AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When the plane lands with a thud against solid ground, I’m out of my seat with my bag in hand, pacing until the pilot opens the door. Then, I race down the stairs and into the terminal. I hurry to the rental area steeling myself for what lies ahead.
On the drive to Hailey, the small town where Kaitlyn lives, I plan to practice what I want to say. I can’t believe I’m so fucking nervous. I’ve never been this anxious.
But as I leave the airport, I’m met with a stunning landscape of rolling hills, lush green forests, and crystal blue rivers. The abject beauty works its magic, instilling a sense of peace into my soul for the first time since Kaitlyn left my suite.
The sun is shining, and the sky is a deep blue, with fluffy white clouds dotting the horizon. I can see majestic mountains in the distance and can picture them dotted with wildflowers and alive with wildlife. She never mentioned how magnificent the area is.
Thirty minutes later, I pull into Hailey. Now what?
Will she be at work or at home? I check the time. It’s mid-afternoon, so she should be at work. From what she told me, I know there’s just one landscaper in town, so the office shouldn’t be too difficult to locate.
The town is charming, filled with vibrant colors and bustling activity. But more relaxed than in the city. The main street is lined with cafes, shops, and other businesses. Snow-capped mountains can be seen in the background. There are no towering skyscrapers or corporate chains.The air looks clean.
I drive aimlessly, searching for her place of work, feeling somewhat hopeless—like I’m searching for a needle in a mountainside.
Then, as if by divine intervention, I see her. She’s right there, standing in the entranceway to a café, chatting with another woman.
I see a vacant parking spot on the opposite side of the street. Flicking on my signal, I whip into it and shut off the engine before climbing from the SUV.
The sweet smell of honeysuckle permeates the air, carried in on a soft breeze. In the city, the sounds and smells mingle, and I hardly notice them anymore. Here I can pick them out. It’s not a constant buzz of noise. I’m instantly reminded of the small town I grew up in, and realize I miss it. I miss the easier more laid back atmosphere. I miss running into people I know. I miss hanging out in the back of Pat’s bar.
I give my head a shake. Those are all thoughts for a different day. Right now, I look in both directions, and jog across the street and walk toward her, my heart pounding.
As I approach, she must either hear or see me or maybe even senses me because she looks up, her eyes connecting with mine, and the words she was about to say die on her lips.
For a moment, the world stops spinning. Time stands still as I take in her beauty, her brown hair cascading down her back, her eyes sparkling in the sun. Speech fails me as I realize that I’m still as infatuated with Kaitlyn now as I was when we first met. It feels like a lifetime ago. I want to run to her, take her in my arms and never let go.
I take a deep breath and smile weakly as I stop a couple of feet away from her.
“Kaitlyn,” I say softly.
“Elliott? I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I came to find you,” My voice is shaky. “I had to see you. I had to tell you how much I’ve missed you.”
A throat clears, and we both blink, remember where we are, and look at the blonde woman standing with her.The woman appears to be around the same age as Kaitlyn. She has pretty features. Not as beautiful as my Kaitlyn though.
She holds out her hand. “Hi. I’m Margo.”
I take it. “Margo. Nice to meet you. Kaitlyn’s told me about you.”
“Really? Huh. She hasn’t mentioned you.”
A blush stains Kaitlyn’s cheeks. “I did, I just never said his name.”
Margo looks back and forth between us, confusion marring her face. She glances at Kaitlyn, who is getting redder by the minute and avoiding my gaze. “Oh. Oh! You’re Mr. New York.”
“I guess that’s me.”
She turns her questioning look to Kaitlyn, but with a twinkle in her eye. “So...are you two together now?”
Kaitlyn’s cheeks turn an even brighter shade of pink, and she stammers out an answer, her head shaking in denial.
“Yes, we are,” I smile at Kaitlyn fondly before turning back to Margo with a wide grin. “She just hasn’t realized it yet.”
Kaitlyn looks back at me, her eyes glistening with tears. I think she will say something for a moment, but then she turns away.
I’m not sure if she’s rejecting me, or implying she needs more time. But I’m determined to work with either.
