Page 69 of Before You (Reckless Love #2)
I’M SEVEN MONTHS clean.
I didn’t think it was possible or that I deserved it, but my family and Marley’s have taught me I can do it. It’s harder than I ever could’ve imagined, but I’m clean.
And today, Marley and I are going to fly to New York for a couple of days before going with her family to their villa in Italy before my preseason training starts at Beaumont.
“Marley, are you ready?” I call out, zipping up my suitcase. Mirabelle came over to say goodbye just as I had finally convinced Marley to finish packing, and now they’re busy talking about the baby shower happening next month before football season starts.
She and Henry eloped in Vegas last month, and when they got back, they told everyone Mirabelle was pregnant.
My dad actually cried he was so happy for them.
Marley’s had a blast going shopping with Mira and my mom to pick out baby clothes and helping her design the nursery.
I’m actually wondering if I should be worried she’ll catch baby fever from Mira.
Grabbing my suitcase, I carry it down the stairs to set it by the front door when I notice that the back door is open.
I roll my eyes, knowing I’m practically going to have to drag Marley to go pack.
She hates to do it, but the one time I tried to do it for her, I apparently packed everything wrong.
I learned my lesson, but if she doesn’t go pack now, I’ll have no choice but to do it for her again.
My mom, Marley, and Mirabelle are sitting in the chairs on the back patio, except now Kaitlyn is with them, taking a break from surfing with Hunter and Henry. It looks like there are some awesome swells today, and I’m jealous I’m not out there with them.
“Hi, honey,” Mom says, patting the spot next to her for me to sit down in.
“Mom, are you distracting my girlfriend from packing?”
Marley groans, covering her face with her hands. “But we’re talking about the baby shower. We’re going to get these cute little cupcakes with mermaids and mermen on them.”
“Nobody is saying you can’t come right back here, even though JJ has to go back to California,” Mirabelle adds, rubbing her growing stomach. “Maybe we like you better than him,” she teases.
I stick my tongue out at her. “Just like your twins are going to love me more than you.”
Her jaw drops. “Take it back.”
“Nope.”
Mom pinches my arm hard, and I yelp. “JJ,” she warns as Marley shoots me a disapproving frown. How did I turn into the enemy here? She was mean first.
“Fine, I’ll take it back. Your kids are going to love you more than me, but I’m going to be their favorite uncle.”
Mirabelle nods. “Makes sense since you’re my favorite brother.”
Kaitlyn sputters on the drink she was taking of her water, choking.
“Goddammit you two. This is not stuff we’re supposed to say out loud in front of people.” Mom groans, causing us to share a look.
I stand up, deciding that it really is time to go before causing any more arguments. It doesn’t take much to do. “Sweetheart, you have to go pack. Our flight leaves soon,” I say, offering Marley my hand, and she sighs before accepting it to stand.
“You know, one of the perks of having your own plane is you can push the flight to a later time,” she says, and I shake my head.
“Nope. There’s a schedule we have to follow, so go pack.”
Mirabelle laughs, smiling as she sits up. “You two are adorable, but seriously, come back anytime, Mar. Lord knows we have a gazillion open bedrooms in that huge house. Feel free to hide in one if you need a break from my brother.”
Marley grins, blowing Mirabelle a kiss as she walks into the house, leaving me to follow her. “JJ, you coming?”
Wow, you wouldn’t think I was the one convincing her to pack based on that. Unfortunately, when I walk into my room where I’m praying Marley’s packing, she’s instead lying on the bed.
“Marley,” I scold, crossing my arms over my chest, and she smiles at me.
“What?”
“I love you, but please, pack .”
She groans and doesn’t move a muscle. “I don’t want to. I wish I could just teleport and go see my family without having to pack all my stuff up. It’s just so tedious when I know I’m going to have to unpack and repack it all again in a couple of days.”
I hear what she’s saying, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to let her avoid it. “If you don’t start packing by the time I’m done putting my bag in the car, I’m going to pack for you.”
“I could think of a few other ‘punishments’ you would enjoy more,” she teases, and damn, if it doesn’t make some ideas spark in my brain, but I’m still trying to prove to her dad I’m capable of being responsible.
Which means making sure the plane leaves on time so we’re at the airport in New York City when I told him we were going to be.
“You have a couple of minutes, and then I’m packing,” I say over my shoulder, heading down the stairs to pack the car.
Marley’s quick footsteps behind me aren’t quiet enough to hide the fact that she’s following me. She will literally do anything to avoid packing. It’s not like she doesn’t want to go home. I know she misses her family and wants to see her brother.
I pick my suitcase up in one hand, spotting Marley’s head as she peeks around the corner.
“I heard you following me. You weren’t quiet, sweetheart.”
Marley scoffs. “I wasn’t trying to be quiet. Maybe I want your help.”
“Well, you’re going to have to wait until after I put this in the car.” I hold up my suitcase before opening the door.
Except, in front of the door is Bailey. His hair is cut short, and he’s aged so much since the last time I saw him. There’s a little boy holding his hand, and I look back and forth between them, doubting whether they’re actually standing there or if I’m imagining all of this in my head.
“ Bailey ,” I breathe out, the suitcase falling out of my hand with a clatter, causing the little boy to jump and hide behind my brother.
“I didn’t have another option. Javi needs a doctor, and I . . . please . He just needs a doctor,” Bailey begs, and I inhale a sharp breath.
I feel Marley touch my arm, grounding me from the anxiety and shock flooding through my system. My mouth opens and shuts again because I don’t know what to say.
He came back.
Bailey really came back.