Chapter Twenty-Nine
ARCHIE
This is torture. And yet—I did nothing. I went in there, then froze.
I’m a fucking idiot!
I wanted to say something when she first told me about the date. I felt tempted to. There have been moments recently when I could’ve said something, done something. Moments where I should’ve made my move.
But I’m a fucking idiot.
The selfish part of me wants to interrupt her date, throw her over over my shoulder, and leave. I want her. I’m just having trouble telling her and now I’m going to be too late—again.
I pull my phone out of my pocket as soon as the idea comes to mind. I can’t keep this up. It’s not fair to either of us. Someone else needs to take over this job. I can’t watch her be happy with someone else. Not when I want to be the one to make her happy.
Me: I need someone else to take over this job.
Tyler: What happened?
Me: Nothing. I just can’t be around her.
Tyler: Matt can probably do it.
Me: Great. When will he be here?
Tyler: I’ll talk to him when he gets back. It’ll probably be three days from now, two at the earliest.
Me: Great.
My eyes snap up to watch them again. I keep my back to the wall, my eyes on them and the doors. Her addictive laugh can be heard across the room.
I need a second opinion.
Me: I’m watching her on a date right now.
James: Why?
Me: It’s my job as her bodyguard, to follow her around.
James: What the hell happened?
Me: I pushed her away. I let her slip away. I don’t even know anymore.
James: You’re such an idiot. You both are. Why are you both fighting what you really want?
Me: We’re not right for each other.
James: Bullshit.
James: We all saw the way you look and act around each other. Sure, it’s changed since we were kids. But fuck, Dude! Pull your head out of your ass so you don’t lose her again.
Me: It’s too late.
James: If you really think that, you don’t know her as well as I thought you did.
Me: It’s for her own good.
James: You’re a fucking idiot.
By the time we get back to her house, I know I need to tell her I’m leaving. It’s the only choice. I can’t stand watching her with someone else.
Tabitha is standing in front of the fridge when I decide to tell her.
“I’m going to make some popcorn and watch a movie, if you want to join.” She speaks over her shoulder.
“I have something to tell you.”
Tabitha closes the fridge and moves to the pantry. “What’s up?” She pulls out the popcorn and a box of sour candy.
“Someone else if going to be your bodyguard.”
She drops the candy to the floor and it scatters. “What?” She spins around to face me.
“There’s something I need to do.” It’s a lie. I’m too much of a coward to admit the truth to her. “Someone else is going to take over your safety. I’ll still be around if you need something—”
“No, you won’t.” She interrupts. “I can’t believe this.”
“If you need something or you need to go to an event,” I continue. “You met Matt last weekend. He’ll be here in a couple of days. I’ll fly out shortly after.” I look away.
“I’m sorry, Tabitha. I need to get back to my life, we both do.”
I turn and walk out of the kitchen. I move to the security office and open up the laptop to look over Ryan’s security footage. The sooner we catch this guy, the sooner we can all move on.
She deserves better than this, and I’m going to make sure she gets to live her life as soon as possible. Whatever it takes.
Seventeen Years Earlier - Age 15
We playfully bump into each other’s shoulders as we walk past the gate. The airshow is one of our favorite events that take place in our small town. Sage Creek doesn’t have many fun things to do, but it does put on a fun yearly airshow.
Tabitha always says if she could have any superpower, it would be flying. It doesn’t surprise me, as much as she daydreams. Her head is in the clouds most days anyway.
Our eyes rise to the sky as the sound of them come closer. We watch two planes dive in and around each other. It’s incredible. I’m not normally one to call something beautiful, but it is. I bet it’s freeing too.
“It’s special.” A voice speaks nearby.
I turn to see a man in uniform standing in front of a table and banner promoting the military.
“Yes, sir.” I smile and walk closer.
“No place I love being more than up there.” The man nods.
“It’s always fascinated me.” I don’t doubt the feeling of being in control of something like that up there.
The man picks up a keychain and passes it to me. I turn if over in my hand. A small woven strip attached to a keyring that simply says I Love Flying. Instead of the word love, there’s a red heart.
“I hope if you ever get the chance, you’ll seriously consider it. It changed my life.”
I don’t admit it, but I’m heavily considering the Air Force when the time comes. Most of my family are veterans or active duty. It just makes sense. None of them have joined the Air Force, though. It could be something new, just for me.
My eyes flicker back to Tabitha; she’s laughing at something James says. They’re both focused on the sky. Maybe if I did something like this, I’d deserve her. I know it’s stupid. If I do this, it would need to be for myself too.
“There’s the academy too.” The man continued.
I look over to see the man holding out a brochure. “Thanks.” I grab it and look it over before folding it and tucking it away in my pocket. “I am seriously thinking about it.”
“Good.” He smiles before grabbing another keychain. “Why don’t you give one to her too.”
I open my mouth to object but think better of it. “Thank you, she’ll love it.”
It’s silly. I know realistically they probably make thousands of these, but the idea of us having something matching makes me feel good.