Page 50 of Game Changer

“Just make sure your next wedding is better than the first was, and we’ll call it even.”

Chapter 14

What the hell are you doing? You’re on a flight to Ireland, with precisely none of your things. With no guarantee that she’ll even talk to you. Her dad may answer the door and break your legs for being an epic asshat to his daughter.

“Water?” the air hostess offered. He thanked her and took a cup.

What I wouldn’t give for some Dutch courage right about now. But I need to stay sober, sensible and not give her any additional reasons to hate me.

***

When AJ landed in Dublin, another wave of doubt crashed over him. He splashed cold water on his face in the airport restroom and steadied himself by holding on to the sides of the sink. His head was swimming with conflicting thoughts and his heart was attempting to shout them down.

She loves you. She’ll talk to you and give you the benefit of the doubt.

She loves you. But she doesn’t want this drama llama. She’s kicking your ass to the curb.

She’s never going to trust you again. You’ve epically screwed her over. You can’t fix this, why bother trying?

He splashed more cold water on his face and willed his stomach to stop lurching.

Because I love her, that’s why.

He dried off, took some calming breaths and made his way to the car rental pick-up, stopping on the way for some road-trip provisions. He hadn’t eaten on the plane and was paying for it now. The drive was easy, he’d gotten an automatic rental car so it wasn’t too strange for him, he hadn’t driven stick in a long time and probably would have caused an accident had he tried. He had enough to contend with, with his anxiety and jetlag.

Thank God for GPS or this shit would be way more complicated!

Music boomed from the speakers as he drove along the highway. Staring out the window as he drove, he wondered how anywhere could still be so beautiful despite being touched by humanity. Ireland took his breath away, so lush and green, not even the tarmacked highways and roadside services could hide its charm and stunning scenery.

***

He sat in the car outside her house for a few minutes trying to settle his nerves.

Deep breaths. Don’t puke over the rental car. Get out, own up to your sin, talk to her. You know in your heart of hearts that she’ll believe the truth and forgive you. You need to ask her for forgiveness, though.

His hand shook as he knocked on the door.

Her dad answered the door, “Hello.”

“Hi,” he paused. “Is Lisa home?” he inquired politely.

Please don’t kill me. Please don’t kill me.

“Hold on and I’ll get her for you.”

Don’t you even want to know who I am? Do strangers show up for your daughter often? Note to self, ask about this open-door policy – when you’re not a douche canoe, that is.

“Lisa?” her dad called up the stairs.

“Yeah?”

Christ, she hates you.

“There’s someone here to see you.”

“Yeah.”

Could be worse, she coulda told him to kill you, right?

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