Chapter 75
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
Improved open and honest communication is one of the key elements to rebuilding trust after it has been broken.
—The Fireside Psychologist
Having a brother-in-law with a private jet makes flying around the country very convenient, I muse as I step off his plane at Long Island MacArthur Airport where there’s a private car waiting to take me the twenty miles to where Fallon’s new home is. While I’m kicked back in the car, I send text.
Ethan:
What are your plans today, witch?
Fallon:
I’ve decided if I unpack another box, I’m going to lose my mind.
Concerned she may not be home when I arrive, I probe for some additional information.
Ethan:
Are you heading to the beach?
Fallon:
Right now, I have no intention of leaving my bed.
Fallon:
Not until I decide I want food.
Fallon:
Then I’ll DoorDash something.
Fallon:
What about you?
Fallon:
How have things been in Texas?
God, even after everything, she still gives enough of a damn to worry about the demons I confronted. It just causes me to realize I’ll never fully shed the guilt for the pain I put her through. And that’s okay. After all, the sting, the ache of knowing what I’ve still yet to earn back gives me the motivation to cherish it. Because I know if Fallon gives me a second chance, I won’t let anything come between us—not a job, not our families. Nothing. Replying back to her, I give her the truth, I just don’t tell her where I am.
Closer than she may be ready for.
Ethan:
Driving at the moment.
Ethan:
Why don’t you let me order you something.
Ethan:
You know—a welcome to the house lunch.
Fallon:
Not turning down free food, E.
Ethan:
Even from me?
Fallon:
Ethan…
Ethan:
Fal?
Fallon:
We really need to talk.
Ethan:
Later?
Fallon:
Feed me first. You know what I like.
What I hope you like better than the food is the fact I’m delivering it to you personally. Instead of letting my pounding heart overwhelm me, I find the Mill Pond restaurant and place an order for pick up that will last us for several meals. I might be too optimistic, but even if she throws me out of her life, I’ll know I had the chance to take care of her one last time.
Leaning back against the seat after I advise the driver we’ll need to make a quick stop, I reminisce over our relationship. Like our love, there have been mistakes on both sides—admittedly, a hell of a lot more on mine. My mouth quirks up on the side.
After my discussion with my father, I spoke with Jesse and told him about my plans. To say he wasn’t shocked is an understatement. His smirk was all-knowing even before he pulled me close and gave me a huge hug as I made my way through the house searching for what was presently residing in the breast of my jacket pocket. “Paige and Austyn have been blowing up my phone,” he admitted.
I rolled my eyes. “Is nothing sacred in this family?”
Cheerfully, he admitted, “Not really.” That’s when he found what I was looking for in point two seconds before handing it to me. “Is that all you want?”
I looked down at what was in the palm of my hand. “It’s the only thing I’ll need.”
Hopefully.
The driver slows down as we approach the restaurant before dashing out to pick up the order. He makes his way back to the car at a much slower pace, stowing the bags along with my suitcase in the trunk. Everything else I own is in a storage unit in Kensington, just waiting for me to give Jesse the high sign on where to ship it.
I pray it’s to this seaside piece of heaven. But first, I have to tell Fallon the truth about me.
Just a few minutes later, we pull up to a beautifully appointed Cape-style house I know from our texts Fallon’s renting while she decides if she wants to make New York her permanent home. When we spoke on the phone, I couldn’t help but tease her that she sounded like her Realtor as she enthused about how it was “located in the largest privately owned beach on the North Shore of Long Island. I have access to a community dock, boat ramp, and, Ethan, you won’t believe this!”
Dutifully, I asked, “What’s that, witch?”
“It’s walkable to local shops.”
“There goes your paycheck,” I deadpanned.
“Hush. Not to mention bars and restaurants.”
“What about the house, Fal?”
“It has four bedrooms and an office, three bathrooms, an enormous kitchen with a separate dining and living room area, a walk-out basement, and a flat backyard perfect for the whole family to gather. Hold on.” She then texted me the listing and I had to admit it was close to perfect. I like the idea of renting to determine if this is really the place we’re meant to be. Ultimately, it’s Fallon’s choice and all I want for the rest of my life is to ensure my Fallon has everything she desires because, after everything, she deserves her slice of perfection.
Lord knows if she accepts me back into her heart, the man she loves won’t be.
Somewhat impatiently, I wait for the driver to bring my bag and the food to Fallon’s front door. After handing him a hefty tip, I whip out my phone.
Ethan:
Food should be arriving.
Ethan:
ETA 2 min.
Fallon:
Thanks for the heads up and for lunch! ??
I groan in anticipation as I count down sixty seconds before ringing the bell. Through the wooden door, her voice shouts, “Be right there.”
My stomach cramps as I wait for her.
The door flies open and she’s within reach. Her eyes flare as she takes me in. Her lips part as she visually inspects me from head to toe.
Then, in typical Fallon fashion, she drawls, “Well, if I’d known you were coming, let alone dressing as a throwback to my graduation night, I might have unpacked my formal dresses.”
I clear my throat and ask tentatively, “Good surprise?”
I’m almost knocked back a step when she throws open her arms for me to step into. Wasting no time, I wrap her up tight and bury my nose in her neck. Holding on for dear life, I just breathe in her scent.
That’s when she starts wiggling around. “Witch? What is it?”
“I hate to say this…”
I loosen my arms. “What?”
“Is there something in your pocket jabbing me or are you really that happy to see me?”
I want to howl with laughter, but she and I need to talk. “Why don’t you invite me in and let’s talk?”