Reaching out, I put my hand on the angel representing my sister. “If you’re flying, remember not to get too close to the sun.” My dry throat aches at the thought of her falling. “I hope you see the galaxies and stars and all the beautiful things. I hope you’re as beautiful now as you always were then.”
I hold my hand on the statue a few seconds longer. I still don’t feel a change, my chest is tight and I feel like I’m bracing for impact. After a while, all I want is Tabby. I miss her, and I want to hold her in my arms.
I know what I believe, and I’m ready to make it happen.
My mother stands at the foot of my bed watching me pack the few things I left at her house. “You came all this way just to pack up and leave again?”
“I only came for a visit. I’ve stayed a week. Now it’s time to get back.”
“Beau said he told you about the senate seat. Your father spent years building a network for you to take over when you were discharged. It’s ready and waiting for you.”
“Nothing is waiting for me here.” I glance up at her and smile as I tuck my socks into my shoes. “Dad and his friends can find another fortunate son to fill that role.”
“Don’t say it like that. Your father wanted you in that role. He sees you as a leader.”
“I am a leader. Just not in this community.”
“You’re going back to that girl.” Her voice is sharp. “No matter what you think, she’s not good for you.”
“She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She taught me how to believe again, and I’m in love with her.”
My mother drops her hand and exhales a heavy sigh. “I’ll see you off in the morning. Don’t stay up too late.”
Stepping away from the bed, I catch her hand. “Mom?” She turns, her eyes tired. “It’s going to be okay. “
She doesn’t agree, but she doesn’t argue with me. She only leaves, closing the door behind her. I move the suitcase to the floor and pick up my phone. I have one more commitment to fulfill tomorrow, then I can get on the road for Oceanside.
I haven’t tried to text Tabby since I’ve been gone. I wanted to give her what she asked for—time, space, what’s that saying about if you love someone, set them free? I felt pretty confident when I left her on Sunday, but what if I misunderstood her tears? Can I go back there and continue my daily routine without her?
I wonder if she did what I asked and waited to give Travel Time an answer? The phone is in my hand, I’m staring at the face, when it goes off. Her name appears as if she felt me thinking about her, wondering, and wanted to give me an answer.
Warm satisfaction unfurls in my stomach as I read her words. Things aren’t the same without you here. I miss you so much. I want to see you again. The door is open. Please come home.
I don’t waste time responding. On my way.
Twenty-Six
Tabby
Friday is the official launch day of Travel Time, and I’m bouncing off the walls. Not only have I been awake since midnight, drinking Red Bull, checking periodically to be sure no servers have crashed or reservations systems bugged up, I can’t stop thinking about Chad and wondering when he’ll be here.
I told him I needed time to think, and boy, did he ever give me what I asked for. This week has been more than enough time… and space. I want to see him. I want to touch him. I want to kiss him, and then I want to do all the things that always come after that.
When 10 a.m. finally rolls around, Rani and AJ are ready for my answer. Even though I told Chad I wouldn’t make a decision before he got back, I’m pretty sure he meant not to tell them yes, and I’ve decided I could never do that anyway.
As much as I love the idea of being a permanent explorer, I don’t want to go alone. Roxanne has been hanging around the pack-n-save all week, and she made some additional points about traveling alone—no one to share your excitement when you see something cool, but most of all, having to put up with all the couples on vacation together and what a drag it is after a while.
I don’t intend
to be in that situation ever.
“The site looks amazing. It performs amazingly well… I just can’t tell you how happy we are.” Rani is smiling, and my chest is so full.
“Thank you, Rani. I enjoyed every minute working on it. Really.” I’m beaming with pride in a job well done.
“Have you made up your mind about our offer?” AJ joins her on Skype, lifting her out of the chair and sitting behind her.
Rani lets out a little squeal, and I can’t help remembering when it was like that with Chad and me, sitting on his lap, showing him all the bells and whistles of my job. Then kissing, riding Andy… I feel my face getting hot and shut down those steamy memories.