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So when I saw Abby’s tall, dark head in the crowd, I walked toward it. Soon, I could see Katie walking next to her, a roller bag suitcase behind her.
She was wearing stretchy pants, a long sweater, and had her hair tied back—and she’d never looked more beautiful.
Damn, I’d missed her.
I reached them, smiled at Katie, and said, “I’m glad you came.”
Her lips moved a fraction, but didn’t quite smile. The dark circles under her eyes were like a stab to my heart.
Because I’d caused that—me, my fame, and my crazy ex.
She shrugged. “I’m trying to be an adult and not run away from my problems.”
It was a long way from: I missed you and love you and can’t live without you. But it was a start.
I gestured. “My jet is this way. Can I get your bag?”
She allowed me to take it and then turned to give Abby a hug. “Thanks, Abby.”
“No problem. Just keep me updated. I’m dying to know where you’re going.” Abby looked at me and mouthed, “Meanie.”
I shook my head and waited. Once Abby waved and disappeared into the crowd, Katie turned toward me but didn’t meet my gaze.
Another knife to my heart.
Clearing my throat, I gestured. “Come on. The sooner we get settled, the sooner I can tell you where we’re going.”
“It’s not Fargo, is it?”
I blinked. “As in North Dakota? Um, no. I like a little snow, but not that much.”
She smiled. “Good. Abby kept teasing you’d take me there just to be contrary to her suggestion.”
“I might try to needle my sister when it concerns her, but not you.”
Silence fell, and I itched to reach over and take Katie’s hand.
But we reached the gate for my jet and went outside to climb the stairs. Once inside, I gestured to a seating area with a table, the seats facing each other. It’d be easier to talk without temptation sitting next to me.
Once buckled in, the flight attendant did the mandatory spiel for Katie’s sake, and then we were soon in the air. After the flight attendant gave us drinks, I said, “Leave us for now, please. I’ll press the button if I need anything else.”
“Of course, Mr. Drake.”
When alone, Katie asked, “He doesn’t use your real name?”
“No. In the beginning, I was trying to keep Nolan Wolfe and Nolan Drake separate. And even if Drew knows the truth by now, I haven’t had the heart to correct him.”
Katie tapped the side of her Cherry Coke can for a few seconds before meeting my gaze. “So.”
“So. How are you? Truthfully?”
She sighed, and yep, more pain.
“It’s been brutal, if I’m honest. I’ve had to turn off my phone most of the time, or at least turn off the internet so I can still text. People from high school have been giving me a hard time again, too.”
I crushed the paper coffee cup in my hand, which was thankfully empty. “Is it those bullies again? They’re easier to deal with than Wendy. Say the word, and I can ruin them tomorrow.”
She blinked. “What? How?”
