Page 46 of Heal For Me

Before I turn on Airplane Mode, I pull up my texts.

Me: Taking off. I love you so much.

I snap a quick photo of Todd at my feet and send it along with the text.

“Ma’am it’s time to place your phone on Airplane Mode.”

I nod at the flight attendant until she walks away and then read through my texts.

Ash: Cute. I love you so bloody much, Jailbird. Call me when you can, okay?

Me: I will.

Ash: Anytime you miss me, look down at that ring on your finger and feel my love. That ring is a promise, babygirl. You and me, always.

Me: Forever.

“Ma’am.”

I exit out of my texts and press the button for her to see, then set my phone down on my lap and turn my attention out the window.

“Ash?” Uncle Jet asks after a minute.

I nod, not trusting my voice to stay steady.

“It’ll be okay.” He taps my thigh once. I think he meant it to comfort me, it doesn’t, but it’s nice he’s trying. I’ve probably pushed him out of his comfort zone more than anyone has. I can’t see Olivia needing comforting all that much.

I never used to either, and now I require a dog to keep me afloat. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do it myself. Who knows, maybe Blue Gate is the answer to all my problems. I doubt it, but maybe.

22

Payson

California is hot. What the hell business does it have being eighty degrees on January sixth? I’ll tell you, none. I can’t remember what the weather was like for Week of Pink, which I should, that was only months ago but it must have been hot as well.

Janelle’s squeals could be heard across the entire airport. She takes off running toward me, but before she can reach me, Uncle Jet steps in front of me.

“Jet.” I groan like a bratty teenager.

He looks at me over his shoulder. “You have already fallen once today.”

Janelle shoves around him and throws her arms around me. “I wouldn’t have pushed her. I know she’s fragile right now.” She pulls away and grins before dropping to her knees and greeting Todd.

After grabbing our bags, which Janelle insists on taking from me, we head for the car Uncle Jet had Janelle brought here in, because he said he wasn’t risking his life by getting in a car that she was driving. I can’t even argue with that.

“I called Blue Gate, and they said you can have visitors every weekend and I can even stay over! How fun will it been to have sleepovers every weekend!”

Jethro groans like that’s the worst thing he’s ever heard, but that actually sounds like heaven to me.

“I can’t wait.”

There is one thing I remember about California, the noise. Cars honking, sirens blaring, the constant sound of footsteps hitting the sidewalks. There is always activity. I know they say New York is the city that never sleeps, but I’m thinking the same might be true here as well.

The buildings are so tall. I bet they have amazing views from their top floors. Especially the buildings on top of the hills.

We have lakes in Michigan—a lot of them, but being this close to the ocean and able to smell the salt water, is something else. I snap a few photos with my phone and send them off to Ash with a small message.

I turn my attention to my best friend as she digs through the bucket of snacks between her and Uncle Jet.

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