Page 45 of Heal For Me

The drive to the airport is quiet. I’m pretty sure Uncle Jet believes me about not cutting, but I’m still embarrassed I had a full-on mental breakdown. Probably the first of many. Plus, he had to look me over to make sure I had no glass in my skin anywhere; it was awkward.

“Are you sure you can miss more work? I mean, Janelle is there. She can help me get settled.”

He side-eyes me. “I own the fucking business, Payson. I can miss as much work as I please. What are they going to do, fire me?”

True, but it doesn’t make me feel any less weird that he has probably missed more work in the last few months than he ever has, and it’s all because of me.

“Stop worrying. I can see the wheels in your head spinning. I am fine, and I can work from my phone or laptop if I please.”

“Okay, but when you are unemployed and broke, don’t come begging at my doorstep.”

The corner of his lips flick up in a cocky way. “Deal. But it would take me a while to lose billions.”

Billions? Geesh. I assumed it was a lot, but billions? “Well, okay then.”

The last time I was at this airport, I was coming home from Week of Pink. I’d like to say that was a happier time, but it wasn’t. I was just delusional enough to believe it was. The only thing I wish was the same was that Ash was here with me. We agreed it would be best if he didn’t come. I know it took everything inside of him to not demand he does, but I can’t grow in an environment where he insists on coddling me. I don’t need excuses, I need progress, and I think I finally got through to him the last time we talked. He’s still not happy about me being here, but I’m hoping I can go home a better human. I want to rise to Ash’s level instead of drag him down to mine.

I twirl the ring on my finger and think over the same three little words he’s been telling me since the beginning.

You and me.

I’ve tried to think what that really means several times, and each time, I come up with something new. I don’t know if there is one single definition, and it never occurred to me that sometimes you and me would mean you and me have to be apart for a while.

I didn’t even consider I would get to fly first class with Uncle Jet. Ash complained about having to fly economy for Week of Pink, but he couldn’t buy me a first-class ticket and not the rest.

I can’t imagine trying to fly economy with no leg room and this brace. Not even sure that would be possible with Todd. Where would he sit?

“Have you always been rich? Like, did you grow up like this?”

“In a way, yes, we were more well off than most.” He takes a sip from the drink he was given. They gave me champagne, but Uncle Jet took it from me—not that I argued.

“I remember when I was little and my parents used to complain about money. If my dad was rich, why did they have issues?”

Jethro hates when I mention his brother, and this time is no different. His face hardens. “Our parents were well off. That money wasn’t ours. Everything I have now is because of me. Hunter didn’t work as hard as me.”

I guess that makes sense. “How did you get into . . . whatever it is you actually do. Stalk people?”

He rolls his eyes, but even if that’s not what he thinks he does, it is. I’m pretty sure what he does isn’t even legal most of the time, so yeah, it’s stalking. “Long story. Let’s just say my business is a branch off of an old family business.”

I narrow my eyes. “That’s the worst explanation ever.”

“Well, that’s all you’re getting, kid.”

I settle into my seat with a huff. “Have you heard from my brother? You know, your son?”

Again, he glares at me. “Yes. Last I knew, he and Amanda were packing for their move.”

Moving? Shows how much I know about my own brother. Not like he has tried to keep in touch either. I get an odd text here and there. We had a quick call on Christmas, but he never mentioned moving. I know he is dealing with shit in his own life too, so I don’t take it personally.

“Moving where?”

“North Carolina. Amanda got a high school coaching position there.”

Wow. Good for her. “What is Jason doing?”

Based on Jethro’s harsh tone when he replies, “Nothing.” I’m guessing Jason is still dealing with his drinking problem.

“We are preparing for takeoff. Please switch all electronic devices to Airplane Mode.”

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