Chapter Forty-Three Gun-Shy
West
Sacramento International Airport
The Choi twins need to take a flight from SMF to LAX and then they’ll be on their way to YVR.
I’m not sure why there isn’t a direct flight plan offered, but I’m no aviation expert.
It probably saves the airline money in some way or another.
What I really worry about is how Adelina will fare, dealing with two planes and a hasty transfer.
“This is for you!” Jack says, handing Adelina and Lily handmade bracelets. They both crouch down and accept their gifts, giving her tight hugs.
“These are beautiful,” Lily says. “Thank you so much.”
“We’ll take good care of them,” Adelina adds.
We’re gathered in front of domestic departures.
It’s busy today, large groups traveling this way and that with carry-on luggage in tow.
The large TV mounted on the wall lists flight information in real time.
Adelina and Lily have another hour or so to get through security and arrive at their gate.
Traffic on the way here meant they’ll be cutting it close.
“Can I talk to you?” I ask her. “Over here.”
She nods, leaving Lily behind to chat with Michael. I pretend not to notice the way he takes Lily’s hand and kisses the back of it, nor do I question the way her cheeks flush pink. They must be getting along really well, though I have something far more important to focus on right now.
I cup Adelina’s cheeks and kiss her. She kisses me back, hugging me tight, seemingly unwilling to let go. Goodbye feels too final and see you later would only be an empty promise, so instead I say, “I’m really glad you stole from me.”
She laughs against my shoulder. Or maybe it’s a sob; I can’t be sure. “I’m glad I stole from you too.”
We cling to each other, neither of us showing any signs of wanting to be the first to part ways.
I would keep her here forever, if I could, but that’s too much of an ask.
No matter how hard I rack my brain, I can’t figure out how to make this—us—work.
She has her life to return to, and I have my family to take care of.
I can’t ask her to stay, and neither can I go.
“Will I ever see you again?” I ask.
“Keep your eye on the news,” she says lightly. “If someone on the Forbes billionaire list suddenly comes to financial ruin…”
“Probably you?”
“Probably me.” Adelina laughs. “Before I go, I have a parting gift.”
“You do?”
She holds something up by the strap, a familiar-looking wristwatch. I look down to find my wrist bare. I hadn’t even noticed. Talk about an impressive pinch.
“I figured it out,” she says with a self-satisfied grin.
Pride swells in my chest. “That’s my girl.” She tries to hand it back to me, but I shake my head, clasping my hands over hers. “Keep it.” To remember me by goes unsaid.
Someone clears their throat. Adelina and I both look to find Lily standing there awkwardly, wearing an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but we really have to get going. It’s going to take us forever to get through security.”
My heart stutters. I don’t want her to leave, but I don’t know what to do that might convince her to stay.
Instead, I kiss her.
I kiss her for as long as I dare, as deeply as I can, because it’s the only way I can show her my gratitude.
Because of her, my niece is safe, I have my brother back, and I’m free from Berruci’s influence for good.
Words will never be enough to express my thanks, but this, at the very least, I can manage.
“Have a safe flight,” I tell her as I release her, hating how cold the air is on my skin.
“That’s literally not up to me,” she says with a laugh, making no effort to move away.
It’s her sister who has to shepherd her toward the security line. I stay there, watching as she goes, refusing to leave until Adelina is out of sight. A heavy weight bears down on my shoulders, a cold emptiness clawing at my lungs when she’s finally gone.
Michael slaps me across the back of the head.
“Ow,” I grumble, frowning at him. “What was that for?”
“For being an idiot,” Michael says.
Jack gasps. “That’s a bad word, Papa.”
“My apologies, little bird. I meant to say you’re being a big, stinky dummy.”
I rub the back of my head. Damn, that smarts. “What are you talking about?”
“Go after her.”
“I can’t. I have Jack.”
“I have Jack,” Michael says. “Mon petit frère, je suis grave reconnaisant pour tout ce que t’as fait. Mais maintenant, c’est le moment pour toi de vivre ta vie.” My little brother, I am grateful for everything you have done. But now it is time for you to live your life.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a passport. My passport. He nods at me as I take it. “We’ll be okay. You’ve found yourself a special woman. Don’t let her go. Do what you must to convince her to come home with you.”
He’s right. What am I doing letting the best thing to ever happen to me walk away? I crouch down and give Jack a big hug and kiss. “You take care of your Papa for me, okay?”
“Are you going on another mission?” she asks.
“Yeah, but I’ll be right back. There’s just something very important I have to do.” I hug my brother next, relief and mania flooding my senses. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll message you as soon as we land.”
“I will,” Michael says. “Hurry. You’ll need to charm a last-minute ticket out of the clerk.”
I smile wide. Lucky for me, charm is my specialty.