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I’m sure I look like a loon with how I’m grinning, but I don’t care. Waking up to a text from Kallan is the best way to start my day. And he called me beautiful. The first time he did that instead of using my name, my heart gave a little flip, and I must have read the message about fifty times.
How sad am I to think that being called beautiful by him means so much more than any affirmation I could get from a man I pick up in a bar?
Bailey: Good morning, Mr. Reed. Why are you messaging me at four in the morning?
I hate the three-hour time difference between us. All it does is highlight how far away he is.
Kallan: Wanted to get an early start. I’m impatient to get home
And I’m impatient for you to be home.
Bailey: Don’t forget to take care of yourself while taking care of them
Kallan: Don’t worry. They make sure I’m fed and watered
Yeah, because they’ve got to take care of their workhorse. It’s uncharitable, but damn, it’s not hard to feel resentment towards them when they’re keeping him away for so long.
Bailey: How long do you think you’ll be?
Kallan: Hard to say, but if I had to guess about two months max. Don’t know what Henry was thinking. I’m about ready to just say fuck it and throw in the towel
Two months! His frustration towards Henry has been creeping through in his messages, and I’m just about ready to give Henry a talking-to. I’ve never met the man, but I want to read him the riot act.
Bailey: But you won’t
Kallan: I won’t
I know if we were actually talking, I’d hear his sigh.
Bailey: I know I keep telling you this, but you’re a good man, Kallan
Kallan: Have to get back to work. I just wanted to say good morning and I miss you
Bailey: Miss you too
Sighing, I get out of bed. Two months feel like forever. Would it be weird if I hopped on a plane for a visit? I’ve never been to Vegas, and I’m sure Kallan wouldn’t mind showing me around. Unfortunately, that would delay him coming home.
I know he’s eager to get back home, but there’s this horrible voice in the back of my head that keeps whispering to me.What if he doesn’t come back? What if being back in Vegas brings back all these memories, and he realizes he misses the place? He’s packed up and moved before. He can do it again.I know it’s my insecurities talking and I try to ignore it, but the more time goes by, the harder it gets.
I promised Darby and Ethan I’d take them for ice cream today, followed by dinner at Amelia’s place. Still having a few hours to kill before I have to pick them up, I move at the speed of a sloth while getting ready. I’m staring into the fridge, debating the merits of making myself a smoothie for breakfast, when there’s a knock on my door.
I don’t know who I’m expecting when I open the door, but it’s not Quinn.
The silence stretches as we take each other in. He’s looking a lot better than the last time I saw him.
When I don’t say anything, he clears his throat, giving me a sheepish smile.
“Sorry for just dropping in.”
“What can I do for you?” I say, crossing my arms over my chest and giving him a flat look.
“Can I come in?”
“Why?”
“I’ve come to say goodbye. And I have something I need to get off my chest.”
“You’re leaving?”
