Changing Lanes (Highway 17 #1)

by Leaona Luxx

  “You are so lucky that wasn’t Jessica, you’d have missed out, bud.” I laugh, as he takes my face in his hands and kisses me. “She had better be glad she wasn’t here because I’d hate to have to send her packing.”

  “I love you. How was your day?” He doesn’t let go, just holds me on his lap.

  “Good. Things are moving along on the build, and my father is pleased.” I straighten his shirt with my hand as we talk.

  “Will you be waiting until it’s finished to go back or what?” He has no facial expression at all. He wants me to know he’s being sensitive to the topic.

  “My father will more than likely come down to open the hotel, but that’s weeks from now, there’s still the interior to be done. So, someone else will take over. He will probably be expecting me before then.” I straighten his tie now, trying to not look at him.

  “Do you have any clue as to how long it will take after that?” Brannon frowns.

  “No. Mother said he has started telling people of his retirement, but there’s been no official announcement. I’m sorry, I know you want more.” I sit quietly, waiting for him to say something.

  “We’ll work it out. One step at a time, right?” He winks at me, but I know that’s not what he wanted to say.

  “We will. I promise you, Bran, this is my home.” I kiss him, placing my hand over his heart.

  The office phone rings and Brannon answers it. After a few minutes of conversation, he hangs up, agitated. “Hey, babe. I gotta run down to this other site in Charleston. One is with Lea at an appointment, and Hardy’s working on your build.”

  “Sure. Let me get out of your way.” He stops me, kissing me deeply.

  “I love you. We can do this.” He nods.

  “I agree, now you need me to help grab anything?” I ask as I stand.

  “Yeah, get the Douglas project file from this cabinet, please. I’ll get my other things.” We hurry around the office, he’s ready in less than five minutes.

  “Okay. Be careful, I love you.” Kissing him, I mentally add the time from here to Charleston and back. Approximately five hours, maybe six depending on how long it takes him on site.

  “Will do. I won’t be long. I love you.” I walk him to the truck after locking the office. One more kiss and he’s on his way. For the first time, I understand how he feels about my leaving, it’s gnawing at my stomach. I don’t like this feeling, him leaving without me being here.

  As I start my SUV, my phone rings. It’s Brannon. Clicking it on, I talk before he can. “Are you even a block away?”

  “Yes, but just. I need a favor.” He sounds concerned.

  “Anything?” He should now this, gracious.

  “Mom’s in Raleigh. Ava has been a no show lately Andi needs to be picked up from school. Will you?” Normally, I might have been insulted but after Ava and I had our run in, she’s been saltier than normal. Brannon’s asking with caution.

  “Not a question. I’ll be there,” I say with certainty. “Should we check with Ava, so there’s no conflict?”

  “I’ll try and let you know but again, she hasn’t been showing as it is. Just keep an eye out and use your discretion if she shows,” he stresses.

  “Will do, honey. Don’t worry, I got her.” I emphasize don’t worry.

  “I won’t. I love you,” he says as he waits for my response.

  “I love you.” He hangs up with that.

  I have about two hours before I need to get Andi, so I text Lea to see if she’s back from her appointment and if she’s busy.

  Hey. You busy?

  Nope. Come by the house. Lea texts back.

  Be there in ten.

  I put directions to Lea’s in my GPS then I’m on my way. Pulling into their drive, I’m surprised. Their home is beautiful, it’s a simple beach cottage. I thought they would have a massive home. Lea’s worth more than my father.

  “Hi. Come on in.” Lea waves from the door.

  “Hi, thanks for letting me crash. I have to pick Andi up in two hours or so,” I explain.

  “Yeah, Brannon told us. He sent One a text about Charleston, One decided to go with him.” She shrugs. “He picked him up on the corner near the doctor’s office since this was Brannon’s first emergency. He’ll let him go alone next time.”

  “Oh, I forgot you had an appointment. How’d it go?” I ask as I look for the twins.

  “We were just getting out when his text came through. I’m good, a few more months,” she says patting her little round belly.

  “Are the twins here?” I decide to ask instead of looking around.

  “They’ll be here in a few, my daughter-in-law has them. It takes a village around here.” She laughs as she sits down, propping her feet up. ‘So, how have you been?”

  “Good.” I nod with a sigh. She watches me, then waves her hand, prompting me to go on. “I’m scared.”

  “About? There’s so much going on, I couldn’t begin to guess.” Lea’s off the cuff.

  “Everything. I don’t want to lose Brannon and Andi, but I also don’t want to lose my father’s company,” I reply.

  “I thought you were going to fly back and forth?” she counters.

  “I am but…what if it’s not enough. First, my father is going to cause problems for us. It’ll not matter if he’s running the company or not. Second, I will not allow Brannon to get hurt again. Third, the time and travel will kill us,” I huff.

  “All great points. Still, there’s more,” Lea pushes.

  “I’m not sure what you mean.” I evade her question at all costs because once I say it, it’ll become real. I’m not afraid of what my heart knows, I’ve just planned my entire life around running my family’s company.

  “Torrie, you need to be honest with yourself,” Lea replies. I do, I know I do.

  “Here’s the thing, I’ve worked all my life to get my father’s approval and this company. Here I am, months away from something I’ve busted my ass for, that I deserve!” I exclaim.

  “And?” Lea makes me work for it.

  “Ughhh, I don’t care about it anymore.” I throw my hands in the air and fall back in the chair.

  “Don’t care about what?” One was right, Lea’s amazing. Pushy but amazing.

  “I don’t care about the company. Don’t get me wrong, I want it, but it’s not my main priority anymore.” I chew my lip for a minute. “When Brannon left today, all I could think about was, ‘what if I wasn’t here to get Andi? What if he left and I wasn’t here to say ‘be careful’ and he got into an accident?’ Besides, Lea, it doesn’t mean enough to me to lose Brannon again. Not saying I would, but my father is a factor, always will be,” I add.

  “Do you think Brannon would be okay with you giving it up?” she asks.

  “Why wouldn’t he be? It allows me to stay here. It will keep me away from my father also.” Lea cocks her brow at me. Oh. “He would never want to come between me and my father.”

  “He lost his, I honestly think that’s why he left the first time. He didn’t want to cause you and your father problems, so he left. If you come to him, it’s a different story,” Lea explains.

  “So, if I don’t go back, I need to come clean as to why I don’t want to, or I need to wait for my father to give me the company, which could take years. He’s vindictive, and it’s his company. If he wants to keep it dangled on a string in front of me until his death, he can.” So, what am I supposed to do?

  “Also, you’ve worked damn hard to get this company. I don’t think he will tell you not to go get it.” She’s right. But I know what I want, and I want Brannon.

  “Lea, it’s my decision. I want to be here,” I declare.

  “Sometimes in life you have to make changes. Sometimes, changes happen and you have to adjust. Either way, you simply change lanes. It’s up to you to live in the fast or to enjoy the slow,” Lea imparts. Damn, she’s good.

  “Someone said one time, ‘Your ability to handle changes is what defines you’. I’ve allowed c
hanges to define me, instead of using them to show what defines me. It’s time for a change.” I smirk because I know in my bones I’ve changed. Here is where I’m supposed to be.

  “Well then, welcome to Highway Seventeen. Please, be sure Brannon understands this is your choice, not your option.” She winks at me. “I’d hug you, but I’d have to get up.” Pointing her belly, we both laugh.

  I get my hug from Lea before I leave, also hugging from the twins. They are precious; I hope one day I’m blessed enough to have another child. Until then, I have a daughter. Well, stepdaughter, but I hate using step.

  I’m waiting in ‘pick up’ at the school for Andi, there’s been no sign of Ava. I want to text Brannon to give him an update, but I don’t want to bother him. Is it weird I’m excited to pick her up? I’ve done it several times already, but today is different. Picking her up, taking her home for me to take care of her, on our own.

  I’m excited to show everyone I can do it, although I’m nervous also. My parents’ were never hands-on; my father didn’t want me. I’ve always been scared I would be like them, uncaring. The last few years, my mother has gotten so much better at showing me love. I want Andi to know she may not be mine, but I love her as if she is.

  The bell rings, and I watch as children pour from every door, making me giggle at their excitement. Andi walks out holding hands with another little girl, a blonde; they look adorable together. I step out of the car, waving at her.

  “Andi. Andi!” She sees me by the second time I call her name. She comes running over with her friend in tow.

  “Torrie. Are you picking me up?” she asks as they swing hands.

  “I am. Your dad had to go to Charleston for work,” I explain, smiling at her.

  Andi introduces us, to my surprise. “This is my friend, Mel. Mel, this is my momma, Torrie.” There goes my heart.

  “Mel, are you ready?” A blonde lady looking like Mel walks up. “Hi, Andi. How’s your dad?”

  Now, you know she didn’t do that. “He’s working. This is my momma, Torrie, she’s going to marry my dad. Momma Torrie, this is Mel’s momma, Diane.” I do believe Andi covered it all.

  I greet her with a huge grin. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Well, hello. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” She shakes my hand but checks me out.

  “I’m from New York. Bran and I met in college.” I give her all the gossip at once.

  “Must’ve been love.” She smirks.

  “Oh, it is. Come on, baby. We need to get home and start dinner.” I smile as I put Andi in the SUV.

  “How about a small ice cream cone before we get home?” I propose.

  “Yay!” Andi screams. I think that’s a yes.

  I send Brannon a quick text letting him know I have Andi. He doesn’t reply by the time we get to the ice cream parlor, but I know he’s busy, so I don’t worry. Andi and I sit down to enjoy our cones; she got strawberry, I picked vanilla.

  We talk about her day at school, she’s the happiest little girl. Checking my phone, I still have nothing from Brannon. I try not to worry, putting it back in my purse. As I do, it vibrates. I jerk it back out to see it’s the jewelry store down the street. I hit redial.

  “Jewels of the Ocean, this is Rachel. How may I help you?” the sales clerk greets me.

  “Hi, this is Torrie Harrington. I just missed your call,” I explain.

  “Yes, Ms. Harrington. We have your necklace ready, whenever you’d like to pick it up,” She tells me.

  “We’re just down the street, be right there.”

  “See you soon. Thank you.” Ending the call, I see Brannon has texted me. Opening it, it’s simple.

  “Thanks, babe. Sorry. Busy. Be home late.”

  “Andi, I have an errand before we go home. Daddy said he was running late, and Gamma won’t be home until late. So, we’ll walk up the street and then make something nice for dinner. How’s that sound?” I question her.

  She smiles. “Sounds great. Thank you for the ice cream.”

  I kiss her on top of the head. “You’re welcome. Ready?” She nods. We throw our trash away, walking out the door.

  I take her hand as we stroll down the sidewalk, window shopping as we go. I can hardly wait to get to the jewelry store. I ordered Andi a necklace for her birthday, a sea turtle similar to the one Brannon bought me for Christmas years ago. I also asked them to fix mine.

  Brannon has no idea I still have it, and I was thrilled to find Andi one so close to it. I think it’ll be a wonderful gift for a ten-year-old girl. I can’t wait to wear mine again. We enter the jewelry store, still holding hands.

  “Hello, can I help you?” A tall redhead stands behind the counter, smiling. She’s the same sales person that helped me when I placed the order. “Hi, Rachel. I’m Torrie.” Andi pulls at my hand as she scans the store. “Do you want to look around?” I ask, getting a nod for an answer. “Don’t leave the store or my eyesight. Stay where I can see you, please.”

  “Yes, Momma Torrie.” Her fingers leave mine, and I turn my attention back to the sales person.

  “Here it is,” Rachel says.

  “Oh, yes. It’s perfect. The same blues and greens, I love that it’s two sea turtles also.” I admire the necklace, turning to see Andi browsing another showcase.

  “I’ll just ring it up and the repair cost with it,” Rachel tells me.

  “Sounds good. Thank you.” Looking over at Andi, she scans the diamonds. Good girl, pick the big ones. Smiling to myself about my joke.

  “Here you go, I hope you all enjoy them for years to come. I just loved the story about yours, all these years later. True love.” She almost swoons.

  “Thank you. I couldn’t be happier.” Beaming, I accept my package.

  Turning for Andi, she isn’t at the showcase anymore. I scan the room, but I don’t see her. I look again, nothing. “Andi?” I call out. “Andi?” Nothing. “Do you see the little girl I walked in with?” I ask Rachel.

  She comes out from behind the counter as I rush around the store. “She was by the big showcase. Tina, do you see a little girl, brown hair? Or where she went?” Rachel asks her co-worker.

  I don’t wait, bounding out the door to the sidewalk, I scream, “ANDI.” Turning from side to side, I continue to yell her name. “ANDI. ANDI. ANDI.” Oh, my God. “ANDI.”

  Rachel follows me out the door. “How can I help?”

  I spin in a circle as tears begin to fall, and I do what I think’s best. “Call the police. I’m going from store to store to asks the clerks if they’ve seen her.” She nods, and I begin running down the street.

  I don’t even enter the stores, I stand with the door open and yelling for Andi and hoping to see her. I notice Rachel at the other end, doing the same thing. I hear the sirens as people gather from our screaming.

  Tears cover my face as the police pull up, and I’m still screaming her name. “ANDI.” I fall to my knees as they approach me, Rachel by my side.

  “Ma’am, how can we help?” the officer asks.

  “My boyfriend’s little girl is missing. She’s nine-years-old. Chestnut brown wavy hair lay in the middle of her back. Hazel eyes. She’s four and a half feet. About sixty pounds. She was wearing navy blue capris with a white tee shirt. It had little blue flowers in various shades on it around the collar. Her name is Andi Jo O’Hurley. Please, help me find her. Oh God, I need to call Brannon.” I search for my phone, digging it from my purse.

  “Ma’am?” The officer draws my attention.

  “What?” I yell, tears falling rapidly.

  “What’s your name?” he asks.

  “Torrence Harrington,” I rasp out, my voice already turning hoarse from yelling. I dial Brannon’s number, it begins ringing. I’m shaking badly, the officer takes my phone as Rachel puts her arms around me.

  “Hey, Brannon. It’s Officer Rick O’Neal. I have Torrence Harrington here. I don’t mean to alarm you, but Andi’s missing.” He pauses briefly, listening t
o a very panicked Brannon. “We’re not sure, looks like ten, fifteen minutes. Torrence called immediately and went door to door at the shops. We’re going to issue an ‘Amber Alert’.” He pauses. “Try to remain calm, it may be nothing. She could be curled up asleep in a store or car.”

  Jumping up from the ground, I run as fast as I can to my car. Yanking the doors open, I scream as I search for her. “ANDI. ANDI.” Still, nothing. I hear the officer behind me.

  “She’s looking in her car. Man, I think we may have to sedate her. She’s going to have a nervous breakdown. I’ll tell her. Please be careful.” Officer O’Neal hands me my phone as I slide down my car door to the ground. My hands in my hair.

  “I need to call Joyce, Brannon’s mom.” I start to dial the number but freeze. I call Hardy, instead.

  Within minutes, Hardy’s by my side. While I waited, the officer called Joyce. It may have been for the best, I couldn’t talk for crying. Hardy helps me into his truck, handing me my bags and my purse. The police keep my keys, I guess to check out my story.

  I cry all the way to the farm, I’m inconsolable. Hardy tries everything until Thayer and Lea arrive. Hardy follows the officer’s advice and calls a paramedic for me. Officer O’Neal explains he’ll remain with us until we find Andi, it’s protocol apparently.

  I think they believe I hurt her. I did, I lost her. I tell the story, over and over. Notes are taken by the town police, county and state as they arrive. The Amber Alert scrolls across the television screen, making this nightmare all too real. The paramedics arrive, but I refuse anything.

  I sit on the floor, my arms wrapped around me, rocking as I cry. I’m no better than my father. I’m no different than Ava. I couldn’t take care of my own child. Why did I ever think I could do this? It’s my fault. I’m the worst person. I’m no good for anyone, not even myself. I’ve hurt Brannon beyond repair this time, he’ll never forgive me. My soul fills with disdain for myself, despair covers me. I’m not worthy of his love. I most definitely should never have a child.

  I killed one, and the other, I may have gotten killed.