by Piper Stone
“That’s true enough,” Shannon whispered.
Inhaling, he gave her a warming smile. “Take this from a man who always put his career over the love of his life. You will end up alone. There is no career and no greener pastures. What I see in the two of you is real. You merely need to talk, to share and to release your pent-up guilt. Whatever this man, this job, is offering, you must ask yourself something very important. What do you really want?”
“You’re right. I know.”
“I hope to see you back here and I’ll carve out time for more sessions for you as well as David if you’d like. You simply have to ask.”
“Thank you very much for all you’ve done. I appreciate it and I know David does,” Shannon said as she scanned the perimeter, longing to see just a glimpse of David. Just one. She needed a single boost to try and make her decision. One she knew was going to be so very important.
“Take care, sweet lady. I know you’ll do the right thing.”
She watched him walk away and had no idea what to do. Tugging out her cell phone, she dialed his number, hopeful. When the call went straight to voicemail her heart broke. “I love you.” Her heart heavy, she grabbed her bag.
Chapter 9
David walked the beach for hours, unsure of what he should do. He’d located an out of the way bar, closed it down and found himself in a hammock between two trees sometime after sunrise. The horrendous hangover not only reminded him that he was no longer twenty-five, but also was a foreshadowing of things to come. He managed to find a Starbucks on the island and indulged in the largest cup. He had wanted to call Shannon several times, but what was the point? Why did all of this have to be so damning?
The fact Stephen had managed to get him to open up every locked door, freeing the ugly demons had been amazing. For him to be able to figure out why he couldn’t commit to her fully in a way was…
He sighed and rubbed his eyes as he stared at the morning sun. Hiding out wasn’t his style, but he’d managed to find breakfast, walk another mile or two, hunker down for a cold beer without so much as touching his phone or walking back to their bungalow. He didn’t even have any idea when she was supposed to leave, but he knew in his heart she was leaving. She’d make the career choice over their broken marriage. Who the hell wouldn’t?
As he sat nursing on a beer, contemplating the rest of his life, he felt the vibrating buzz of a message. David groaned and tried to ignore the need to find out who had called him, who had texted him. Fidgeting, he twirled the beer bottle. Nope. He wasn’t going to give in to caring if she called. So, what if she did? It wasn’t going to matter. She’d had an affair. Or had she? “Fuck me.” The words startled him for some reason, as if saying anything out loud brought him back into his stark reality. Memories of his past, as well as the present, raced into his mind. He closed his eyes and he was in another life, with another woman, one he’d nearly destroyed.
“You don’t love me,” David railed, his voice filling with anger.
“Of course, I love you, but you left our marriage a long time ago,” Abigail stated as she folded her arms.
“That’s not true. I was working to make our life better!”
“Better? You left me alone for days at a time. Days. Do you hear me? I can’t live like that any longer.”
David snorted. “Apparently you didn’t.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” Abigail blinked furiously. When he didn’t answer, she closed the distance. “David, what are you talking about?”
Shaking his head, he strode to his desk, yanking out a manila envelope and tossing it in her direction. The thick package fell to the floor. “Go on. Take a peek. The art is damn good.”
Her hands were shaking when she scooped it up from the floor. “What did you do?”
“What I should have done a long time ago.” The words were ragged, barely audible.
Abigail darted a look before unfolding the lip. The moment she pulled out the glossy photos, she moaned. “No. No… it’s not what…”
“Not what I think? You have to be kidding me? Is that not you with another man in our bed?” David hissed, beads of perspiration sliding down his face. “Is that not my partner fucking you?”
“I… I…”
“You’re a fucking whore!”
“God, no. Shannon. You’re not Abigail.” Suddenly he couldn’t get his phone out of his pocket fast enough. The text was simple, three little words.
I love you.
The voicemail was the same, nothing else. But her voice, throaty and sexy, was ragged from crying. “What have I done?” You can undo this. You can. You have to tell her the truth and love her. She isn’t sleeping with him. Why did you push her away? So many insane thoughts rushed through the back of his mind. Nearly hyperventilating, he rose to his feet so quickly the bar stool fell back against the window. Dumping a twenty on the table, he rushed out into the sunlight, determined to find her.
David ran all the way back to the bungalow. His worst fears were recognized. She was gone. Her suitcase was gone. Their marriage was over. And he was the only one to blame. He could barely move, his blood was pumping so fast, making him lightheaded. “Please God, help me. Tell me what to do.” There was no divine inspiration, no words of wisdom. He’d gotten both him and Shannon into this and only he could get them out.
David rushed back outside, no idea what to do. The plane. When had she said the plane was going to leave? Oh God, this afternoon. Right? The hotel would know. They could find out when the flights left for Miami. He rushed to the lobby, bowling over a group of tourists checking in. He was panting by the time he made it to the counter, just behind a pinched looking man asking way too many questions. “Please help me. Please. I need to talk to someone immediately.”
“Sir, you’ll have to wait your turn,” the hotel clerk was polite, but gave David a hateful look.
“You don’t understand. I’ve fucked up my marriage. She’s leaving me to go to Miami, Miami of all God forsaken places. See, I gave her an ultimatum and she called my bluff,” David laughed and brushed both hands through his hair. Right now, he could pull his hair out strand by strand. “My beautiful wife called my bluff and now I know I’ve lost her forever to some pretty boy who has no clue about her, about her needs. He has no idea what makes her tick, what kind of kisses she likes. This jerk doesn’t get the fact she loves chick flicks and popcorn with cheese, not butter and… And he doesn’t get the fact she needs a strong man, one who can forgive and release both of their guilt. And this jerk…” Out of breath, he lowered his head.
“Sir, you’re going to have to wait your turn.”
“No, I think this man needs some answers and you’re going to help him. I’m certain this fine-looking gentleman is a fan of love, right?”
Hearing Stephen’s kind voice, David jerked his head up. “I fucked up.”
“She said much the same,” Stephen said and moved to the front of the line. “I’m certain Mr. Parker is trying to find out the flights and times for a departure to Miami?” Stephen’s voice was authoritative.
The clerk eyed him, then the tourist.
The tourist promptly put up both hands. “With a speech like that, who am I to interfere? Please help him.”
“Thank you,” David whispered. “I lost her. I can’t believe I’m so fucking stupid.”
“Most men usually are.” Stephen chuckled. “The next flight?”
The clerk typed on the keyboard. “Forty-five minutes and the next one after that not until eleven tonight.”
“God.” David huffed.
“You’ll never make it. The traffic this time of day is horrific and there are no taxis running. They’re all at the airport picking up flights,” the clerk said as he looked back and forth between them.
“I have to make the flight. I have to stop her.” David was exasperated.
“Come on. I’ll drive you. I know a certain way. Plus, I have a fast rental car,” Stephen said as he grinned. “And she’s worth
fighting for.”
“One more thing. Jameson Cooke, when did he check out?” David had done enough searching that finding the guy’s name, as well as most of his particulars, had been easy.
The clerk typed quickly. “Just about two hours ago.”
“Of course.” David sighed.
“Don’t think about him. Think about her,” Stephen suggested. “Come on.”
David raced after him, jumping in Stephen’s Lexus. The moment he slammed the door, he had a desperate feeling all was lost. “I can’t believe I was so blind. What took me so long?”
As he started the engine, Stephen darted a look. “Think of it this way. At least you figured out what you want before it’s too late.”
“But you know, I think it is too late.”
“I learned a long time ago, it’s only too late if you close your mind to the possibilities. Now, hold on.”
The ride was harried, speeds in excess of eighty all the way. David had to give the man credit. Stephen seemed to know the island and all the backroads. He looked at his watch over and over again, the seconds and minutes ticking down. If she got on that plane, Jameson would have her. When they pulled up to the airport with twenty minutes to spare, he thought he had a fighting chance.
Stephen pulled up at the terminal, slamming on his brakes. “Go get her. I’ll wait here.”
“Thank you. Thank you.” David fumbled as he tried to get out, but as soon as he did, he took off running. Thankfully, the terminal was small and with only three or so minutes of checking, figured out the gate. Going through security was going to be the bitch.
“Sir, I need to see your boarding pass.”
“Please. Please. My wife is getting ready to leave on a plane and if that happens, if she steps on the flight, then our marriage is over.” David was out of breath. He glared at the overweight woman with the decidedly strong accent.
“You can’t go past here without a boarding pass,” she said as she gave him a harsh look.
“Can you tell me if flight 404 has boarded? Just tell me that.”
Her eyebrows raised, she punched into a hand held. “Just happening now, sir.”
“Then I have to get to her. Please.”
“I’m sorry, sir. That is against regulations.”
David yanked out his keys, his wallet, his phone and all the change in his pockets. He kicked off his shoes and tugged up his shirt, revealing his chest. “All I’m asking for is a little time, a little help.”
“Let the man through. My God,” a passenger behind him said.
“Yeah. Don’t you believe in love?” another chided.
She gave him another more scrutinizing look, then glanced at his personal items.
“Please,” David breathed.
Another few seconds passed before she waved him over. “Come through here and when you find your wife, you get your ass back here or I will have you arrested. Do you understand?”
“Yes!” a man’s voice howled from behind as a round of clapping ensued.
David was edgy as he walked through the scanning machine, praying to some higher power the buzzer wasn’t going to go off. When he was deemed clean, he turned and grinned, waving at the crowd behind him. “Wish me luck.” He was going to need a flipping miracle. He ran down one hallway to another, managing to avoid everyone who was streaming out of the incoming flight area.
By the time he made it to the boarding area, the flashing light stated, in no uncertain terms, that boarding was happening. There was still a steady stream of people who were going past the attendant and as he moved closer, he rose onto his tiptoes so he could see above the crowd. There wasn’t anyone who looked like Shannon and they sure as shit wouldn’t let him on the plane.
“All board for flight 404 to Miami.”
The loudspeaker reverberated in his ears. He pressed forward, scanning the group of tourists as well as business people leaving for the mainland. David slapped his hand across his heart, the thumping sound ringing in her ears. She wasn’t here or was already on board. “Shannon.” Sidestepping, he moved past the line to the other side. Then he saw her, his beautiful wife, and time seemed to freeze. “Excuse me. Pardon me. I have to move forward.”
“Hey, wait your turn.”
He was causing enough commotion in his effort to get to her that the attendants at the desk looked in his direction. “Shannon!” The single word died out two feet in front of him. Pushing hard, he managed to make it three feet where she did one. “Shannon. Stop. Please.”
There was another moment where everything was in slow motion. David called her name again, then again. Just as she reached the door to the breezeway, Shannon turned.
Their eyes locked.
“Shannon. Please. I love you, too.” The words seemed to dance across the heads in front of him. Every man and woman in close proximity looked back and forth between them, moving so there was a narrow path, a path of least resistance.
Shannon looked at him, her eyes remained unblinking. She turned slightly.
He was certain she was going to come back. Then the unimaginable happened.
She walked onto the breezeway.
Reaching out, David knew he screamed out her name more than once. Then he dropped to his knees, his racking sobs filtering above the din of the crowd. “Shannon.”
There was no way to describe what Shannon was feeling, no concept of what had just happened. The fact David showed up at the airport should matter. You bet it should, but she was still so hurt by his accusations that she needed space to think and see what her heart was saying. The fact he’d threatened their entire relationship with one trip still wasn’t setting well with her. She had to do this for her company, and in truth, for both her and David. Didn’t he get it? Why couldn’t he?
The walk down the pathway had seemed the longest in her life. She was so cold, freezing in fact, when she entered the plane. Shannon hugged her purse and shivered, blinking to simply try and focus. She had tears in her eyes and she suspected they would remain for a very long time. Should I go back? Does David really love me? Does he really want…? She groaned. There was no way to tell the truth at this point. She had no clue what she wanted, let alone what David might be thinking. She had to concentrate on the trip. The rest would take care of itself.
The plane was crowded, filled with people milling about. Shannon made her way to first class and pushed past the drape, struggling to get her bag past one very large man. When she did, she giggled and turned her head. She stopped short. A combination of anger, frustration, loathing and self-hatred rolled through her. Jameson.
The man sat in a seat she knew, without looking, was next to hers, a glass of wine in his hand. He was waiting for her. He’s waiting for you to succumb. A prophecy fulfilled, perhaps? She sucked in her breath and moved forward, slapping a look of sheer delight on her face. This man was not going to get under her skin. “I didn’t think you were going on this trip.”
Jameson lifted his head slowly. “And I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The chance to see you in action leaves me hungry and hot.”
“Hmmm. Yes, I am good at what I do. Very good.” She shifted as if going to slap her bag into the overhead bin. There was something so slimy about this man. Why hadn’t she seen it before?
“So, you approve?” Jameson asked as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
“Approve?” She debated what to do. “You were planning on going all along. Right?”
“Yes. You certainly need an advisor. Sit down. I’ll get you a glass of wine or champagne. We do have reason to celebrate.”
“Celebrate? You mean the fact you think you’re getting me into bed?” Shannon purposely allowed her voice to get loud. The words had the desired effect of several people chuckling.
“Sit down. We can talk about this on the flight.” Jameson looked uncomfortable.
“Just tell me this before I do. You planned this. You’ve been here since the first night my husband and I were. Is that correct?”
“I’m not certain I know what you mean.”
“I think you do,” Shannon said coyly. She leaned down and wrapped her hand around his glass of wine. “May I?”
“Of course,” Jameson said, his eyes never leaving hers.
She took a sip. The vintage was mighty fine indeed.
“All passengers begin to take your seats. We’re going to be leaving the gate in five minutes.”
The booming voice kicked her into gear. Tossing the rest of the wine into his face, she laughed. “You are a fucking asshole. Have fun in Miami.” Grabbing her bag, she tossed her hair back as the feeling she was in some Lifetime movie swept over her. She trotted as the group clapped, then took off at a full run as she noticed the doors being yanked.
“No!” Shannon took off at full speed. “Hold those doors!”
“She’s gone?” Stephen asked as he placed his hand on David’s shoulder.
David wiped his eyes and nodded, unable to speak for a full minute. “I tried. She saw me. I know she did.” He heard Stephen sigh.
“I guess she needs some space.”
“Space? She refuses to be with me. She… she believed what I said about our marriage.” Rising to his feet, he turned to face Stephen and had no idea how to react to something like this. “I really fucked this up.”
“Yeah, you did.” Stephen walked closer. “But there is no such thing as forever, except for death and taxes. So, understand she might have to take some time to sort all of this out. For her. Not for you.”
“I know.” David looked over his shoulder. Right now, he had little hope. She was a very strong woman, one who made up her mind and refused to budge.
“Come on. I’ll buy you a drink,” Stephen suggested. “I think you can use a friend right about now.”
For a few seconds, David didn’t want to leave. He wanted to wait and beg some God above for her to come back. But that wasn’t going to happen. He’d drawn the line in the sand and she’d accepted it. So, he simply smiled. “I could use a friend.” The walk to the hallway was horrible and he wanted nothing more than to lay down and die. Why had he been so ridiculous, so unbending? Why had he pushed her so hard when he had his own issues to deal with? Why? Stupid motherfucker. Stupid. Now you’ve lost her forever.