28. Sam #2
“Reign isn’t happy because he doesn’t know where Isla lives.”
I laugh and Riley rolls her eyes at the situation. Isla comes up to us last and giggles when she hears Riley’s predicament as well.
“Does Carter know where you live?” Emma asks her. Isla’s cheeks blush and she shakes her head.
“No. I promise that none of them know or have been given any information.”
“Unless they track our vehicles,” I say out loud, the thought suddenly entering my mind. We all stop walking, our gazes connecting.
“Shit.”
“Damn it!”
“Ugh!” I vent, my head tipping and rolling over my shoulders.
Isla sighs, a huge smile on her lips. “I can safely assure you that my car is not being tracked nor is my cell phone.”
“I vote we take Isla’s car and all turn our phones off.” Emma shrugs, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
Slipping my phone from my pocket, I find a single text from Jameson. It's the first one he’s sent all day. My heart rattles in my chest, and I hold my breath when I click it open.
KANE: I’ll wait forever for you to come back.
Powering down my phone, I ignore the twinge of guilt as the screen turns black.
I need this night away. I deserve the chance to clear my head and find a way to fully accept the man I love, despite the hurt I feel from his lies and manipulation.
We all toss our phones in our bags and follow Isla out to her parked car.
The drive to Isla’s place is surprisingly quiet. Music plays through the speakers, but every song reminds me of Jameson to the point I wish we were surrounded in silence. It isn’t until we turn onto Isla’s street that I break out laughing.
“No way.” Emma groans, and Riley gasps.
“So much for keeping a low profile.” I look to Isla with a raised brow. We’re a block away from the hockey house. A ten-bedroom home where Carter and Leif live with some of their teammates.
Isla shrugs and gets out of her car. “Sometimes it's about hiding in plain sight. Trust me, he has no idea I’m here and it's been three years.”
We’re all shocked and in disbelief when we get out and walk to Isla’s front door.
Her house is a cute little three bedroom on a hill, with the perfect view into the back of the hockey house.
Smothering a laugh, we follow her inside.
Isla locks all three locks on her door and ushers us into the living room.
“The couch can double as a bed. There is one guest bedroom, the other is my office. I’m fine with whatever sleeping arrangement works for everyone.” Isla rattles everything off while I take in her space. It's cozy with a cute cottage vibe. I love it instantly.
After getting comfortable, we gather around the living room. Isla lights a fire and grabs some snacks and water. As much as I wish I could have alcohol for this conversation, I know I have to keep myself in check with our big game tomorrow.”
“Anyone feel like we’re breaking the law?” Riley asks, her eyes darting around the room
“Like Reign is going to track you down at any second and carry you away?” Emma laughs while the former is nodding vigorously.
“I texted him not to expect me and said we were having a girl bonding night. But I powered off my phone before he could reply.” She bites her lip.
“Hopefully the guys can understand we need a night together,” I say with a shrug and pat Riley’s hand. “Before I left, Jameson gave me the code to the lock and told me he’ll wait for me to come home to him. And once I do it means we’re moving forward and past everything.”
“I’ve caught on to bits and pieces. I’m just not 100% sure why he kept you to himself in the apartment,” Emma says, her tone quiet, hesitant.
“A week ago, I found out Jameson was racing his Vegas. Isla and I went to Chicago to confirm it,” I start by telling them, watching the shock on each of their faces.
“That’s why the guys were flipping out that night,” Riley mutters.
I nod. “When we got back, Jameson was at my place, waiting for me. I let him explain why he was doing it. He makes good money from racing. He told me there are no safety concerns and he can walk away whenever he wants to. But he’s been using the money for his garage and helping his dad out. So I let it go.”
Glancing at all my friends, they’re all watching me, carefully, some confusion on their faces as well.
I breathe deep before continuing. “Earlier this week, there was a situation at the garage, and Jameson left in a hurry. He forgot his wallet and asked me to bring it down for him when I left with Dylan. I thought it would be in his pants pocket, but when I went to look, he acted really weird. I was curious. I snooped and I found a list that I made when we were seniors in high school.”
Isla’s brow wrinkles adorably. “What kind of list?”
“My goals. It was stupid. I was just bored and was plotting everything I wanted to accomplish senior year. Then I started adding things for the future. My top college choices, getting a limo for my 21st, going to the beach before college started, my PWHL goal, marriage, winning the Walter Cup, and having a baby.”
“No.” Emma shakes her head, “Ohmygod! Is this going where I think it is?”
“Jameson has been using his race money to pay for my college. He helped me get in without my knowing.”
“You have a scholarship,” Riley says, her head tossed back in confusion.
“The Jameson Kane foundation scholarship, yes,” I mutter, my fingers going to my temples. Emma’s mouth drops open.
“My apartment also wasn’t luck of the draw for single moms,” I keep going.
“My Jeep was not picked by my aunt as a gift. I own it outright. The limo Carter won for my birthday was set up by CB Auto. He also coordinated our senior trip with my aunt and paid for the Vrbo. He’s been crossing all these things off my list and I didn’t know it.
We weren’t together and I never thought… am I stupid for not seeing it?”
“You’re in love with him, Sam.” Emma shakes her head. “Kane has always been there taking care of you. The guy used to stash your favorite candy in his locker. I remember what you two were like in high school.”
Riley glances between us, frowning. She moved our senior year to the elite private school. A move done by her boyfriend, then rival. His motives were eerily similar to Jameson’s. “You said baby?” She winces. “Please don’t tell me—-”
“No!” I put my hand up to stop her from asking. My cheeks flame red. “No matter what, neither one of us regrets Dylan. I wouldn’t change what happened when it comes to her and neither would Jameson.”
The three of them grow quiet. When I can finally raise my head, I’m thankful they aren’t wearing matching masks of judgment. “It sounds stupid to say I’m mad at him, when all he’s done is make my dreams come true.”
“But he lied,” Isla adds.
“He was never planning to tell me. And the sad part is I don’t know if I’d have figured it out,” I respond, taking an Oreo from the middle of the table.
“I guess you could say he manipulated his way into your life,” Emma points out. My heart hammers in my chest.
“He never pushed me.” My eyes drop to my lap, and I wince. “Well, until this week, I guess. Locking me in the house and bringing all my things from the old apartment pushed me too far.”
Riley snorts. I look up at her again and she's smiling along with Emma and Isla. “Oh, Sammy.”
“What?” I glare at all three of them while they watch me expectantly.
“Every time we point out a flaw or huge red flag, you defend him.” Emma giggles.
Isla is laughing so hard she has to cover her mouth now. Riley points her finger at me. “Any other woman would be at the police station if her boyfriend locked her up against her will and she escaped. You’re describing it like a nuisance and asked for a girls’ night to vent.”
“We’ve all been there,” Emma tells me gently when tears form in my eyes.
Riley nods and moves to gather me in her arms. “These guys are stupid sometimes and make mistakes, but I’ve never doubted that Reign loves me. Sometimes to the point of obsession, but I know I’m safe. He’d never hurt me.”
“Everything I’ve seen about Jameson doesn’t point to being vindictive or controlling,” Isla says.
“I may have dived deeper after our trip to Chicago. I asked my cousins to…anyway, we all agree the guy is crazy about you, Sam. He may have some neanderthal-like characteristics, but you’re all over his phone, his photos, every plan and step he’s made has been with you in mind. ”
Tears slide down my cheeks and a sob escapes me. “Then why am I being this way? Why can’t I just accept that he loves me that much?” Emma and Isla both move in closer, until all three are curled around me.
“I don’t know, babe,” Riley mutters. “But I think he loves you enough to let you figure it out.”
“He’s been waiting for you, Sammy,” Emma whispers.
“He’ll still be there tomorrow,” Isla agrees. “I don’t see him giving up anytime soon.”
I cry it out, all the confusion, the worry, the belief that I’m not worthy.
Surrounded by my best friends, the women who know me best, I feel safe and accepted.
My love for Jameson Kane isn’t judged. His actions and my response aren’t looked down upon.
I feel free to love him the way he is and see him as the provider he’s shown me he can be.
We all fall asleep in the cramped living room, and when the early sunrays peek through the curtains, I begin to feel like I’ve shed part of the past that I’d been holding onto. A weight that was never mine to carry.