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When my eyes meet his, I can see he’s genuinely worried. I half shrug and frown. “I’m just in my head. Don’t worry about me.”
He places his hand on mine. “I’m always going to worry about you. Talk to me. What’s going on?”
“It’s stupid.”
“Anything that bothers you is not stupid.” He stands up and pulls me with him, leading us outside and into the backyard. As soon as he finds a secluded spot near the fire, he sits down and pulls me onto his lap. “Alright, spill.”
“I’m just jealous.” I answer shyly, realizing how ridiculous that sounds as soon as it leaves my mouth.
“Of?”
“Anyone who has your attention that isn’t me.”
Understanding washes over Holden’s face and he nods. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t expect all of this, or I would have opted to stay home. Do you want to leave?”
“No. I’m just being clingy.”
He nuzzles his face into my neck and kisses my collarbone. “Well, lucky for you, I happen to like it when you’re clingy.” I giggle as his breath tickles against my skin. “I won’t leave you alone for the rest of the night. I promise.”
For the remainder of the party, Holden keeps his word, keeping me close to him and even blowing off a few people who come up to us. For once, it feels like old times – before my fiancé became a big-shot and my best friend turned into the bodyguard I didn’t ask for.
TWO WEEKS PASS BY. Holden is supposed to come home again for a couple days, but ends up having to stay for extra practice. I try to play it cool, but I’m breaking inside. I mean, it’s hard enough being without him for the expected amount of time. Anything more than that is practically unbearable.
“Are you alright?” His smooth voice echoes through the phone.
I sigh. “I just miss you.”
“I know. I miss you too.”
We get off the phone a few minutes later, him needing to attend the team meeting this afternoon. I’m crying softly into my blanket when Caleb walks in the door. He’s holding two drinks from Starbucks and pauses when he sees the condition I’m in.
“What’s wrong?” He asks, concerned.
I wipe the tears away with my sleeve before taking the cup from his hands. “Holden isn’t coming this weekend.”
“But you had that date planned.”
“He doesn’t know that. Besides, it’s not his fault. Coach says jump, he has to say how high.”
He sits down and pulls me in for a hug. I go willingly, glad for the comfort. After a minute or so of consoling me, he hums. “Why don’t you go to him?” He suggests.
I back up and look at him as I ponder the idea. “You think I should? I mean, Holden didn’t ask me to.”
“Nonsense.” He waves me off dismissively. “You know he wants you there. Go surprise him.”
I’m not going to lie, the thought of having Holden all to myself in a hotel room is very enticing. After thinking about it for another moment, I grab my phone and book a plane ticket to Boston. I get up to pack, telling Caleb I leave in two hours and thanking him when he offers to drive me to the airport.
NEARLY FOUR HOURS LATER I’m walking down the hallway of the hotel. I’m practically shaking, nervous that he won’t be happy to see me. With perfect timing, he initiates a video call as I’m standing outside of his door. I smile and answer it.
“Hey you.”
“Hi.” He sounds relieved. “I thought you would be a wreck. I’m glad you’re not.”
I shake my
head. “It happens. What matters more is how we handle it.”
He’s lying on his bed, and I can hear his voice through the closed door. It isn’t until he gets a better look at me that he narrows his eyes. “Wait a minute, where are you?”
