Page 136 of Perfect Pursuit

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SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

Improved open and honest communication is one of the key elements to rebuilding trust after it has been broken.

—The Fireside Psychologist

Having a brother-in-law with a private jet makes flying around the country very convenient, I muse as I step off his plane at Long Island MacArthur Airport where there’s a private car waiting to take me the twenty miles to where Fallon’s new home is. While I’m kicked back in the car, I send text.

Ethan:

What are your plans today, witch?

Fallon:

I’ve decided if I unpack another box, I’m going to lose my mind.

Concerned she may not be home when I arrive, I probe for some additional information.

Ethan:

Are you heading to the beach?

Fallon:

Right now, I have no intention of leaving my bed.

Fallon:

Not until I decide I want food.

Fallon:

Then I’ll DoorDash something.

Fallon:

What about you?

Fallon:

How have things been in Texas?

God, even after everything, she still gives enough of a damn to worry about the demons I confronted. It just causes me to realize I’ll never fully shed the guilt for the pain I put her through. And that’s okay. After all, the sting, the ache of knowing what I’ve still yet to earn back gives me the motivation to cherish it. Because I know if Fallon gives me a second chance, I won’t let anything come between us—not a job, not our families. Nothing. Replying back to her, I give her the truth, I just don’t tell her where I am.

Closer than she may be ready for.

Ethan:

Driving at the moment.

Ethan:

Why don’t you let me order you something.

Ethan:

You know—a welcome to the house lunch.

Fallon:

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