Page 75 of Driving Beats
“Do the trick? Silly, they make you appear as if you stepped off a catwalk, in the best way possible.”
I raise, then lower, my mug. “Thanks again.” Lame.
The alarm goes off. The one I set to remind me we have to leave for the airport, never imagining a breakfast like this. “Time to go. Let me grab your luggage and I’ll join you at the Rover. It’s in the garage.” I stand. “Because of your foot.”
“How thoughtful.” She gets up and starts to clear the dishes.
“Let them be. I’ll take care of them when I return.” Lord knows I won’t have anything else to fill the time.
Retrieving her luggage from the guest room, I meet her at the trunk. When everything’s settled, I assist her into the SUV so as to avoid any further mishaps. Don’t want the rest of her vacation to be marred by aggravating her ankle.
When I open the driver’s side door, there’s a small package on my seat.
I pick it up. “What’s this?”
“Open it and find out.”
I get into the vehicle and look at the brown cardboard envelope. It has a brand label on it, but I don’t recognize the name.
“Go ahead,” she prods.
Smiling at her, I rip the end off and something in plastic falls out. I glance at her and tear it open. “It’s a wallet.”
“I saw it online when I ordered the belts and thought you might like it.”
She offers me a wan smile. Not her usual jubilant one. Still, this is a beautiful gesture. Of course, I don’t have anything to reciprocate. “I really appreciate it, Nese.”
I put the car into gear and we drive to the airport. The radio provides all the soundtrack we need, so I reach over and raise the volume. Slanting her a sideways glance, I can’t tell what she’s thinking behind her sunglasses—probably how lucky she is to return to her home in Georgia. Be that as it may, I find myself unable to stop devising ways to entice her to stay. We could continue clothes shopping. Eat out at a variety of restaurants. Have sex on the pool deck.
Stop it Coop. Be realistic.
According to her, I’m old and boring. She can make me energized and fun.
According to her, I’m silly in a bad way. She can turn it upside down.
According to her, I’m being ridiculous for believing my failed marriage was it for me. She can rip out the carpet from under my feet. The one on which Lillian dances.
No.
It’s much better this way. We’ll part as friends. Still be able to work together, as I won’t be the one demanding she leave UC. For one, Nese’s damn good at her job. For another, despite her upbringing, her hard work landed her on the team and I refuse to interfere with her life like the cult leader—and her mother!—did.
She’s much better without me. For all I know, she might have a guy, or two, waiting for her in Georgia. She’s spontaneous and fun, things I’ve never been accused of.
She has to return to Georgia. Fly and be free, Río’s motto. Amend, old motto. Nese never needs to know how deeply she’s affected me. Besides, I’m sure it’s only a little blip. The retreat will screw my head back on right.
Pulling up outside the terminal, it dawns on me that she shouldn’t drag her luggage with her bum foot. “Let me park and I’ll bring your bags to the check-in.” I start to turn the SUV into the roadway.
“No, it’s fine. I’m certain one of the valets can help me.” She performs an impressive circle with her sneaker-clad left ankle. “Besides, I’m basically all better.”
Reluctantly, I return to the curb and put the Rover into park. “At least, let me get your luggage.”
“You won’t hear an argument from me!”
I exit the vehicle and open the trunk. After I bend down to put her suitcases on the pavement, I stand to see her surrounded by not one, but two “helpful” valets. Guess I didn’t have to worry about her foot. Both of them approach and take her luggage from me.
Bringing myself next to her, I place my hands on her shoulders. Ones that have carried her from a cult and her mother to starting a new life in Georgia. And now with UC.
Ignoring my inner voice begging her to stay, I soak in her dark blue eyes and say, “I look forward to seeing you on tour in Australia.”
