25. BAILEE
BAILEE
I had perfected the art of telling my family the things they wanted to hear and conforming to every whim just to make them leave me alone but now I was trying to do the same thing while they were returning home and I was staying to follow my heart.
The last twenty-four hours of vacation had been a shit show. Aside from the loving texts from all three of my men and Elissa and Phoenix’s undying support, the others thought I was making a grave mistake, a rash decision that would have me crawling back home in a heartbeat. My only saving grace was Nala, my therapist, who told me that all she wanted was for me to enjoy the little moments and that mistake or not, this was only a move I could make.
She then set up an appointment for two weeks from now, requiring it to be a video call or in person, which meant that either I had decided to stay out here or had returned home.
“Did you take your medication?”
I rolled my eyes and then glared at my mother, wishing their plane would show up faster. They had plenty of time to walk through TSA Pre-check so my mother was currently hassling me as I stood inches away from the entrance.
“ Yes, Mom.” Every decision I had made in the last twenty-four hours had been clearheaded and not made during the post-sex haze. For one thing, the old me would have made this decision and then moved in with the three men running around in my head. But now, I was going to carve a life out here for myself, away from the chaos and confines of the city. If that meant in a few months that these men meant more to me than just a few crazy nights, I would wholeheartedly walk into that relationship.
And damn, I was really hoping there was a future to it.
Elissa wrapped her arms around me and squeezed hard, “Take care of yourself, alright? Don’t forget to call and tell me all about this new romance. I might just embarrass you and make it a three way call with Phoenix.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively but I just nodded, stuffing my face into her shoulder as I hugged her back. “Now, get back to that DJ. He looked really worried that you weren’t going to come back.”
We shared a small laugh as I waved to my mother, the woman crushing me in another hug before my Dad offered me a sweeter one. Malia hadn’t really spoken to me, her kids barely holding onto their obedience as she carted them toward security. Zak had already walked through, his fiancé having flown back last night when Zak broke off the engagement. I felt bad for him and the luck he never seemed to have but he’d have a happy ending before we knew it. After all, I was just starting mine.
I broke the hugs and waved one last time before slipping outside to the car waiting for me. Angelo reached across the passenger seat and shoved open the door as I set myself inside with a deep sigh. Mason and Benji were working so I didn’t bother asking about their whereabouts.
“Any reservations?” Angelo asked timidly, his hand sliding down the back of my head to caress my neck. I leaned into the touch, his lips grazing my temple.
“I just wished they would have been more proud of me.” Dad had been accepting of my decision but Mom had been vocal that I was making a mistake, Malia too but I needed the peace that this move would give me. Away from that mindset where I wasn’t important enough.
Angelo shook me out of my head as if he knew the direction of my thoughts. “Hey, I wanted the same thing when I decided to move here. I’m still trying to get them to understand and it’s been years.” My smile tightened but he shook his head, “I'm doing what I love, with my boyfriend and my best friend, and hopefully with you.” His face brightened as he said the last words and I nodded as he leaned in to kiss me. It was soft and sweet, his tongue grazing my lips echoing the promise of love.
When he pulled back, I was pretty sure there were stars in my eyes. He pointed to the bag by my feet before he put the car in drive and made his way out of the airport terminal. “Now, we just have to get you that job.” I snorted but he didn’t seem like he was joking. “Mason’s looking into his thing but I think I found something you might be good at.” I reached down into the bag and unearthed a newspaper, frowning as I scanned the open positions.
“These are all waitressing jobs on the beach.” I remembered the few ‘waitresses’ running around passing out drinks and wasn’t a fan of how little clothing they were wearing. “Don’t they require those little ass uniforms or bikinis?” I would never be caught dead in that. Although I had been naked on the beach. Twice in one week. A few days ago and again this morning before we had to get to the airport. My cheeks flamed as memories swarmed my thoughts.
Angelo burst out laughing, “Sue Benji for those. But no, look at the one under it.”
My eyes drifted down, finding a few serious inquiries, one that resonated with me more than the others. “You want me to mentor?” I had met these men a week ago and they were already trying to find a place for me to fit in. It was weird being seen after so many years of hiding.
He shrugged, “I think – we think you’d be good at it. Show people that there’s more than one way to deal with things. But I-” I could see him fighting to find the right words, “Lee, just think on it. You don’t have to make a decision now. You can still work with Mason.” He reached over the center console to thread his fingers through mine and lift them to his lips to place a kiss on my knuckles. “If it doesn’t suit you, don’t do it. Enjoy the beach. Goof off. Relax. You have time. All the time you need.”
I settled back in my seat as we rode in silence – the kind that was comfortable and told me that I was wanted here. The fact that I had time to figure out what I wanted, what I needed … this new place already kind of felt like home.