Page 59 of Brazen
My mind replayed the entire trip. I had no memory of that conversation. “You did?”
“Yeah,” she said then continued talking to her office.
I inched to the stairs, but my parents stepped in the way.
Maman had her hand on her chest. “Charlie, were you lying to your family? I really liked Hope.”
I hugged my mother. “No. Hope and I met, and everything went so fast. That’s taken entirely out of context.”
My father nodded. “Good. How can we help?”
I pointed at where I needed to walk. “Maman, Pedar, I need to go.”
They both hugged me, and I made it to the stairs. However, Kir stepped in my way. “So, did I quit my job over a bunch of lies?”
The last thing I would do was hurt anyone, especially family. I shook my head. “I swear we’re starting an airline together and that she’s the only woman I ever want, but I need to go and find Hope.”
For a moment, Kir stared at me, then he stepped out of the way. Then Britney stopped me at the stairs. “Check the group text.”
My eyes widened. “You know where she is?”
She crossed her arms. “Avril is with her and texting us all updates. Don’t let us hate you.”
I took out my phone and read the messages, including how later they’d seen Avril and Kir had been flirting, and I asked, “Why are you all helping me?”
Isabel said, “It’s obvious you’re in love with her.”
I read the updates about the complex next door. “I have to go.”
Kelly grabbed my arm. “Wait. New message. Hope’s en route to the airport.”
I rushed to the front door. Passing Fuller, I called out, “Fuller, get the limo.”
“Already waiting for you, sir.”
I had no idea what I would do without him. I raced to the limo and bounced the entire ride. Avril had her tracking on, so following them was easy. I hopped out of the limo at the third terminal, and as I rounded the corner inside, I saw Hope and her friend going through security.
I called out, “Hope, wait.”
She continued on her path like she was entirely unaware. I dashed forward. The guard stopped me and pointed me to get out of the line. My heart racing, I rushed to the ticket counter and told the agent, “I need a ticket.”
Then I ran through TSA and headed to the gate for New York. As I made it to the end, I saw the customers in line. I called out, “Hope!”
She turned. “Charlie?”
People jeered like I was delaying their flights, but I grabbed her elbow and led her out of the line.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
I’d made a horrible mistake in waiting and not telling her. My heart thundered as I caught my breath. “What do you mean?”
She sighed. “Look, I’m sorry I ruined your family wedding.”
I took her hands. “That’s not it. Look, I should have told you last night. I was planning for us to get some alone time in a romantic place.” I took her palm and pressed it to my heart. “I’m failing at this, but I love you.”
She blinked. “That’s impossible.”
“I promise it’s not. I love you, and I want you to stay.”
