miss him already, but I think I’m okay.”

“He seems determined to come back here.”

Lily pressed her lips together. “You spoke to him?”

“Yes. I promised him I’d keep an eye on you. I hope that’s okay?”

Tears pricked at her eyes then. “It’s okay. Thank you.”