The driver informs us we are here and I reluctantly slide across the seat and out of the van. Bryce follows and tells him to give us a few minutes.
Once I get my boarding pass and bags checked, we walk hand in hand, as far as he can go. A few tears fall down my cheeks even though I try hard to hold them in.
“Baby, don’t cry. I’ll see you soon. Even sooner if you get into that museum exhibit.”
“I’ll miss you, Bryce.”
“Me too, babe, call me when you land.”
I lunge into him, knocking him back, but he catches me and holds tight. I kiss him briefly, knowing any more will be my undoing.
He watches me with his arms across his chest until I’m completely through security. The tears start to fall again and he shakes his head and pulls out his phone.
“No tears, Devon, this isn’t goodbye,” he says hoarsely when I answer.
“I can’t help it,” I croak.
“I’ll see you soon, promise. Nothing changes.”
“Okay.”
“You’re mine, I look forward to proving it.”
“Me too.”
“Bye, baby.” He hangs up.
I find my gate and then the closest restroom, where I let the tears flow. This time. I’m not heartbroken, but completely in love—again. Shit!
~~~~~
“Please tell me we’re done. No more,” I plead with Quinn, falling back onto the bed.
“D-O-N-E,” she answers sitting on the other bed. “But your ass is going out with me tonight. I don’t care what you say. Take a catnap, drink a red bull, whatever you need. I’m not spending New Year’s Eve in this hotel room.”
“Ugh, I’ll get a second wind. You shower first.”
She nods and goes into the bathroom. The past few days have been exhausting for us. We practiced a few hours a day but then were required at appearances around the area for fans and alumni, not to mention the fan fest.
Cheering in the game today at Sun Life Stadium was a whole new experience. The energy and enthusiasm was off the charts. Adrenaline pumped through me the whole game and when we won, it was an insane celebration on the field. Now, I’m so tired a night out sounds like torture. But I promised Quinn, so I force myself off the bed and dig through my suitcase for an outfit.
My phone rings with the familiar ring tone, which instantly makes me smile.
“Hey there,” I answer.
“Babe, you were on TV all night. You looked incredible. Did they make your uniforms skimpier for the bowl game?” Bryce asks.
“No, same uniform as always.”
“What are you doing now?”
“Unfortunately picking out an outfit for tonight. Quinn is insistent we party into the New Year.”
“Where?”
“I have no idea. Probably a bar somewhere close since we only have a little time before midnight.”
“I don’t like it, I’d prefer you stay in. I still have flashbacks to the fucking body shots in the airport.”