Page 136 of Perfect Pursuit

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK

Improved open and honest communication is one of the key elements to rebuilding trust after it has been broken.

—The Fireside Psychologist

Having a brother-in-law with a private jet makes flying around the country very convenient, I muse as I step off his plane at Long Island MacArthur Airport where there’s a private car waiting to take me the twenty miles to where Fallon’s new home is. While I’m kicked back in the car, I send text.

Ethan:

What are your plans today, witch?

Fallon:

I’ve decided if I unpack another box, I’m going to lose my mind.

Concerned she may not be home when I arrive, I probe for some additional information.

Ethan:

Are you heading to the beach?

Fallon:

Right now, I have no intention of leaving my bed.

Fallon:

Not until I decide I want food.

Fallon:

Then I’ll DoorDash something.

Fallon:

What about you?

Fallon:

How have things been in Texas?

God, even after everything, she still gives enough of a damn to worry about the demons I confronted. It just causes me to realize I’ll never fully shed the guilt for the pain I put her through. And that’s okay. After all, the sting, the ache of knowing what I’ve still yet to earn back gives me the motivation to cherish it. Because I know if Fallon gives me a second chance, I won’t let anything come between us—not a job, not our families. Nothing. Replying back to her, I give her the truth, I just don’t tell her where I am.

Closer than she may be ready for.

Ethan:

Driving at the moment.

Ethan:

Why don’t you let me order you something.

Ethan:

You know—a welcome to the house lunch.

Fallon:

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