Chapter Two #2
Her sister knew of the trip but not the details. Addison wasn’t looking for round two and hoped simple answers would avert further discussion. This was a touchy subject, walking the line into a shaded gray area. Even Addison had her reservations about how she was handling this part.
“I’m renting a car.”
Good answer, and not a lie.
“Oh, well, when are you meeting up with her?”
Addison fidgeted with her jacket, glancing over at the stove, taking in the time. “Um, we haven’t finalized plans yet.”
“Why not?”
Gear up, sister.
Addison looked over at her sister and smiled. “Because I thought it would be more fun to surprise her.”
Hannah’s reaction was immediate. Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. “She doesn’t know you’re coming?” She drove her fingers through her hair. “Jesus, Addy, this isn’t something you spring on people without a warning.”
In her heart, Knox’s heart, she knew Cleo wanted to meet her.
There were things she wrote, words she said during their calls.
Down to her gut, Addison knew Cleo wanted this as much as she did.
But there were other things Addison found disturbing.
Every time they spoke on the phone, Cleo mentioned her boyfriend, Wraith, was there.
A few times Addison had said hello through Cleo.
It was never reciprocated. If she had to guess, he wasn’t keen on their budding friendship.
He could’ve convinced Cleo not to meet her.
She was just removing outsider influence from the equation.
It was selfish. I’m not proud of it. But…she wasn’t ashamed enough not to do it. That would be her next battle. For now? She needed to get through this war with Hannah.
“Well” —she cleared her throat— “Cleo always talks about how pretty the area is and how she’d love for me to see it.”
“That’s not an invitation, and you know it.”
Technicality.
“Look, I’m going to go and tell her I’m in the area. If she wants to meet up, great. And if not, that’s okay.”
Hannah squinted. “Is it?”
It was a concern she hadn’t voiced to anyone, including her sister.
There was a possibility Cleo wouldn’t want to meet up with her.
After all, she could’ve misread Cleo’s desires.
Seeing Addison in person was very different from writing letters.
If she got there and Cleo wasn’t ready to meet her, she’d respect that decision and wait.
“Yes.”
“Addy, I just think…”
I’m done! She grabbed her keys from the counter.
“I know what you think.” Addison tightened her fist over the luggage handle. “You’ve made it abundantly clear. But it doesn’t trump what I need.” She carted the suitcase to the edge of the door.
“Which is?”
“Redemption,” Addison blurted and instantly regretted it.
“For what?”
Guilt.
Addison had a few doctors during the transplant and a few afterward. She’d seen a psychologist who had prepared her for the emotional aspect of the transplant. In order for her to live, someone had to die. That carried an immense level of guilt for some patients.
I’m one of them.
“I have to go or I’ll miss my flight. If you don’t want to take me to the airport? I get it. I’ll call a car service.”
Hannah rushed across the living room, stopping in front of her.
“Of course I’m going to drive you, and I’ll be waiting at the airport to pick you up.
” She paused. “And I’m sorry. I’m worried, Addy.
I want this experience and meeting Cleo and seeing his old life to be exactly what you want it to be. And I’m afraid it won’t be.”
That was fair. Admittedly, Addison had high expectations. She wanted everything to be perfect too.
“But, —Hannah sighed, giving a small smile— “This is your life. You get to live it how you choose.”
Addison smiled. “Thank you.”
When Addison reached for her bag, her sister pushed forward, nudging her out of the way.
It had been almost three years since the surgery, but her family still treated her like porcelain at times.
They hadn’t quite grasped the concept of her not needing the help.
Sometimes it irritated the hell out of her. But she allowed it.
Addison locked up and followed her sister to the elevator in silence. They’d said everything they needed to say. Addison had the feeling her sister was on the same page as her, not wanting to rock the boat again.
Hannah walked out the door to the sidewalk, holding it open for Addison.
“So when is your return flight?”
Goddammit! She was so close to avoiding another argument with her sister. But not close enough. Addison hadn’t gone into detail when explaining her trip. More importantly, the time frame.
“Four weeks.”
Hannah’s brows shot up to her hairline. “A month? I thought you were going for a few days.”
Addison cleared her throat and passed her sister, walking to the trunk of her car.
“Well, I decided to make a vacation out of it. I mean, if I’m paying all that money for a flight, I may as well make it worth my while.
It was cheaper to rent a house in the neighboring town than get a hotel.
Plus, I’ve never been to that side of the country. It’ll give me time to explore a bit.”
“Addy.” Her sister groaned.
“Look, I’ll be honest, I have an ulterior motive. Cleo may need time to decide whether she wants to meet me. And I’m going to give her that. But I want to be there, so if and when she’s ready, we can meet rather than making plans for the future.”
“Or? She can change her mind.”
“She can change her mind at any time, and I will respect her decision either way.”
“Addy…” Her sister’s frustration was evident in her tone.
Addison spun around, reaching for her suitcase. “Please, stop. I’m doing this, and I don’t need or want anyone’s approval or permission.”
Hannah folded her arms. “Do Mom and Dad know?”
And the hits just keep on coming.
“They’re vacationing in Europe for the next three weeks.”
Her sister narrowed her gaze. “Do. They. Know?”
She hadn’t purposely kept it a secret. She’d just neglected to share with them.
What was the point? They were on a well-deserved extended vacation.
One they’d earned. Telling them would be a cause for concern in their eyes.
They’d worry. And? They’d probably disapprove.
Her parents had been a bit overprotective, especially when it came to her.
They hadn’t always been that way. The heart transplant changed things. Some for the better. Some not.
Addison sighed. “Only if you tell them.”
“Jesus, Addy!” Hannah popped the trunk, tossed her bag inside, and then slammed the top, glaring at Addison. “I want to hear from you every single day. Text is fine, but I need to hear your voice at least twice a week.”
“Okay, deal.” Addison smiled.
“And promise me you’ll be smart and respect Cleo’s wishes. This is probably going to be hard on her. I mean” —Hannah glanced down at her chest, and her face softened— “You have a piece of him, and he’s not here anymore.”
“I will.”
“And, if you’re not back in four weeks, I’m telling Mom and Dad.”
“You’re gonna tell on me?” It took every ounce of control not to laugh. Her sister was threatening to tattle on a thirty-year-old woman. Addison cupped her mouth, concealing her amusement.
“Yeah, I am. And” —Hannah held up her hand— “I’m also going to tell them about your adventures from the past eight months. The skydiving, the tattoo, the motorcycle…” Hannah narrowed her gaze. “Everything!”
“Deal.”
It should’ve been over, but it wasn’t.
“And if you get on a motorcycle while you’re out there and live? I’m going to kill you.” She waved her finger inches from Addison’s face. “No motorcycles.”
That was one request she could guarantee. “I promise.”
“Okay.” Hannah sighed and shook her head, rolling her eyes. “I swear, you’re the biggest pain in the ass in my life.”
Same, sister! Addison made her way to the passenger door and glanced back at her apartment building.
See you in a month.
****
The deal between Killcreek and Satan’s Hex had been ongoing for the last nine months.
There’d been a few hiccups along the way but not as many as they’d anticipated.
This deal still didn’t sit right with Cross.
As the vice-president of the club, he had his concerns.
They had worked with Satan’s Hex for years on transport of product.
Satan’s moved smaller quantities swiftly.
There had never been an issue. But a year ago, the president of the club, Slater, and the VP, Axel, had gotten locked up.
Things with the Satan’s changed, along with the leadership.
Griggs stepped up as acting president and wanted a more lucrative deal, taking on more product for distribution.
It meant more cash flow, but with that came greater risk.
As of now, it was proving to be a good deal on both ends. We’ll see how long that lasts.
“Any problem moving the product?” Ace asked, and Cross carefully watched Griggs, the self-appointed new president.
Griggs shared a look with his second-in-command, Spinner. He drew in a breath. “No, we got some local buyers and some in the surrounding areas.”
“Nothing out of state?” Ace asked.
“Not yet.”