Chapter 39
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Ryan
Fifteen minutes ago, when Rebecca’s name flashed across my phone, I snuck away from the exclusive live concert the band was giving for satellite radio in front of a small group of fans.
I found an empty office down the hall, where I’ve been huddled ever since.
The fact that she was calling and not texting told me I needed to pick up.
As I feared, the news isn’t good. Our grandfather has taken a turn for the worse, and they aren’t sure if he’ll make it through the night an I’ve booked the next available flight home.
“Thanks, Ry.” Rebecca’s voice is quiet. Exhausted.
“Don’t thank me. I’m glad you called. I just hope I make it in time. ”
“Me too.”
“Okay, I need to get back to my place, throw some things in a bag, and get myself to the airport. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Travel safe. Love you, little sister.”
Stunned by her affection, I clear my throat before returning my love for her. “Me too, Becks.”
“See you tonight.”
“See ya.”
The call disconnects.
I should be scrambling home to pack, but I can’t move.
I replay the four simple words my sister said that I’ve rarely heard from her over my lifetime.
Love you, little sister. Of course, I know she loves me, but we don’t say the words to each other.
Since I left home, my visits often consist of family time.
Like Mom, she’s on guard when Dad is around.
When it’s just us, things are comfortable and I enjoy my time with her, but I can count on one hand how many times we’ve said I love you to one another.
Taking a heavy breath, I message Knox. His cell will be off for the next couple of hours, so I text him the details.
It hurts my heart to type the words telling him one of the most important people in my life is leaving us, but I know it’s for the best. Pops will be with the love of his life soon, and that alone makes losing him a little easier.
I hate to leave Knox. We’ve spent every night in my apartment, leaving our very expensive rooms at the hotel empty.
We’ve had exceptional sex and meaningful conversations.
My happiness and orgasm levels have been off the charts.
He’s shared what a lifetime on the road and in the limelight has been like.
I’ve shared my nomadic life of following my subject matters around the world.
We’ve made lists of countries we’ve visited and those we want to visit together one day.
We’ve talked about home, and we’ve talked about Sawyer.
Our attraction to each other was so contentious these last weeks on the road together, that we’re making up for lost time. Even though we’re always together, every day we text each other something new about us that the other doesn’t know yet. No fact is too silly. Like this morning’s text.
Ryan
I had never been on a plane until I left for college.
Knox
u may never want to see me again after I tell u this because I know what books mean to you... but I didn’t read any of the assigned reading in high school English class. I cheated on every test.
We’ve shared nearly every facet of our lives, but I still haven’t been able to tell him everything.
I’m not ready to lose him.
Because I think my final secret may be a deal-breaker for him.
There’s one week of press left until the final two weeks of shows kick off. I was so looking forward to living in our little bubble at my place for the next seven days. I don’t know when I’ll be back, and I miss him already.