With the launching of the campaign getting closer and closer, Kinley has been busy working. I’ve been wandering around the house, relaxing a bit, went shopping yesterday, and have met up with a few of the guys. Lucky for me, Tyler didn’t ask about Kinley thanks to him having a new girlfriend now.
Kinley was very adamant about not cheating and not lying, which makes sense. I think I did a good job letting her know that my lips are sealed on certain topics. As long as she doesn’t ask or accepts an evasive answer if she does, then I won’t have to lie to her. I do trust her to an extent, but there are just some things that are strictly off limits, not only to her, but to everyone.
While I may not offer any information, there is something else I can do. I’m not expecting anything or closing myself off, so that means I still need to make somewhat of an effort. Otherwise, it’s pretty much the same as usual.
I double check to make sure everything is in the back of my SUV since I’m driving that today. Kinley should be ready by the time I get to her place to pick her up. I even sent her three emails to confirm, and it was fun reversing that role. Perfectly on time, she’s walking out the door when I pull up. I park the car and get out to open the door for her.
“Hey, sweetheart.” I grin, faintly noting that I feel a bit nervous about this.
“Hey.” She gives me a quick kiss before sliding into her seat.
We make small talk on the way. “Are you still upset about the other day?”
“My dad says paybacks are a bitch, so you just wait, and I’ll show you later. Now, where are you taking me?”
“We’re going to the hospital.”
“Why? Are you okay?”
“Oh, yeah. I figured I might need to check out the morgue in case your payback lands me there.” I glance over at her, but she’s ignoring me, looking out the window instead. There is a small smile on her lips though.
When we make it to the hospital, I find the parking lot Mike is in and end up parking next to him. Kinley doesn’t say anything when she sees him, but I can tell she wants to ask about it. We get out and walk to the rear of my vehicle.
“Hey, Mike. It’s a good day, isn’t it?” I ask as I shake his hand firmly before opening the back.
“Yes, it is. How are you, Ms. Wright? I didn’t know that you would be joining us.”
“I’m well, thank you,” she replies. “What in the world?” she questions quietly under her breath as I start handing some bags to Mike.
I ignore her for the moment, but over my shoulder ask, “Sweetheart, could you get the jerseys from the backseat?”
“Um, sure.”
“Is this a new addition to the clothes campaign that I didn’t know about or something?” Mike quietly says when Kinley is out of earshot.
“Nope. I just asked her to come.”
Kinley comes back around the car with my jersey and another smaller one. I take off the shirt I was wearing, toss it into the back, leaving me wearing only an undershirt before I slip the jersey over my head.
“Do you need any help?” Kinley says once I’m all dressed again.
“Here.” I hold out a bright, yellow bag. “Put the jersey in there and keep it hidden behind your back, please.” She nods and I grab the last few bags from the back before closing the door as we all start to head inside.
“Do you know how she’s been doing?” Mike asks as we ride up the elevator.
“Yeah, Darcie has been sending me updates.” I glance over at Kinley, trying to see if she’s figured it out yet. She just smiles. The doors to the elevator open and we take a sharp right to avoid the nurses’ desk and waiting rooms on this floor. Room number 709 is the first one coming up, so I pause and look at Kinley with a smile. “I need to apologize for something real quick.”
Confusion passes her features. “What for?”
“I do have another woman in my life.” Before she can respond, I take the three steps to the door and push it open.
There in the corner at a small table is a little girl, coloring. Darcie, her mom, is sitting next to her and she sees me first.
“Gracie, baby,” she starts softly. “You have a visitor.”
Gracie turns around, screams with excitement, and rushes over to me. “Carson! You’re back! I’ve missed you!” she squeals as I set my bags on the ground to pick her up.
“I’ve missed you too.” I laugh when she hugs my neck as tightly as she can.