Chapter 33
CHAPTER 33
PEN
M um pulls me in for a hug, and I go willingly.
“I’ll see you in a few weeks,” she says, squeezing me tightly. This is just what I need.
“You will, then it will be full steam ahead,” I say.
She pulls back and cups my face.
“Just be happy,” she tells me.
“I will. I promise.”
Knowing eyes stare back at me. It’s eery how perceptive she is. The years when it was only the two of us, have formed a bond stronger than most.
She hasn’t mentioned Elijah this morning, instead, she’s gone full steam ahead in getting me back to the US and Kris.
“I love you,” I say, moving towards the car as Mason holds the door open. Gabriel having sent him to pick me up.
“I love you too.”
Mason shuts the door, and I hear mum say something to him.
When he gets into the driver’s seat, he turns to face me.
“Do you need to stop off anywhere, or is it straight to the airport?” he asks.
“Airport. The plane should be ready to go by the time we get there.”
He nods in confirmation and starts the engine.
I contacted Kris this morning. He managed everything despite the early hour. He’s heading to his sister’s birthday party at some fancy resort a couple of hours away. By the time I get back, I’ll be ready to crash, so I told him I’d see him on Sunday when he gets back.
My phone rings, and I pick up.
“Gabriel?”
“I just wanted to say thank you before you left.”
“No thanks needed. You guys are my family. I should be thanking you for sending Mason to drive me to the airport.”
There’s a chuckle.
“As you said, no thanks needed. It was the least I could do.” There’s a pause. “Well, that’s all. We’ll see you in a couple of months for the wedding.”
“That you will,” I say, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my words.
I’m tired, and leaving home and Mum is always hard. I know all I need is to get back to Kris, and everything will be fine. Once I’m back with him, these feelings of uncertainty will disappear, I’m sure of it.
“Take care, Gabe, and give your wife and son an enormous hug from me.”
“See you, Pen, safe travels.”
Gabriel cuts off, and I stare out of the window. It’s not long before we’re turning into the airport. Mason oversees my check-in before driving me out to the plane, which is ready and waiting.
“Thank you, Mason,” I say, offering him my hand.
“You’re welcome. Take care of yourself.”
“You too.”
I make my way to the foot of the steps where Kris’s crew is on hand to welcome me onboard.
“Afternoon, Ms Dawson.”
“Afternoon.”
I make my way into the cabin and settle at the table, pulling out my laptop.
I logon, and answer the host of emails that are waiting for me, only stopping to stare out of the window as we taxi down the runway. My heart sinks as we speed up. My mouth is dry, my chest tight. I grip the seat as I’m overcome with the sudden need to get off, as though I’ve forgotten something important. I suck in air and close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. I inhale for four then exhale for four, continuing the process until the wheels of the plane leave the ground and London is far behind me.