Page 41 of Lucky 22

And I know he will. He’s so passionate about his career thatI know he won’t do anything foolish. But I also say a little prayer that histherapy works so fast it’s miraculous.

“Call me when you land back in LA,” he tells me beforekissing me soundly.

I cling to him, framing his freshly shaven face with my twohands, memorizing the way his lips feel. I take a deep breath of hisintoxicating natural scent. When we break apart, I feel like crying, but Idon’t.

Not yet.

He opens the car door for me, and I reluctantly get in. WhenI look up at him, I force myself to smile. “I’ll call you when I land.” Myvoice trembles, and I quickly clear my throat, so I don’t sound quite so needy.“Go and have a good session. Make sure to tell the trainer that your hamstringis feeling tight today. And be sure to use the foam roller. You said it reallymade a difference. Maybe stay at the team facility longer since you don’t haveto rush back for my sake. And—”

“Ella Rose?” he says softly, effectively stopping myrambling. “Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ve got it all under control. Andnow that you’re heading home, I’m extra motivated to get better.” He crouchesuntil we’re at eye level. “I’ll be there with you before you know it.”

All I can do is nod.

Last night, we promised that we wouldn’t do one of thoselong, drawn-out goodbyes. I swear I’m trying to keep that from happening, but Iknow that Christian’s going to shut the car door any second, and the driverwill take me away from him. I just need to savor the sight of him for a littlelonger.

The alarm chimes on my phone—a reminder that it’s time toleave for the airport. I hate that it ruins the moment.

Christian leans in and kisses me. This time, it’s quitethorough and full of all the pent-up emotion and frustration we’re bothfeeling. One powerful hand holds my face, and I want to grab his shirt and draghim into the car with me. Unfortunately, before I can even try, he’s breakingthe kiss and backing away from me. When I blink him into focus, he’s standingand holding the door.

“Have a safe flight. We’ll talk when you get home.” Withoutanother word, he shuts the door, and the car is moving. Taking me away.

It’s only temporary, I tell myself.

It’s only temporary, and I immediately start to cry becauseI already miss him.

Two and a half weeks later, Christian’s back, and Iam beyond giddy about it. He put in the time with his physical therapists andflew home today, just in time for my party.

I’m in my bedroom relaxing when Jen pops into my doorway.“Hey. Do you have a minute?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Okay, so I was talking with the girls about all the finalparty-planning stuff, and something sort of fell off all our radars.”

My mind races to what that could mean. “What did we forget?The decorations look great, and we’ve got the food covered, so…”

She looks mildly uncomfortable. “Oh, all the physical stufffor the party is great. It’s all under control.”

“So…what, then?” I prompt.

“Please don’t be upset, but…when we first planned this partyand sent out all the invites, we invited Jim.” She pauses. “As in yourex-boyfriend, Jim.”

Laughing, I ask, “Is that it?”

She nods.

“Jen, I don’t think we have anything to worry about. Ihighly doubt he’ll show up. We haven’t spoken since the breakup, and I can’timagine him wanting to be there.”

The look on her face tells me I’m mistaken.

“You know how we’re all like this big friend group?” sheasks. “Well, he’s also good friends with Freya, so…”

“Oh.” And then it hits me what she’s really saying. “Oh! So,he’s definitely going to be there.”

“That is correct.”

“Well, I guess that makes sense,” I murmur, even though Iknow it has the potential to be super awkward.

“Your face is getting scrunchy,” she tells me before sittingon the bed beside me. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”