Chapter Forty-Three
Brian
Jade scrolled through her phone looking for flights while I was on the phone with Alan, explaining our predicament.
“I’m glad to see you got your shit figured out with Jade. Don’t worry about your truck. I can bring it down next week.”
I didn’t tell him that it wasn’t as figured out with her as I’d like.
“I hate to inconvenience you. I’m sure I could fly back when things die down, as long as you’re okay with me leaving it in your driveway.”
“I don’t give a shit if you leave it in my driveway, but it’s no trouble for me to bring it to South Carolina. I need to check in on my little brother and his new little family.”
The fact that Alan had already accepted Lainey and Conor as part of Adam’s life made me smile.
I missed the hell out of Shawn. He’d been my best friend growing up, and I cherished every single memory I had of him. But he wasn’t coming back. I loved that Adam and Lainey found each other and that Conor wasn’t going to grow up without a dad.
“As long as you don’t try to lure him back to Lancastle while you’re there.”
“Wouldn’t even think it. I knew within ten minutes of arriving in Haven Springs that’s where my little brother belongs.”
“I think so, too. And I’m not just saying that because we need him on the force.”
Frankly, we needed Alan, too. But there was no way Angus could afford him. Besides, I got the feeling Alan liked sneaking away to fight evil around the world, then returning home like he was just a normal, everyday guy.
“When you guys get your flights booked, let me know. I’ve got a buddy on the Cape Cod P.D. who’ll be able to get you to the airport without the paparazzi hounding you the whole way.”
I breathed a sigh of relief.
“That would be awesome. Thank you. I was trying to figure out how we were gonna get out of here.”
“No problem. Just let me know once you’ve got your reservations.”
“Thanks again, Alan. For everything.”
“Of course, man. You’re family now, whether you like it or not.”
I ended the call with Alan and put my phone on the table.
“Alan’s got a buddy on the Cape Cod P.D.,” I told Jade. “They’ll get us to the airport without the paparazzi breathing down our necks. We just need to let him know what our plans are.”
Her shoulders eased a little as she glanced up from her screen. “Good. I found a few flights that leave this evening. Do any of these work for you?”
I leaned over her shoulder and scanned the options. Since they all meant our time here had ended, none of them looked good. But it didn’t matter. “Whichever gets us home the fastest.”
She nodded and went back to scrolling, her fingers moving quickly.
“I’m going to have to use my credit card.”
“Yeah, I guess we don’t have to worry about being found out if we use them.”
I reached for my wallet, but she shook her head. “I’m paying.” Her look dared me to argue.
I’d never considered myself a super smart guy, but it didn’t take a genius to know this wasn’t my hill to die on. I’d figure out a way to get the money to her.
While she booked our flights, I started gathering our things. Soon she was moving through the cottage too, slipping clothes into her backpack, folding blankets, wiping down the counters. In no time, the cottage looked exactly like it had when we’d arrived, and I hated it.
I carried my bag out and set it by the door, then hauled the trash to the can outside.
If those fuckers wanted to post a picture of me taking the garbage out, have at it.
My gut felt heavy as I thought about what waited for us back in Haven Springs. We had a lot more to deal with than just the kiss at the bank, now.
I worried how fast the gossip would spread in a town like ours, not just at the hospital but everywhere, and I sure as hell didn’t want her picture splashed around to make it worse.
I should’ve never dragged her into this mess.
It would be selfish to ask her to keep seeing me.
****
Jade
The plane had just leveled off when I finally let myself breathe. Getting to the airport had been smoother than I’d expected, thanks to Alan’s friend on the Cape Cod P.D. No flashing lights, no scene, just a quiet ride and a low-key escort until we got to the security line.
Brian’s hand had been touching me in some manner the entire time. Now he sat quietly with his eyes fixed on the row ahead, his jaw tight and shoulders stiff.
It was obvious something was bothering him.
“Alan’s friend was great, huh?” I said, trying to draw him out.
“Yeah,” he answered, but his voice was distant.
I reached for his hand on the armrest and squeezed. “Hey, you okay?”
His fingers tightened briefly around mine before he let go. “It’s probably good we already agreed this was temporary,” he said, still staring straight ahead. “The sooner the attention dies down, the better for you.”
I nodded, even though his words sliced through me. What happened to wanting to date once we got back to Haven Springs?
I felt stupid for thinking he’d meant it. I couldn’t believe I’d even let myself consider it.
I turned toward the window so he wouldn’t see the sting in my eyes. “You’re right. It’s for the best.”
My tone was even, but my throat burned, and I bit the inside of my cheek to keep it from showing.
The seatbelt dug into my lap as I shifted, and I forced myself to look out at nothing but the lights on the ground below. If he noticed the way I pressed my nails into my palm, he didn’t say a word.
I hated that a part of me wanted him to argue, to take it back. But he didn’t. He just sat there, silent, and I kept my eyes on the window until the flight attendants came by with drinks.
I asked for water, and he ordered coffee. But neither of us touched them.
The rest of the flight passed in silence.
When we landed at Charleston airport, Adam was waiting at the curb in his Bronco. He waved us over, and Brian looked around tentatively before walking toward his friend.
Thankfully no one started snapping photos as Adam took Brian’s bag and popped it in the back while we climbed inside, me in the back with my backpack, and Brian in the front passenger seat.
“Do you guys need to stop anywhere while we’re in Charleston?” he asked once he was behind the wheel.
I replied, “I don’t,” at the same time Brian said, “Not unless Jade does.”
“Haven Springs it is,” Adam said as he pulled into traffic, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror.
“Just so you know, Angus has the guys on high alert. Anybody hanging around town who doesn’t belong?
They’re getting stopped before they can breathe wrong.
Haven Springs isn’t Cape Cod—you won’t have anyone hiding in the bushes here. ”
Brian nodded. “Good to know.”
“Where am I taking you guys?”
Brian didn’t hesitate. “We need to drop Jade off first.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adam glance over at him, surprised, but he simply replied. “Got it,” and looked back at the road.
I stared out the window as we got on the expressway, my hands tight in my lap. If that’s what Brian wanted, fine. I wasn’t about to let either of them see how much it hurt.
I shifted closer to the door, keeping my gaze on the blur of billboards and trees outside while Brian and Adam talked about Alan’s cottage and the Cape. I barely registered what they were saying, I just wanted to get home and put this week behind me.
I’ve survived worse than this, I reminded myself. We were doing exactly what we agreed to. I had no business being upset that Brian kept us to the deal.
Adam turned onto my street and slowed as he approached my house. Before the Bronco even rolled to a stop, I had the door open.
“Thanks for the ride, Adam! Give Lainey and Conor a kiss for me,” I called out cheerfully, then leaned forward just enough to catch Brian’s eye, forcing my tone to remain chipper. “I had fun! Thanks for letting me tag along!”
He unbuckled his seatbelt, but I shook my head quickly, still smiling. “You don’t have to get out. I’ve just got my backpack.”
“I want to make sure you get inside,” he said, reaching for the door handle.
“That’s sweet,” I chirped, cutting him off before he could open the door. “But unnecessary. I’ve been walking myself inside for years.”
I slipped out, tugged my backpack higher on my shoulder, and flashed one more grin and gave a small wave before heading up the walk. The smile stayed on my face until the door shut behind me.
Then I slid down the wood, the first sob breaking free as the tears came.