Page 98 of A Simple Love

A tear slid down her cheek. “I will always love you too, Olly. The boy, the man. All of you.”

She took my hand, holding it to her chest. “Be happy. You deserve that.”

“It’s all good,” I lied. “I’m looking forward to getting back to LA. Starting another movie.”

She sniffled and wiped away her tears. “Good. Back to your life.”

“Yep.”

Silence fell, our eyes meeting. Suddenly, she was in my arms, my mouth on hers. I kissed her, telling her without words what I couldn’t say. She gripped me tight, and I tasted her tears. Then I stepped back.

“Bye, lovely.”

She smiled. “See you later, Olly.”

And I walked away.

The highway cooperated, and I was at the car rental place sooner than I expected. After, I headed to the terminal, pausing before I went up to the counter. I knew, once I did, they would take over. Escort me to the special security reserved for VIPs. Take me to the first-class lounge. Annie would have arranged all that.

I stared at the counter and the people waiting, knowing it was time. Yet my feet wouldn’t move. Instead, I spun on my heel and went over to a quiet spot by the window. I stared outside, the bustle of the airport fading from behind me as I studied my reflection. One question played on repeat in my head.

What was I doing? What the fuck was I doing?

I lifted my phone to my ear after pressing one icon. The one with the heart.

Kassie answered after two rings. Her voice sounded thick, as if she’d been crying.

“Oliver?”

I didn’t greet her back. “What are we doing?”

“What?” she asked, confused.

“Why am I leaving?”

“To get back to your life.”

I leaned my head on the cold glass. “I don’t have a life in LA, lovely. I exist.”

“But you said⁠—”

I interrupted her. “I lied. The truth hurt too much to say.”

“Olly…” she whispered.

“You said you loved the boy. The man. Was that past tense?”

“Don’t do this,” she pleaded.

“Do I need to say it first? Is that what you need? I love you, Kassie Brennan. I’ve never stopped. You mean more to me than anything else on this earth, and I would change my entire life to be with you.”

Her inhale of air was sharp.

“Why didn’t you ask me to stay?”

“I didn’t think you’d say yes. I thought you wanted to go home.”

“I was home already. I was with you.”