Never and Always

by Khardine Gray

  “I could send you some money. There must be a money transfer place there.” Abi was trying to remember what the bus station in Phoenix looked like.

  “I won’t be able to get it without ID.”

  “Oh, yes, of course.” Abi closed her eyes, trying to think hard. “I’ll come and get you.” That seemed like the only viable thing to do.

  “Would you do that?”

  “Of course I will. I just have to work out my travel.” Her mind was already working on her route. She would get a flight to Phoenix and a cab to the bus station, pick Margo up, and they could be back by nightfall, or even earlier, depending on how quick she could get a flight.

  “Oh, God, Abi, you’re such a good friend.”

  “You know you can count on me.” They could always count on one another, no matter what. And Abi knew that, if the situation had been reversed, Margo would do the same for her.

  “I know. Abi, please don’t say anything to Gale. I don’t want him to feel worse. I know he feels guilty enough as it is. I don’t want him to think that I don’t love him enough to forgive him. Or, that I left him.” That was love. It really was. Again, Abi understood. It was a special thing when you found someone you could love like that.

  “I won’t tell him,” Abi promised. “He’s worried, though, Margo. I have to say something.”

  “Tell him I lost my phone and I’m a bit delayed at work, but I’ll be there as quick as I can.” That was a plausible excuse since Margo was an ER nurse and always needed to rush off to the hospital, work late shifts, and do whatever they needed her to do. She’d barely taken time off for the wedding by only taking the bare minimum needed for the wedding itself, and two weeks for their honeymoon. “If you see my parents, tell them the same. They’d freak out if they knew what happened to me.”

  “Okay, let me check my flight details. I’ll call back in a minute.”

  “Thanks so much.”

  Abi hung up and went straight to the travel app on her phone. She typed in flights to Phoenix but it came up with nothing for the whole day.

  “Dammit!” she cursed, stamping her foot down.

  “Going somewhere?” It was Scott, again.

  She turned to see him resting against the door frame. Abi wondered how long he’d been there. “Can I help you with something?”

  The corners of his sensual mouth lifted into a slow, easy smile. His eyes never leaving hers. “You can, but I don’t know if you’ll want to.” He had the audacity to give her that lascivious, purely sexual look he used to. And the smile to go with it.

  “I’m busy right now, and, no, I don’t think I can help you with anything.”

  He laughed, a deep hearty masculine laugh that filled her. “Are you sure?” There was that look again.

  “Yes, I’m quite sure.”

  “How long’s it been, Abi?”

  “Since what?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

  “Since us. Six years?” His eyes brightened.

  “I’m sorry, I can barely remember.” She lied, raising her eyebrows.

  “It’s good to see you.” The cockiness in his smile echoed in his voice. He strode towards her and stopped paces away.

  “And you.” She only said that out of politeness, but, truthfully, she supposed it was good to see him.

  “You look good.” He looked her up and down slowly, taking his time to admire her legs, her waist, and her breasts. An unexpected flicker of heat rushed over her, and she was annoyed at the unwelcomed blush that crept into her cheeks.

  “I won’t tell you that you look good too so that your head can get bigger.” She met his eyes boldly and straightened up to gather her composure. Scott had the ability to know when he’d made an effect on someone, and she didn’t want him thinking he could do that with her.

  He answered her with a deep, hearty laugh that filled the space between them. “Still fiery, Babydoll.” She wished he wouldn’t call her that. She’d been smitten with the endearment when things were good with them. It was a happy time she wanted to forget because of how things ended. “You were talking to Margo – where is she?” he added.

  “Delayed.” She didn’t know what else she should say.

  He looked at her for a few seconds and straightened up. “Where are you flying to? Is Margo in trouble?”

  “Scott, everything is under control. Margo is delayed, and she will be with us tomorrow.” She answered turning away from him, deciding to ignore him again.

  Abi walked through to the other corridor, in order to avoid Gale, and dialed the number for the airport. She thought she’d book direct. An operator came on within seconds of her holding.

  “Hi, there, I’d like to book a flight to Phoenix from San Francisco. I can’t seem to book online. Can I book through you?” Abi asked.

  “I’m so sorry, ma’am. All flights are grounded across the state. There’s been a bomb scare and the police are investigating. We’re advising people to find other means of travel or wait until one we have the all clear.”

  That was crazy and scary. “A bomb scare! You’re kidding.”

  “No, I’m so sorry. All airports across California are practically closed. You’re welcome to call back and check later if you’d like, but your best bet is either finding other means of travel or booking a flight on another day.”

  Shit. That meant flying was out. “Okay. Thank you.” Abi hung up and rested against the corridor wall, wondering what to do.

  Her phone rang again. It was the same unrecognized number as before.

  “Margo.” Abi said into the phone. She wasn’t sure what to tell her because it was looking like either she couldn’t go and get her or she’d have to drive there somehow.

  “Abi, I’m sorry to call back so soon and pester but I just wanted to see what’s happening. There are some really creepy guys here.”

  “There are no flights to Phoenix. There’s a bomb scare.”

  “Oh my God. Oh, Abi, I don’t know what to do.” She started to cry again.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out. It may take longer than we planned, but I promise I’ll come and get you.” She could only imagine how Margo must be feeling.

  “Abi, thank you so much,” Margo gushed. “I’m sorry to put this burden on you. I wish I’d just gone to the hotel as planned with my parents. I could have had my meltdown there.”

  “Don’t worry. Just try and keep safe. Do you have enough change to call me?”

  “Maybe for another three calls.”

  “Okay, try to get cozy somewhere near the phone. I’ll call you as often as I can. Just don’t worry.”

  “Thanks, Abi.”

  Abi placed the phone back inside her pocket when she hung up. She made a move to go back the way she’d come but, once again, found herself staring up into Scott’s eyes. Curiosity lit them up.

  She almost collided with him, but he caught her, steadying her with his grip on her shoulders. “So it looks like my sister is stuck in Phoenix. The question is why?” he smiled down at her.

  She shuffled out of his grasp and gazed at him, thinking about what to say. He’d clearly been listening. “I’m going to get her.” She tried to move past him but he stopped her by placing his hand on her waist and pulling her back towards him.

  “Not so fast. How are you going to get her? Are you driving?”

  “Scott, I’m sure I can find some way of getting to her. I’ll rent a car.” She stepped out of his grasp once more.

  “Or you could come with me.” His smile widened.

  “Why’d I do that when I could rent a car or, heck, get a bus?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

  “Margo is my sister, I know she’s stranded at the bus station in Phoenix and there’s no flights because of a bomb threat. Of course I’ll be going to get my sister, and I’ll get there much quicker than you. So, Abi, if you want to come with me, the offer is there.” He turned his smile up a notch and gave her that cheeky look again.

  She bit the inside of her lip
wanting to curse him but held back realizing he was right. By the time she organized a rental car, he’d be well on his way, and she’d just be in tow, going to Phoenix for nothing.

  She watched him as he turned and walked away, and Abi tried to contemplate all this. She supposed she could have let him go and get Margo, but Margo hadn’t called him. She’d called Abi.

  Not only that, but now she was worried for her friend and wanted to be sure that she was okay. The journey from here to Phoenix was an exceptionally long one by car. Could she survive that many hours with Scott? Especially if she was trying to avoid him.

  “You coming?” he called back looking over his shoulder.

  She groaned inwardly, hating this idea, but, right now, it seemed like the best way to get to Margo. It would be a long, and most likely terrible, journey, but she supposed she could bite the bullet and travel with her ex for her best friend.

  Releasing a sigh of frustration, she followed him.

  Find Out What Happens Next …

  I Love You Again Taster

  Chapter 1

  Wow.

  Trina was in complete awe at the surrounding landscape. Hawaii was just as beautiful as she'd been told, and seeing it for herself and experiencing it was truly, truly amazing.

  She’d checked into the renowned Orchid Hotel with her three best friends six hours ago, and did nothing but run around with excitement as they checked out the beauty of all that lay before them.

  The hotel itself was impressive enough with its contemporary decor and multicolor schemes within the spacious suites which had access to ocean-view terraces. But, Trina was more in love with what she saw outside.

  She loved the luscious green acres of land adorned with fan palm trees that overlooked the magnificent turquoise Pacific Ocean. She loved the fresh, languid air she breathed into her lungs, and she loved the clear sky that stretched into the heavens now speckled with twinkling stars.

  They were seated around a grand table, preparing to have what she knew would be a glorious dinner at the hotel's rooftop restaurant. It was all so perfect.

  "I don't know what to eat." Lizzie laughed shaking her full head of dark curls which came alive at the movement. She brought her hand to her cheek and sighed as she looked over the menu. "Would it be a bad thing to order everything?"

  "I shouldn't eat at all," Mandy stated frowning as she looked down at her already bulging stomach. "Look at me."

  Jennifer laughed but covered her mouth quickly when Mandy shot her a crude stare.

  "Hey, you drew my attention. Don't hate me because ..." Jennifer stopped herself, realizing that whatever she was going to say would be worse than the laugh.

  Trina pursed her lips together to hold back a laugh of her own.

  "Not fat?" Mandy filled in with a grimace. Her blue eyes wide with anticipation. "Like me?"

  "You are not fat," Lizzie offered.

  Trina didn't know how Lizzie could look at Mandy and lie like that. Mandy was one of those yo-yo dieters who couldn't help themselves around food. Especially when it came to those diets that restricted certain food groups.

  Trina tried to tell her many times that it was a bad idea to go on a month-long juice fast in an attempt to shed fifteen pounds before coming here, but would she listen? Nope. And she didn't listen to her advice about the other diets that had failed either. Mandy would start with the best intention, but give up two days in, and end the diet with a pizza and burger binge that would pile on the pounds again. This was what happened to the recent attempt, and instead of losing fifteen pounds, she'd gained an extra ten.

  Trina was a surgeon, an actual doctor. Over the years she'd tried to give Mandy advice on how to lose weight effectively, the healthy way. But, she’d never, ever listened to her. Right from their days at Stanford when they all met. Eleven years later it was the exact same.

  Mandy said a surgeon couldn't possibly know the same as whichever nutritionist she'd chosen to compare Trina to. She also said that she couldn't know what diet worked because Trina had never needed to diet herself.

  That wasn't entirely true, as Trina stuck to a healthy diet and did her exercise by jogging. She found that by doing that she could pretty much eat whatever she wanted and still maintain a great shape. It was the way her father brought her up. He hated diets and always maintained that it was the devil's curse to womankind. He thought this belief that they had to be on a diet to look a certain way was evil. She'd grown up on their farm in Iowa where there was always food in abundance, but it was wholesome food that was good for you.

  "I'm not going to fit into my dress," Mandy lamented.

  Trina cleared her throat drawing their attention to her. "From the looks of this menu none of us will, but the only person who has to worry about their dress fitting is Jennifer." Trina smiled at Jennifer whose cheeks flushed, and eyes sparkled with delight. "Everyone will be too focused on the beautiful bride to give a damn about the bridesmaids."

  They were here for Jennifer and Neil's wedding. Aside from Hawaii being the perfect summer getaway, it couldn't have been more perfect for a wedding. Especially for two people who were so deeply in love.

  "They certainly will." Lizzie smiled wide raising a glass of champagne.

  Trina and Mandy raised their glasses too.

  "Thanks girls, and thank you for being here. All of you." Jennifer looked at each of them and joined in the toast.

  "Of course we'd be here." Mandy brightened.

  Trina nodded in agreement to that. One thing she and Mandy could agree on was the value of their friendship. She knew that no matter where in the world they all were they'd be here to support Jennifer on her big day. Trina saw Jennifer all the time as they both lived in Chicago. However, Lizzie lived in Miami with her husband and two kids, and Mandy moved to LA at the beginning of last year to start her own advertising business.

  They all had incredibly busy lives, but they wouldn't be anywhere besides right here.

  Jennifer and Neil got together back in college, so they all knew him, and knew that he literally worshiped the ground she walked on. He treated her like a queen, and there was no question in the depth of his love for her.

  Trina could only dream of having someone like that.

  Or, not.

  It was fine. She accepted a long time ago that some people were lucky to find love. Others, like herself, weren't. She thought she had love once, but was severely mistaken.

  That was just how life worked sometimes. Sometimes things didn’t go as you expected. It had taken her awhile to accept that, but she had. And, she was fine with it.

  She dated when she could, but with her busy schedule at the hospital, there was no way she had time for a relationship.

  She'd been working solidly without a break for the last eight months. She was so overworked that her boss, Alicia, gave her a four-week break instead of the three she requested for the wedding. Alicia also forbid her to return any sooner.

  Trina didn't know what on earth she was going to do with herself with all that time on her hands, but she figured she could definitely enjoy herself in Hawaii.

  "Okay sweepstakes time," Lizzie declared resting her glass on the table. She got out her pocket book from her purse, and so did Jennifer.

  Mandy and Trina exchanged withered stares. The sweepstakes was an old running idea of theirs from their college days. They were always betting on the most ridiculous things and losing money in the process. Trina had never won a bet.

  "I'm out." Mandy shook her head. She grabbed the menu again.

  "No, you wet blanket. We're all in." Jennifer scolded twirling her fingers around the ends of her blonde ponytail.

  "Last time you guys bet that I'd gain five pounds before Christmas," Mandy retorted.

  This time Trina couldn't hold back on the laughter that escaped her lips. She remembered that bet all too well. It was last Christmas, and Mandy did indeed gain five pounds, plus five.

  "It's not funny," Mandy chided.

  "I'm s
orry," Trina said clutching her hand to her chest to still her laughter.

  "This time we have a better idea. It's a wedding. We’re going in big," Lizzie stated.

  "Okay let's hear it," Trina said resting her arms before her on the table.

  "We," Lizzie motioned at Jennifer then back to herself. "We bet that one of you hooks up with someone while we're here."

  Oh Lord. Trina rolled her eyes. See this was what she meant about ridiculous.

  "No. That's not fair." Mandy huffed shaking her blonde curly hair. "And why is it Trina and I?"

  "Because you guys are single. Come on it's fun." Lizzie giggled.

  "So we're targets?" "Yup." Jennifer giggled.

  "I'm telling you now I'm not hooking up with anyone," Trina assured her. She didn't do hookups anymore. That was something she left in her mid-twenties. She turned thirty last month, and she'd decided that life was going to be more focused.

  It had to be if she wanted to have her own team at the hospital. She'd done well under Alicia's team, and it was the next logical step for her to have her own. The opportunity would come around in November, so she had five months to prepare. Hookups didn't come with the image she had for herself.

  "Why not?" Jennifer asked inclining her head to the side.

  "Because they're never a good idea. The standard date is bad enough," Trina shot back.

  "Trina you've just had a bad spell this year," Jennifer tried to assure her.

  "What happened now?" Lizzie asked with interest.

  "I don't want to talk about that again." Trina bit the inside of her lips. She didn't know what the hell was going on, but lately, she seemed to be attracting the weirdest guys. Seriously weird.

  "Oh, come on you have to tell us. We don't see you as much as Jennifer." Mandy smiled and nodded.

  "Tell them about Captain Chicken Feet," Jennifer laughed.

  "Captain Chicken Feet? Are you serious?" Lizzie leaned forward onto the table, her brown eyes boring into her now with interest.

  "He was the worst this year," Trina sighed with annoyance and irritation. That guy was a joke.

  "Yes, he was," Jennifer nodded giggling.