Page 88 of Making the Call
Luke
The chartered flighthome must be the longest fucking flight I’ve ever been on. Since last night, if I called Danika once, I’ve called her at least a hundred times. Every fucking time, it goes straight to voicemail. I’ve left so many fucking messages, her voicemail now says it’s full. Why the fuck isn’t she answering? Is she just being stubborn? Or has something happened to her? Not knowing is absolutely hell. Of course, being on a plane means I can’t call anymore, so I’m back to fucking waiting.
Fuck, Leighton, get it together,I scold myself. She’s likely just forgot to charge her phone.But what if she hasn’t? What if she didn’t even make it home, and she’s stuck in a fucking airport somewhere between here and Nashville?
Somehow, I’m physically present in all the coaches meetings we typically hold on the plane, but my brain can only focus on Dani. I almost feel sorry for Tyrell and Brandon. They’ve had to repeat themselves often. Eventually, they figure out something’s wrong. But of course, as the annoying bastard I am, I don’t reveal anything. It’s none of their fucking business why I’m a train wreck.How could I explain it, even if I did open up? I have no fucking clue what’s going on.
Eventually, they leave me to my own devices for the last hour or so of the trip, which is a huge relief. Unfortunately, I can’t concentrate for shit. But at least I’m not annoying the fuck out of anyone but myself.
My biggest conundrum throughout this entire thing, is the fact I can’t figure out Danika’s headspace. I really thought everything was good between us. She hit it off with my parents, and I get along with hers. Sure, I’ve been busy with the team, but I never once thought she never had a problem with it. She’s the type of girl I can go out and do things with, as well as sit back, relax, and enjoy the silence. She’s also the first girl I’ve actually allowed to know the real me, beyond the surface.What the hell happened to make her flee like that?
I’ve analyzed the conversation between Becca and Danika to the point where I feel my only option is ripping my hair out. On the surface, what Becca said wasn’t horrible… she could have been a lot worse, with as blunt as she typically is. Danika’s got pretty thick skin, if how she’s handled everything from the media so far tells me anything… So, what’s the underlying issue?
Knowing the island is likely the only place Danika will go, as soon as it’s humanly possible, I get off the plane and practically run to my car. I’m sure some people called after me, at this point, my give a fuck is well beyond broken. I zip out of the parking lot and find the fastest route. Of course, with the weather being shitty, traffic’s hell on the interstate. It takes twice as long to arrive at the ferry terminal.
Just as I pull down the hill, I see the ferry pull out of the docks. Fuck! Could my luck get any worse? Now I have to wait for almost an hour for it to return and load again.
Waiting’s the last thing I need. My concentration’s shit, so there’s no use in trying to get any work done, like I typically do while waiting for the ferry. Tapping my hand aimlessly on the steering wheel, my nerves fray. Just when I’m about to lose my mind, I give up and call my parents. Pops is probably the only person who can bring me back from this preverbal ledge I’m dangling from.
True to form, Pops cuts to the chase when he answers, “Have you worked things out yet?”
I sigh heavily, and my heart drops to my stomach. “No,” I groan. “I haven’t been able to reach her all day. It’s killing me, Pops.”
“Where are you now?” he calmly asks as if my world hasn’t just fallen apart.
“I’m waiting to board the ferry. I can’t believe how messed up this is. What the fuck had her high-tailing it out of town like her ass was on fire?”
“Uh…” he hesitates, “I’m afraid you’ll have to find that one out from her.” As worked up as I’ve been today, it’s a relief to hear rational thoughts for a change. I love that Pops is a no-nonsense man.
“I know,” I agree, and the noose around my chest lightens a hair.
“Not to rub salt in your wounds, but your mama and I really liked her. I sure hope you’re able to work it out.” My heart pangs at the thought of failure, causing me to instantly sit up straight.Hell no! Failure isn’t an option. I haven’t felt this way about anyone, ever. I’m not giving up yet. Christ, but she left. Am I the only one feeling this?
With my silence, he takes it upon himself to put things into perspective. “You know, son, if it’s any consolation, I’m certain Dani fancies you, as much as you do her. I saw the way she looked at you. A girl who looks at a man like that, has her heart on the line.”
“That’s just it, Pops. I’ve shown her how I feel, but I don’t think I’ve ever said the words.” As soon as the words are out, my stomach turns to stone. But I continue, “With as much as she has on her plate, if she doesn’t think I’m all in, why would she stick around?” Even I can hear the desperation in my voice, but at this point, I don’t fucking care. I just need to find Dani and make this right.
“Seems to me, the answer’s simple.”
As I let what he says sink in, my mind races, and I stare out into the Sound. I gasp when I see what’s before me. How had I not noticed this? Instead of seeing the island, with sporadic lights spread throughout, it’s mysteriously dark. With the raging storm outside, it’s evident the power’s gone out. Fuck, can this day get any worse?
At least I have a generator, but does Dani? Is this why she hasn’t returned my calls? Will she even be home, once I get there? With each passing second, my nerves get wound tighter and tighter.
“Luke?” I hear Pops call for a second time. “What is it?”
“The storm took out the power to the island. I’m so fucking preoccupied, I hadn’t even noticed it. Maybe that’s why Dani isn’t answering her phone?” I wonder more to myself than expecting an actual answer.
“Just calm down, Luke. There’s nothing you can do until you get there. There’s no sense in wasting your energy worrying.”
Yeah, those words are far easier said than done. But I’m not about to argue with Pops, I know better. Besides, as much as I hate to admit it, he’s right.
“I know, Pops,” I quietly say in defeat. I need to get my shit together.
“It will all work out the way it’s meant to be, Luke. Have a little faith.”
“Yeah. I know,” I admit. One way or another, it will work out as it’s supposed to. “Uh, Listen, Pops, I gotta go. The ferry’s unloading, and I need to drive on board. Give Mama my love, and I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Love you, Luke.”
