Page 89 of Changing Lanes

The next morning, Brannon drives back to the farm to take Andi to school. The lingering cloud that is my father hovers, black and ominous. Our time here is winding down. I need to figure out what I’m going to do with this mess I’ve created with him.

I have a video conference with my dad, walking the property so he can see the progress. Soon after, I run over to the office to see Brannon. Wanting to give everyone an update on my father’s thoughts and to check on the final stint of work. Brannon sits at his desk, working on a new design. I tiptoe over, covering his eyes.

“You can have two guesses as to who this is.” I giggle when he jumps.

“Ummm, let me think.” He reaches up to feel my hand. “I’m hoping a woman or I might add, sir, you have great hands.”

“Ha, ha, ha. You’re funny. Guess,” I pout as I stomp my foot.

“There are only two women who could make my heart race like this, so it’s either Jessica Biel or Torrence Harrington.” He wraps his hand around my wrist, yanking me into his lap as he spins his chair.

“You are so lucky that wasn’t Jessica, you’d have missed out, bud.” I laugh, as he takes my face in his hands and kisses me. “She had better be glad she wasn’t here because I’d hate to have to send her packing.”

“I love you. How was your day?” He doesn’t let go, just holds me on his lap.

“Good. Things are moving along on the build, and my father is pleased.” I straighten his shirt with my hand as we talk.

“Will you be waiting until it’s finished to go back or what?” He has no facial expression at all. He wants me to know he’s being sensitive to the topic.

“My father will more than likely come down to open the hotel, but that’s weeks from now, there’s still the interior to be done. So, someone else will take over. He will probably be expecting me before then.” I straighten his tie now, trying to not look at him.

“Do you have any clue as to how long it will take after that?” Brannon frowns.

“No. Mother said he has started telling people of his retirement, but there’s been no official announcement. I’m sorry, I know you want more.” I sit quietly, waiting for him to say something.

“We’ll work it out. One step at a time, right?” He winks at me, but I know that’s not what he wanted to say.

“We will. I promise you, Bran, this is my home.” I kiss him, placing my hand over his heart.

The office phone rings and Brannon answers it. After a few minutes of conversation, he hangs up, agitated. “Hey, babe. I gotta run down to this other site in Charleston. One is with Lea at an appointment, and Hardy’s working on your build.”

“Sure. Let me get out of your way.” He stops me, kissing me deeply.

“I love you. We can do this.” He nods.

“I agree, now you need me to help grab anything?” I ask as I stand.

“Yeah, get the Douglas project file from this cabinet, please. I’ll get my other things.” We hurry around the office, he’s ready in less than five minutes.

“Okay. Be careful, I love you.” Kissing him, I mentally add the time from here to Charleston and back. Approximately five hours, maybe six depending on how long it takes him on site.

“Will do. I won’t be long. I love you.” I walk him to the truck after locking the office. One more kiss and he’s on his way. For the first time, I understand how he feels about my leaving, it’s gnawing at my stomach. I don’t like this feeling, him leaving without me being here.

As I start my SUV, my phone rings. It’s Brannon. Clicking it on, I talk before he can. “Are you even a block away?”

“Yes, but just. I need a favor.” He sounds concerned.

“Anything?” He should now this, gracious.

“Mom’s in Raleigh. Ava has been a no show lately Andi needs to be picked up from school. Will you?” Normally, I might have been insulted but after Ava and I had our run in, she’s been saltier than normal. Brannon’s asking with caution.

“Not a question. I’ll be there,” I say with certainty. “Should we check with Ava, so there’s no conflict?”

“I’ll try and let you know but again, she hasn’t been showing as it is. Just keep an eye out and use your discretion if she shows,” he stresses.

“Will do, honey. Don’t worry, I got her.” I emphasize don’t worry.

“I won’t. I love you,” he says as he waits for my response.