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I really need to stop making them.
Chapter Twelve
Brian
“Abouttime!”Carolsays,leaning against the door frame. She’s wearing dark blue jeans and a turquoise top, her hair framing her face in loose waves. Behind her is a large, black suitcase which is not what I’d expected for a three-day trip.
“Good morning to you too.” I check my phone and then flash her a curious smile. “I’m right on time.” But I guess waiting is something she can’t stand either. Especially when she doesn’t know our exact travel arrangements.
She mumbles something about my timing and turns to grab her suitcase, her dark hair bouncing with every movement.
“Let me take that.” Not waiting for an answer, I relieve her of her luggage and head outside. Her apartment door clicks shut. Carol catches up to me so that we are walking side by side.
The weather is perfect today, sunny and warm with a crystal-clear blue sky, a perfect start to our day. I open the trunk of my car and tuck her luggage inside, next to mine.
Typing vigorously on her phone, Carol stands by the passenger door with a pensive expression. Her lower lip has disappeared under her teeth, the pressure of the bite sure to leave a mark, but when she’s done and looks my way, she seems relaxed. Even a bit pleased.
“What time’s the flight?” she asks, the moment we are both seated.
“Don’t worry, we have plenty of time,” I assure her.
She rests her head on the headrest but doesn’t press me for more details.
Carol wanted to pay for the plane tickets, but I convinced her it was the least I could do, given the situation. I want us to travel comfortably, but most importantly, alone.
I slowly drive toward the main road, stealing glances in her direction. The phone is still clenched in her hand and it’s vibrating but she pays no attention to it. Something else is troubling her. “Was Daniel alright? With you leaving?” she asks, suddenly.
That familiar warmth spreads throughout my chest. She cares about him and worries that this trip might be too much for my son. We haven’t really spoken after our kiss—she left shortly afterward and our communication until today was only via texts—but she never fails to ask about him.
“He was a bit cranky, but I know he’ll have fun while I’m gone, so it’s all good.”
The disappointment about his mother’s indifference hasn’t faded completely this time around, but he knows that my work trips are nothing he needs to worry about. Quite the opposite: each time I have to travel without him, I make sure his schedule is packed with fun activities.
Carol nods but I can see that she is still concerned. I give her a rundown of the last couple of days and Daniel ends up being the center of conversation until we get to the airport.
I grab our luggage and head inside, where Andrew is waiting. Still stuck with my plan to handle this discreetly, I need him here for this to work. At least until I tell Carol the truth about my financial status.
My regret about not being completely honest with her from the beginning is starting to get to me. The last thing I want is to build a new foundation for our relationship on stupid lies, but every time I decide to tell her the truth, the thought that it might be the last conversation we’ll ever have deters me. I need to wait a little longer until I know she’s more open to listen to me.
“Brian.” Andrew waves at me. He’s wearing his favorite suit with a green tie and has a polite smile plastered on his face. “And you must be Carol.” He shakes her hand. “We’re grateful for your help.”
Carol looks from him to me with a slight frown.
“This is Andrew, the friend I told you about,” I explain.
“I’m sorry, I’ve heard so much about you—I assumed Brian had told you about me,” Andrew says, the smile morphing into a grin. This better not turn into one of his usual teasing sessions.
“Just the highlights,” she answers, still confused.
“Well, I’m working hard to gather all the data you requested but rest assured you will have everything you need by the time you get back. In the meantime, I’ve arranged a private jet for you two.” Andrew chooses his words carefully.
“Private jet?” Carol looks both thrilled and scandalized.
Andrew nods to us to go and then checks his phone with a shake of his head. “I’ll leave you to it,” he says and disappears into the crowd without further explanation.
“Is your friend using company money for this?” she asks, her eyes fixed on where Andrew has disappeared.
An employee comes to help with our luggage before I can answer. Free to move at last, I link my arm with hers and guide her to our gate. From there we are taken to our private runway.
