Every Little Dream(43)

He’s silent. Probably pondering my thoughts that must be foreign to someone like him. In his world, money is everything and everyone has a price.

“Then you’re a very lucky girl.” As promised he doesn’t enter any further into the room. He turns slightly as if to leave. “Just so you know the largest drug trafficking ring in the area has been broken up. Arrests are happening as we speak. It’s bigger than we thought. From what I hear, you were quite brave.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you need anything? Money to get back onto your feet?”

“I’m okay. I came out east to find excitement.” Memories of home flood through me: the Sunday afternoon barbecues, the monthly brunches with the ladies from church, hiking with friends, coffee with my dad in the morning—everything that at one point I thought was so boring. “But really I had all the excitement I needed back home on my dad’s ranch. With my family and close friends. I just thought it wasn’t enough.” Tears burn in my eyes and I don’t fight them. “I took them all for granted.”

That’s when I decide. I’m going home. As soon as I leave here I’m packing and driving home. Back to my home. My dad. My friends. The life I was meant for. I might’ve left a Daddy’s girl, but I’m returning a woman.

“I’m sure your father is very proud. Good luck. And, again, thank you.” Then he leaves, leaving behind the sting of his regret.

In the quiet, I close my eyes, draw in the smell of flowers on the table and feel the sun as it rises higher in the sky. The doctor enters. I smile, ready to go.





“Are you sure you don’t want to stay the summer?” Justine asks.

I stuff more clothes into my suitcase. “It’s time I leave.” I grab her hands, then pull her into a hug. “But it doesn’t mean I won’t miss you or working here.”

Her voice breaks. “I’ll miss you too. But I understand.”

I snap the suitcase closed. “You’re welcome to visit anytime. Maybe when you’re done here and not sure what to do, you can crash with me. Find a different kind of excitement. It can be life changing. I promise.”

She pulls me into a hug. “I know. I’ve seen it in you.” She puts her hands on my shoulders. “Will you be okay? I mean this all just happened yesterday. You could wait…”

“No.” I can’t say anymore. I need to go, get away from all this. “That reminds me.” I pull a note out of my pocket. “If Chad stops by looking for me, then give him this.” Justine waits for an explanation. “None of this was his fault. It just happened. But he’s more than welcome to come find me. I won’t be holding my breath because that would mean commitment, and that’s the last thing he’s looking for.”

Justine takes the letter and then walks me out to my car. After one last hug, I drive away, wiping my eyes. I pass through the town, cherishing and hating every moment.

I roll down the window and let my arm flop outside. The wind rushes through and dries the tears. My hair flies free. The highway comes way too fast and I realize there’s no turning back. Our relationship is up to Chad. His choice. My leaving gives him a chance to walk away if that’s what he wants.

Only time will tell.



Chad



Dad bails me out. We go through the process, the lectures, and finally leave. My insides are a wreck. I’ve been waiting to find out what matters the most to me, but every time I ask or try to interrupt, my dad gives me the look. With him it’s all about timing. If he’s going to be generous with information or favors then he has to have spoken his mind first.

We step outside and the sun blinds me. The breeze drifts across my skin, washing away the stink and the darkness from a night in a cell. I take a deep breath, feeling, wanting something that is just out of my grasp. “What happened to Katie? Does anyone know?”

He frowns. “Lucky to be alive. And, we found the drugs.”

My stomach sinks and dread crawls through me. This means I was right about Kingston. And I was right about my dad using me as bait.

“As you guessed, Kingston was into something. It’s more than any of us realized. With your help, the cops are making arrests right now, breaking up the biggest drug trafficking ring in the area.”

“But is she okay?”

He nods. “I talked with her this morning. They were releasing her from the hospital. She seemed fine.” He waits, his lips pursed. Then he speaks. “Sounded like she was heading home.” He walks me over to his car. “I’ll give you a lift.”

“To Jimmy’s beach house,” I add. I’ll have to shower and head over to the Inn. She’ll probably never forgive me but I have to at least try. I wouldn’t blame her if she slammed the door in my face and never talked to me again.