Tanner was right, yet I didn’t want to hear it. I pulled my hand away. “I just need a few more days.”
“To do what? It’s not going to go away.”
Tears started to form in my eyes. I didn’t want to cry in front of Tanner. I needed my friends. What the hell was I thinking? “I know it won’t go away.” My irritation level was rising. “Do you want me to stick around or what?”
Tanner gave me a crooked smile and leaned back into his chair. “Sorry. I’m just worried about you.”
“I’m fine,” I sighed.
“Eat your pasta before it gets cold.” He pointed to my plate with his fork.
I took a big gulp of water. “You eat yours,” I sneered playfully.
Tanner was very sweet and caring in his own way. I loved the way he listened and gave me advice like a good friend would. That only made me miss Jenna, Kate, and Nicole even more. However, sometimes I wished Tanner would keep his mouth closed and his opinions to himself.
Chapter 22
Becky
It took one hour on the train to get to Paris, then we took a cab to his apartment. I felt a rush of excitement flow through me for being at a place I’d always dreamt of being. It was so surreal that it felt like a dream.
Tanner’s place was cozy and neatly in order. The furniture was elegant and modern with a few paintings on the wall. What I liked most about his place was the nice view of the city. It reminded me of Matthew’s place, so I walked away from the window.
“This room is all yours, Becky.” Tanner pushed the door wider. “If you’re not sleepy, we can talk more if you like.”
“I’m really exhausted. I’ll see you in the morning.” I smiled. “Thanks for letting me stay here.”
“Sleep in as long as you like. I’ll give you a tour of the city when you feel up to it.”
“Thanks.”
With that, he closed the door behind him. After I took a shower and got ready for bed, I opened up my laptop and checked my email and texts. Not wanting to be rude, I had turned it off during dinner since it was beeping like crazy. I had forgotten to turn it back on.
Jenna texted me asking how I was doing and when I was coming home. I hadn’t told her the exact date of my return. Matthew was asking me the same questions.
Becca, I’m home. I’ll be waiting for your return.
I’m staying a couple more days with a friend.
I’m not happy.
I’ll be home soon. We need to talk.
Yes, we do. You should be here right now.
Sorry. Just need to clear my head.
Okay. I’ll be waiting. I love you.
I turned off the phone and went to bed.
Matthew
Three simple words. Three words she could not text back. I had a very bad feeling she wasn’t coming home, and that thought turned my stomach inside out. There were many scenarios I could have taken. One, beg her to come with me to Australia. Two, surprise her in London by showing up. Neither one of them seemed like it was a good idea at the time. Feeling utterly lost, confused, and not knowing what to do, I decided to head to my best source once again.
“Hello, Jenna. My beautiful sister-in-law.” I sat on her desk.
“Matthew.” She looked surprised. Her cheeks flashed some color when she gave me a shy smile. She hadn’t seen me walk into the room. Frankly, I was surprised to see her there at this hour. Everyone had gone home.
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better. I can eat well now.”
“Do you know if I’m going to have a nephew or a niece?”
“We’ll know next appointment.”
“That’s great.” I paused a bit. “So...what’s going on with Becky? Have you heard from her?”
Jenna squinted her eyes and bit her bottom lip. This was a sure sign she was hiding something.
“Haven’t you heard from her?” She looked worried.
“Yes, but I don’t think she’s planning to come home in couple of days like she said she would. I think there is something else going on that you’re both not telling me.”
“Matthew, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I wish I knew what was going on with Becky. I’ve been so sick lately that I hardly had time for her. I feel so bad. And now she’s beyond my reach and all I get is ‘I’ll talk to you about it when I get home.’ The time difference doesn’t help either. And I need to pack up. Max is coming to take me out to dinner. I was waiting for him.”
“Hmm...you, too? She told me the same thing.” I stood up and walked across the room. “Maybe I should go visit her.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Jenna said that way too fast. She grabbed her bag and started to head to the door.