Wildcard: Volume Three

My hands are shaking as I punch the digits into the phone—another disposable one. I need to know what’s going on, because not knowing anything is killing me. I’m driving myself insane. I press call, and hold my breath as I wait.

My heart pounds as I’m greeted with a recorded message informing me that this number is no longer in service. I rake my hand through my hair. What am I supposed to do now? How am I supposed to find this guy? Maybe you’re not. Maybe this is a sign for you to forget this ever happened. Forget about Tony.

Only I wish it were that easy.

My phone buzzes next to me. I reach for it and see that it’s Penny. Jumping up off the sofa, I race to the door and open it.

“Hey,” I say, hugging her. “You could’ve just knocked.”

“I didn’t want you wondering who it was.” She raises an eyebrow. “Have you heard from him?”

“Tony? No.” I shake my head and lead her back inside. “I wish I’d never contacted your guy, Pen.”

“First of all, he’s not my guy, and second, what’s the problem if he’s gone?”

“It’s the fact that I don’t know anything. Has he gone? What if all this has done is just piss him off even more?”

She sits down and shrugs. “I get what you’re saying. But I also think if Tony were angry enough to do something stupid, he would’ve done it already.”

Maybe.

“I tried calling your guy for an update. His phone’s disconnected.”

Penny snorts. “An update, Scar? It’s not a freaking dress you’ve ordered. You don’t call for an update.” She groans and cradles her head in her hands.

“Why not?” I ask defensively. “I paid this guy ten grand. How do I even know he’s done what we agreed on?”

“I think it’s a pretty safe bet, considering your asshole of an ex hasn’t been sniffing around,” she points out. “Just take Jake for his treatment and forget about Tony, okay? I’ll keep an eye on your place and let you know if anything is suspicious.”

“Thanks, Pen. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Right.” She smiles. She gets to her feet and motions for me to do the same. “Come on, or you’ll miss your flight.” She wraps her arms around me and kisses my cheek. “Stop worrying, Scar. You deserve happiness, more than anyone I know.”

***

“Why can’t I walk?”

“Because you’ve got this really cool chair that the doctor is insisting you use.”

I’m walking through the crowded Heathrow Airport, trying to push Jake’s chair and our luggage at the same time. It’s Monday afternoon, and after a long trip, with multiple layovers, we’re both cranky and tired.

“There! Ryder!” Jake waves his arms madly, catching Ryder’s attention. His face lights up when he sees us. My heart flutters as he walks over to us. It’s only been a few days, but I’ve missed that sexy smile so much.

“Hey,” he says. His lips press against my cheek, and then he drops to his knees beside Jake. “Wow, this is pretty cool. How are you feeling?”

“Good. I watched movies the whole way.” He beams, proud of the fact that he’s barely slept. I roll my eyes and ruffle his hair.

“Then we better get you back to my place so you can have a nap, hey?” Ryder straightens up and leans in for a proper kiss. My heart melts as his mouth finds mine.

He pushes Jake to his car while I wrangle the luggage cart. I’m regretting packing so much, but London weather sucks ass. Between my fifty different changes of clothes, Jake’s things, and all his medications, I feel like we’re abroad for the next year.

“You want to sit in the front?” Ryder asks Jake. He winks my way as I raise my eyebrows at him.

“Yeah!” Jake cries.

I shake my head as I climb into the back. Lucky his car is comfortable.

“Mom, look.” Jake giggles as he pulls a can of soda out from a secret compartment.