"Once again eight. Seven and you."
The plane comes to a complete stop, and the captain makes a short arrival announcement. The cabin attendant opens the door, and I stand up first. Lucas winces as he pushes himself up.
"You all right?" I ask.
"I'm fine. Just a little stiff from sitting for so long."
I run my hand over his shoulder, wishing I could do more. Lucas isn't old enough to start to feel bad after a flight-even a long one-and I know his injuries are bothering him. From the hard set of his jaw, it's obvious he doesn't want me to fuss, so I step back and give him some space. It doesn't take much time before he puts a hand at the small of my back, ready to deplane.
We step out together. I stop for a second and inhale deeply. The familiar stretch of road, the cool kiss of the evening breeze and autumn-spiced air …
I'm home.
"We have a car waiting," Lucas says, putting an arm around my shoulder.
I nod. "Let me text Ray to let him know I've arrived." I start typing on my phone and hit send.
Where are you? Ray texts back. I almost slap my forehead, because I forgot he planned to pick me up. We just landed. Let me get my bags and I'll meet you right outside.
The Charlottesville airport is small, and there's no way I'm going to miss him.
"Where are our bags?" I ask.
"They should be in the car by now. Why? Need something?"
"It's Ray. He's here."
Lucas frowns. "Why?"
"He wants to … um … pick me up."
Lucas's expression grows darkly speculative. "And I suppose he wants to take you to his home."
"Yes."
"Do you have to go?"
"He's like my father. Actually he's more of a father than-"
He holds up a hand. "Okay. You don't have to say more." He sighs. "He has the right."
"Thank you."
I can sense he isn't thrilled about spending the night apart. And to be honest, after yesterday I feel the same way.
Lucas rings his driver, instructs him to bring the car around to the main entrance, and we leave together. I see Ray standing by himself.
His hair prematurely gray, he looks distinguished and intelligent, his pale blue eyes observant yet warm. He's in a salmon-colored button-down shirt, a brown vest and chestnut-colored slacks. A pair of worn loafers peeks under the hems of his cuffed trousers. Although he isn't a tall man-only five-ten-he's slim from staying active. Combined with his excellent posture, he seems taller than he is.
His lightly tanned face brightens when he spots me. He walks forward and wraps me in strong, wiry arms.
"Ava! So good to see you."
I hug him back. "I missed you so much, Ray."
And that is true. No matter how many video chats we have, it's not the same.
After three beats, he pulls back. "And this fellow?"
"Ray, meet Lucas. Lucas, Ray."
Ray gives Lucas a thorough inspection, from head to toe, then back up as though he were studying merchandise before a purchase.
If that bothers him, Lucas doesn't show it. He merely smiles politely-but not openly-and extends a hand. "Nice to meet you, sir."
"Likewise," Ray says, pumping the offered hand vigorously. If he were younger, he probably would've tried to crush every bone in Lucas's hand. He turns to me. "Where are your things, Ava?"
"In Lucas's car."
"It'll follow us to your place," Lucas adds.
Ray nods, and we walk out to the short-term lot to claim his car. He's still driving the same dark gray SUV.
Lucas opens the rear door for me, and we climb inside. The interior is as neat as ever, and if I didn't know any better, I would never suspect he has a seventeen-month-old child.
Ray takes the car out of the garage. One hand holding mine, Lucas texts his driver, and I note a black SUV tailing us.
"How was the flight?" Ray asks.
"It was very nice," I say.
"My plane has a bed," Lucas adds.
Ray's eyebrow cocks. "A bed?"
"We, um, flew private," I say, while giving Lucas a "what are you doing?" look.
He pointedly ignores me. Instead he mouths, Call me tonight.
I nod, then turn to Ray. "So where's Darcy?"
"Home. She couldn't come. She was disappointed, but I told her she could wait an hour."
Charlottesville isn't a big town, and its traffic isn't as terrible as some of the larger metropolitan areas in Virginia. Finally, we drive through the gates manned by old Mr. Jackson-the "security guard". The community is immaculately maintained, all the autumn leaves ruthlessly gathered up and disposed of, shrubs trimmed and lawns mowed.
Ray and Darcy live in a three-story house with a sizable two-car garage and a shed in the back. Darcy told me they bought it because of its proximity to the golf course-in Ray's universe, no day is complete without a round or two of golf.