“Crap. I didn’t even think about that,” I admit. I mean, to be fair, he keeps it in a drawer, and I almost never see him use it, so I guess I just wasn’t thinking.
“Here. It’s all set. No promises that he answers, but if he does, I was never here.” He bumps his shoulder gently into mine as he slips the mic into my hand, giving me a soft smile as he mouths “good luck” seconds before disappearing from the bridge, leaving me alone.
I stand there for several long moments, contemplating what the heck I’m even going to say. I didn’t exactly think it through this far ahead. I was so focused on getting here, that’s about as far as my plan went.
Knowing I’m operating on limited time and that the crew will be preparing to leave before too long, I press the button on the side of the mic.
“Penn,” I croak, releasing the button.
Nothing.
“Penn. It’s London. Are you there?” I try again.
Nothing.
I almost call it. But something inside urges me to keep going.
“Penn, I don’t know if you can hear me, but if you can, I need you to know that I love you. I love you and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything. I want you to know that I’m still in Wren Cove. That I didn’t go anywhere, and I’m not going to. I’m yours if you still want me. I’ve never stopped being yours. Time or distance will never change that. A baby won’t change that. Nothing will ever change that. If you don’t feel the same anymore, I understand. But if you do, you know where to find me... I love you,” I say again before releasing the mic.
“What are you doing in here?”
I startle, dang near jumping out of my skin. Turning, I see Lou standing in the doorway, his greasy hair slicked back away from his aging face.
“Just checking on a few things before you head out,” I lie, banking on the fact that no one knows I don’t technically work here anymore. Considering Trav didn’t know, I’d say it’s a safe bet.
“Little late for you, isn’t it?”
“Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been off for a few days, so I have a lot to catch up on.” I slide past him. “Have a safe trip,” I call before he can say more.
Exiting the ship, I head back up the dock toward the office, figuring I can leave Penn a note if nothing else. It’s very unlikely that he won’t stop to check on things when he gets back.
Expecting the office to be empty, I use the key I have yet to return to let myself in, only when I push the door open, the office is most definitely not empty. And by not empty, I mean it contains two very naked people. They seem to notice me at the exact same time that I see them.
“Oh God!” I slap my hand over my eyes. “Crap. I’m so sorry.” I stumble backward, running into the doorframe in my attempt to escape.
“As always, your timing is impeccable, LV.” Laughter dances in Alec’s words.
“I... um... Sorry again.” I make it to the porch. “Hey, Jos,” I call back inside without turning around.
“Yeah?” The mortification in her voice is so clear that I can practically see how pink her cheeks are just in her tone.
“Call me later,” I say, clearly having a lot to discuss if what I walked in on didn’t prove as much.
“Okay.”
With that, I pull the door shut and all but sprint toward my car.
Alec and Josie... I try to scrub the memory from my eyes.
Obviously, I knew there was something going on. The way Josie always tries to act like she doesn’t want anything to do with him but somehow keeps ending up back in his bed, so to speak. But it wasn’t to the point that I was expecting to walk in onthat...
Climbing into the car, I grab my phone from the center console to see if anyone has tried to call. And by anyone, I mean Penn. Obviously, I know he doesn’t have his phone on him, but that doesn’t keep me from checking just the same.
It also doesn’t stop me from typing out the following message.
Me: You’ll never guess who I just walked in on having sex in your office...
I hit send, but then have a mild panic attack that maybe I shouldn’t have sent that because even though he won’t get it until he comes back, he’s going to probably kick his brother’s butt once he does.
