“Mira, it’s written all over your face.”
“Oh shit, do you think Sam’s seen it?”
Kelly smiled. “I doubt it.”
“It’s not what you think,” Mira said quietly.
“I don’t think anything other you’re two people who seem to like each other. A lot.”
“If only it was that simple.”
“I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but it looks to me like you have feelings for him.”
Mira looked at her friend. “I do. I wish I didn’t.”
Kelly stood up. “I’ll be right back.” Mira watched her go out of view. She reached for her phone and contemplated texting Tyler but decided against it. Texting with him was not going to make things any easier for her. Kelly came back on screen.
“Come on, we’re done for the night. Come back to my place. You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, but I’m not leaving you alone tonight.”
Mira looked at her in surprise. “I need to be here tomorrow.”
“Yes, and you will be. I will drive you personally. But tonight, you’re coming here.”
“But I came with Sam here, in his car.”
“I know. He said he will have someone drive you. No arguments.”
Mira didn’t argue. She was exhausted but admitted she had been dreading going home alone. She could use the company. “Sam’s OK with me leaving?”
“Yes. It’s been a long night. He wants us to go get some rest. He’s going to do the same, but he’ll stay there. The team will be in the air sleeping, too. There’s an SUV with your name on it out front. Go.”
Giving in, Mira ended the call, collected her stuff and headed downstairs where an SUV waited as promised. She smiled at the driver as he held open the door, recognizing him from front desk security.
Traffic was light with it being so late, and Mira closed her eyes as they made their way back to Coronado. Her brain still raced, but it felt good to not look at a phone or a screen for the forty-minute drive. When they arrived, Mira was barely out of the car before Kelly opened the front door, flew down the steps, and pulled her into a warm hug.
“Thanks for this.” Mira stifled a yawn.
“Do you want to take a shower or anything?” Kelly steered her inside the house and closed the door.
“Yeah, that might be good.” Mira followed Kelly upstairs where she was shown to the spare bedroom and bathroom.
“Help yourself to any of my stuff. How about a glass of wine, or a hot drink?” Kelly asked as she handed her a clean pair of pajamas.
“Tea would be great.”
“You got it. Take your time.” Kelly smiled and closed the door on her way out.
Mira pinned up her hair, then she stood under the shower, letting the warm water wash over her.
She couldn’t go on like this. Perhaps Tyler could go back to just being friends, but tonight had proved to her it was going to take some time for the feelings she had to fade. If ever. In his last text, he’d asked if they could talk again. How would that help? What else could he possibly say? He’d apologized, she accepted. He wasn’t going to let her help him, so friends or colleagues were all they could be. Whether she liked it or not, it was time to get used to that idea. For that, she needed some distance from him. Maybe she would ask Sam for some time off. She could go and see her folks. It had been a while since she’d visited them in person.
Kelly had tea waiting when she came downstairs. They chatted a little about work, but in general. Mira was grateful she wasn't pushed to talk about Tyler. Kelly’s phone pinged. She read the message and smiled.
“Dex?” Mira asked.
Kelly looked up. “Yes. The chopper just landed; they’ll be boarding the plane to bring them home shortly.”
Mira nodded. Her own phone pinged, and she glanced at the screen only to swallow hard.