Chapter 11
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A VERY’S HEART THUDDED in her chest as she strode across LAX several days later, her large hiking backpack strapped to her back. She’d already checked a large duffle, full of her extra belongings and medical supplies. Funny that she was nervous. She’d traveled extensively with Doctors Without Borders in various volunteer capacities over the years. She’d flown on vacations and off to conferences every couple of months as well. With her nursing schedule of days on and days off, she took time when she could to travel.
She stopped at the gate, easing her heavy backpack to the ground. Her shoulders already ached from her trek through the airport. Funny how she’d told Ryan she had no trouble hauling gear around herself.
Sinking down into a chair, she thumbed him a text. It was Saturday, so she knew it was likely he’d have his cell on him. When they were training, the men often stashed them in their lockers.
Avery: About to get on the plane. I’ll let you know when I land in Panama.
Ryan: Miss you already.
Ryan: Actually, I’ve missed you since the day you left.
Avery: I miss you, too. :( I didn’t think moving to Panama would be this hard.
Ryan: That’s not the only thing that’s hard. xoxo Just kidding, baby.
She nearly snorted, blushing as she read over his text. Only Ryan. He was both sweet and flirty, and ever since they’d slept together, he seemed even more protective of her. He’d not only driven her back to her hotel but walked her to her room before kissing her goodbye and telling her to lock the door behind him.
She’d reluctantly had to change her flight, heading back to California that very day to get the packing situation straightened out. It had been an impulsive decision to book a last-minute trip to Oahu, but it was one she’d never regret.
Not when it had changed everything between her and Ryan.
Her fingers trembling only slightly, she texted him back.
Avery: My boyfriend likes to make me blush.
Ryan: Sorry not sorry. You look damn pretty when you do.
Ryan: I know you’ll do amazing things in South America. Promise me you’ll be safe.
Avery: I will, but you have to promise me the same. You’ll know exactly where I am. I’ll have no clue when you deploy.
Ryan: I’m going to send you my CO’s contact info. If you ever need me but can’t get ahold of me, I want you to contact him.
Avery looked up as the gate agent announced that boarding was about to begin. She thumbed one last text to Ryan.
Avery: About to board. Talk when I’m settled in. xoxo
Ryan: Safe travels, baby girl. xoxo
Avery stood, hefting her backpack up and over her shoulders again. She swiped the screen on her phone, pulling up her boarding pass. Her stomach fluttered with nerves. She was heading into the unknown, but that wasn’t what worried her. She and Ryan might live in separate states, but for the first time, she felt like she was leaving someone she truly cared about behind.