I listen.
“I’m stepping back.”
My heart drops. “You’re giving up?”
“No. Just the opposite; I’m making plans for our future. But I understand that you need time. Me forcing you to forgive me before you’re ready may not be the smartest move.”
I smile softly as I listen, hope blooming in my chest.
“You just call me whenever you want to speak to me,” he says.
“Okay.”
“And that could be fifty times a day. I’ll be waiting for your call like a lovesick schoolboy.”
I smile as I hang on the line . . . I really do want to see him this weekend.
No.
“Okay.”
“Goodbye, Emily.”
“Goodbye,” I whisper. I hang up, smell my rose, and smile sadly out the window as New York flies by. I feel like I’m in a subspace. Caught between two men, each with their own memory—one of Jameson Miles’s coldhearted dismissal and the other of playful Jim’s overwhelming love. Each time I feel myself leaning toward one, the other jumps in my way. I’m not sure how to turn this off, but I need to work it out . . . and sooner rather than later.
Half an hour later the limo pulls up at the airport, and Alan opens my door. I clutch my rose in my hand, knowing that I can’t take it in.
Alan retrieves my bag from the trunk. “Would you like me to carry this in for you?” he asks.
“No, thank you.” I look down at my rose. I feel strangely attached to it and can’t stand the thought of it dying. “Would you be able to put the rose in some water for me, please?” I ask him.
He smiles warmly. “Of course.” He takes it from me. “I’ll put it in water at Mr. Miles’s apartment for you.”
“Thank you.” I shrug, suddenly feeling stupid. “Goodbye, Alan.”
“I’ll see you on Sunday when we pick you up.”
“Okay.” With a meek wave, I make my way to the check-in desk, and surprisingly there’s no line today. “Hello. I have a booking for Emily Foster.” I slide my license across the desk to the check-in clerk.
“Hello.” She types my name into her computer. “Ah yes, Ms. Foster. I see you have amended your booking to first class.”
I frown. “No.”
She rechecks the details. “Yes, your two tickets were upgraded late last night.”
“Two tickets?”
“Yes, a second was booked, and then they were both upgraded.”
Jameson.
“Oh, I see. Okay, thank you.” I collect my ticket and walk through security and make my way to the bar. I have nearly two hours before my flight leaves.
“What will it be?” the bartender asks as I take a seat.
“A margarita, please.”
I text Jameson.
Mr Miles, thank you for the upgrade.
It is very much appreciated.
Tell me, was the second seat for you or to make sure I didn’t sit next to someone else?
My drink is delivered, and a text bounces back.
My dear Miss Foster, I am outraged that you would think I could be so calculating.
Of course, I don’t want you sitting next to anyone else.
I know how irresistible you are.
xoxox
I smile as I sip my drink, and another text arrives.
Although, if I wasn’t playing hard to get and being non-pushy. I would have taken you on the company jet and initiated you to the real Miles High Club.
You wouldn’t walk for a week.
Enjoy the peaceful silence.
xoxox
I roll my lips to hide my smile, and I text back.
Goodbye Jameson.
Glad that your deviant behavior is still alive and well.
I was getting worried.
xoxoxo
A text comes straight in.
You have no idea.
And no watching Magic Mike, watch Grumpy Old Men instead.
It will make me more appealing.
xoxox
I sip my drink and find myself smiling goofily into space.
Things are going well . . . for the first time in a long time, I feel myself become a little excited for what’s to come.
Let’s see what happens.
I stare at the ceiling in the darkness from my bed. It’s midnight. My old bedroom brings a surprising comfort that I didn’t know I needed.
It’s great being here with my family, but New York seems so very far away.
I didn’t call Jameson like I said I would; in fact I haven’t spoken to him all night.
Being here with people who love me makes me realize how fragile I’ve been. I was completely alone and heartbroken in New York. I mean sure, I had Molly and Aaron, but I’ve known them all of three months. It’s not the same as having family around, the ones who will stand by your side through thick and thin.