“I guess you’ll have to find out,” I snarl.
“Just tell Andrea that I’m not finished with her.”
“Nah, I’m not gonna do that because you are finished with her. If you know what’s good for you.” My tone is as serious as ever and Andrea stands in front of me, wide-eyed panic spread across her face. “Do you hear me? If you so much as try and contact her one more time, I’ll track you down and twist your fucking neck.”
He begins to laugh hysterically and I take it upon myself to just hang up. There’s no reason to keep fucking with this douchebag. I’m so pissed, but relieved I made my point. Although when I look at Andrea she’s shaking her head back and forth like I’ve done something wrong, when all along all I’ve wanted to do was try and protect her.
I grab my credit card and pass it to her, not really caring what she has to say. I can tell that she’s pissed, but someone needed to set that douchebag straight.
She takes the card and whispers, “Thank you.”
After Andrea reserves her flight and gets her shit together, we get on the road. “Thank you for everything, Nate, I hope you know how much it means to me that you let me come here.”
“I’m just glad that you’re okay. I’m sorry if I was an asshole at all.”
“I understand.”
“Thanks, Andrea.”
I glance at her out of the corner of my eye, her long, blonde hair is shower wet and messy. I really wish her nothing but the best…she probably doesn’t even realize the depth of the shit that she put up with from me during the whole time we were fucking around. She deserves to get away not only from the douchebag, but also me. The rest of the drive we sit in silence, both of us lost in our own minds. Mine is focused on Elania. Finally, tonight, I get to see her. It seems so long ago that she left, even though it’s only been a few short days.
I really can’t wait to have her in my arms. Her light eyes and dark hair consume me. I can hear her voice and envision her lips against mine. Pulling up to the airport, relief washes over me. This is the end, and I can’t wait to put this all behind me. Soon Andrea will be safe, and I’m hoping after the talk I had with Ronnie that he will really leave her alone. She truly does deserve it.
Parking in front of the departure area for her airline, I wish Andrea, “Good luck.” And she leans over hugging me. I hug her back, knowing she’s been through a lot.
“I’m sorry for the way that things have turned out.”
“Please don’t be,” she says over my shoulder. “You have no idea how much I appreciate everything.” We pull away and I can see fear written all over her face.
“Be strong. You’re going to be thousands of miles away; he can’t hurt you.” She nods her head and we get out of the car. Freedom is only seconds away.
“Jesus, that flight was brutal,” Monica says resting her head against the seat, looking shaken and a little green.
“I never used to mind flying, but after that I might rethink how I travel.”
Both Monica and I turn our phones on. There is a lot of chatter amongst the cabin, everyone complaining about the turbulence. We’re not the only ones who are upset about the flight. Monica gets on the phone with her husband and I contemplate texting Nate, but I decide against it. He’s sleeping, and besides, I really want to surprise him. He thinks I’m at the pool with the girls and that’s how it’ll stay.
I gather my things trying not to listen to Monica on the phone, but she’s so damn cute. She and her husband have been together forever. They are one of the first couples that I met when I moved here from California and come to find out that Monica and Mads went to college together.
“How’s Koby?” I ask her.
“Poor little guy…he’s about the same. Jason said his fever hasn’t broken and he’s still really lethargic.”
As everyone starts to exit the plane we grab our belongings and head out as well. “I’m sorry he’s sick, girl.”
“He’s gonna be okay, I just turn into a total hypochondriac the second my baby has the tiniest sniffle, but I can’t control it.”
“If you wanna get going home, you can. I totally understand and can catch a cab.”
“Are you sure?” she asks.
“Of course, get home and take care of your little boy.”
The elevator dings and we get out, looking around. I see a sign for the parking garage and point to it. She hugs me before heading off.
“Let me know how Koby is.”
“I will,” she responds.
We separate and I walk out the nearest doors, needing to get a breath of fresh air. The hot New Jersey summer day warms my skin, but the sight in front of me instantly knocks the air from my lungs. I stop dead in my tracks and have to do a double take.
I’m horrified as I watch Nate hugging another woman in his car. My chest staggers in pain. Every ounce of breath is stripped from my airway. This cannot be happening.