CHAPTER 16
CARY
Two days before Christmas, Cary and Kim waited for their flight in a private lounge at Heathrow Airport. The tour had been a massive success—sold-out crowds in every city—but he was more than ready to go home. The thought of seeing Tyler again had him practically buzzing with excitement.
“Do you think she’ll like the presents?” he asked.
Kim frowned at the party of gift bags beside them. “Dude, you got her too much shit.”
“You got her too much shit.” He’d sent Kim to run errands instead of shutting down the stores to shop privately. He’d felt like a jerk whenever he’d done that, but he understood it was for the store’s safety and his. “Thanks for doing my shopping. I know Bond Street isn’t your scene.”
“It is when I’ve got your credit card.” Her eyes sharpened. “Seriously, she, like, won’t be into all this.”
“I didn’t get her a birthday gift so I’m making up for it.” He scratched the stubble on his face. “Okay, I’ll keep some of it for Valentine’s Day.”
“C’mon, dude. That’s not very romantic.”
She had a good point. “Okay, what should I get her for Valentine’s Day?”
“A new car?” Kim smirked. “Seriously, she doesn’t like most things.”
“Hopefully she likes me.” He nudged Kim’s arm. “Can you keep a secret?” She looked up from her coffee and nodded. “I’m seeing her later tonight.”
Kim tilted her head. “Is she meeting you in Brandon?”
“No, no. From Toronto, I’m flying straight to Winnipeg. And from there, I’ll drive to my parents’ house.”
Kim glanced at her phone and squinted. “I didn’t change your ticket.”
“No, Vegas did.” He took a slow sip of coffee, eyes drifting over the lounge. “I’m going to her family’s open house on Christmas.”
She sighed, annoyed with him. “Dude, that’s the hundredth time you’ve told me.”
“Hundred and first,” he added. “Are you happy to be going home?”
“I kind of like being on the road.” She shrugged. “At least I’m not working on New Year’s.”
“What happened with the Westgrays?”
“They held out for more money so the promoter rescinded their offer.” Kim shook her head. “Stupid fuckers, those kids.”
Cary reached inside his jacket and pulled out a card. “Here. Thanks for everything.”
Kim opened the envelope. “Cary! The Scandinave Spa in Whistler?”
“You deserve it,” he said. “I know this tour’s been hectic. Stay at the Fairmont. I’ve got an account there. Please use it. I’m dead serious.”
“Thank you!” She gave him a quick hug. “You deserve my bestie.”