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“It does. But she might ask anyway.”
“I know she will. And hence why I’ve been putting it off.” I reached down for my purse and pulled out my cell phone. “You’re right. Putting it off isn’t going to make it any easier.” I dialed her number.
“Hi Mom. How is everything?” she asked.
“Yes. Actually, things are great.” That wasn’t a lie.
“You sound good. What’s going on?” she asked.
“Well...I left Tabiq. It wasn’t the same without you here and it’s not the place for me. You know that, right?”
“Yes. I didn’t think you’d stay much longer. Where are you off to? Back to Canada?” she asked.
“No. I am not sure where I want to go. I am going to take some time and do some traveling.” I knew what she was going to ask, so I beat her to it. “I’m going to be off the grid for a week or so. We’re going sailing.”
“Wait....what? Off the grid? I’m not sure that’s a good idea. What if something happens?” Before I could answer, she added, “And since when do you sail?” Once again, no time to reply before she quickly asked, “Did you say,we?”
“I did.”
“Who are you with?” I heard the concern in her voice.
“Do you remember me talking about a man I knew a long time ago? And you suggested I find him?” I asked.
“I remember you saying you had no idea how to find him, and that you didn’t even know his last name.”
“O’Leary, and I didn’t find him. He found me,” I smiled, looking over at him.And I’m so glad he did.
“How did he find you?” she asked.
I looked at Declan and he nodded. “Tell her.”
“Do you remember the PI in Portland?”
“Yes. The one who was searching for you,” she said.
“Declan is the one who hired him. He had gone to Halifax and found that we had left so suddenly. He panicked and thought that something had happened. That may be your grandfather or someone was out to harm us and we were on the run again.”And I adore him for caring so much.
“So, Declan hired someone to find us? And now that he has, you’re...you’re...what are you guys doing exactly?” she prodded.
“I asked him if he would take me sailing. He agreed. And I’m thrilled to be going,” I said, not hiding the excitement in my voice.
“Like a day trip?”
And this was where it all went to shit. “No. I...I asked him to take me on a sailing journey. I figure we’ll be gone for a week, maybe a little more. But don’t worry, I’m in great hands.”Strong hands that I want to feel again.
“Mom, I don’t like this. We know nothing about this man,” she stated.
“Wedo not need to. But I do. And I trust him. That should be enough for you,” I said firmly.
Declan waved his hand and asked for my phone. I hesitated giving it to him, but I understood why he wanted it. He wanted to talk to MaKayla himself. Ensure her that I was okay.
“MaKayla, Declan wants to talk to you. Here he is.” I gave him my phone, and he pressed the speaker on it.
Then he said, “I know you don’t know me, but I know you. I remember you as a baby just arriving in Halifax. That’s how long I’ve known your mother. You don’t have to take my word on it, but all these years, I’ve done what I could to protect you and your mother. I kept secrets that were not mine to tell. I will answer any questions you want to ask that will make you feel better about your mother going sailing with me.”
There was a pause and I know MaKayla was choosing her question wisely. “Are you in love with my mother?”
Shit!That’s not what I expected. I looked at Declan who didn’t seem phased. “I love your mother. But beinginlove is different. I cannot say what the future holds for us, but she has always held a special place in my heart. That’s never going to change.”
