Page 82 of A Shore Fling
Ginger shifts to the middle of the bench, placing each hand on the front seats for balance. “I understand why it’s a lot for him to process. Travis is always in control, and this might make him feel the opposite.”
I nod. “Yeah, that’s true.”
“And it must be intimidating for him to know you have this amazing life back there. He probably feels like he can’t compete with that.”
“He basically said as much to me.”
“Well, I’m happy you’ve taken this time away from all the pressures that go along with being a Moreau.”
Willow nods as she turns down my street. “Yeah, I agree. He’ll take the night to absorb it all, but he knows who you are as a person, and that’s what’s important.”
“I hope so. I’m going to give him the time he asked for, and if I don’t hear from him by tomorrow night, I’ll reach out. I won’t let him push me away. That’s not happening,” I say.
Willow grins. “That’s the attitude to have.” She pulls into the driveway, and I climb out.
“Thanks for the ride and for being so encouraging. Ginger, I’m sure I’ll see you in the morning.”
She smiles. “I’ll have fresh muffins ready for you.”
“I’m already looking forward to it.” I give a quick wave as I hurry to the door. Once I’m inside, I flip on some lights and then head to the kitchen. My phone is on the table where I left it earlier. I’ve been forgetting about that device more and more. It’s nice not being tied to it every minute of the day. It’s another freedom I’ve gained and am enjoying.
I notice missed calls on my screen, and check to see who they’re from. Irene has called me eight times, and there’s a voicemail.Shit.That’s not like her. Something must be wrong.
I put in the password and have to wait for the automated message to finish telling me the caller's phone number. By the time I hear Irene’s voice, my nerves are reaching an all-time high.
“Nina.” Irene wails my name with total despair. “I need you.” She sniffs. “I caught Richard cheating on me. I need you. Please come.” The message has barely ended before I’m ordering a car to bring me to the airport. I scurry to my bedroom to change into a pair of jeans and throw the hoodie Travis bought me on over my shirt. I pull on my new white sneakers and then fasten my hair in a ponytail high on the back of my head. I don’t need to pack a bag because my apartment in the city has everything I could need. I drop my wallet and a paperback in a tote and tuck my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. While I wait for the car to arrive, I send Irene a text.
Me: I’m on my way.
And then I type one to Travis. I don’t tell him about Irene’s cheating fiancé, though. That’s her story to tell, not mine. I hit send.
Me: Had to go back to NYC unexpectedly. I’ll be back in a couple of days.
CHAPTER 22
TRAVIS
Ilean back against the headrest and close my eyes for a moment. This has been a long fucking day. There was one thing after another that went wrong. I had planned to be home two hours ago.
My phone dings, so I grab it from the passenger seat. The text is from Willow. That’s weird. She’s not someone who ever texts me unless it’s in a group chat with others.
Willow: Have you heard from Nina today?
Me: No. I plan to call her tonight. Why?
Willow: She told Ginger she’d see her this morning and then didn’t show up. I tried texting her and got no reply.
Me: She texted me last night that she had to head back to the city unexpectedly.
Willow: Uh oh.
Me: What’s that for?
Willow: What if she doesn’t come back?
Me: She said she’ll be back in a couple of days.
Willow: Right.
