Page 84 of The Wrong Promise

After a few minutes, Ben parks the black Bentley near the door, and I head out, clutching my coat around my neck, my suitcase in tow.

“Allow me to help, Ms. Hart.”

“Thank you.” He takes my luggage, and I rush into the warmth of the car’s back seat. He slams his door and pats his hands together. “Thank you again, Ben. I didn’t want to brave the Tube today.”

His eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “Mr. Hendricks would never forgive me if I allowed you to take the train.”

I smile at him. “Thank you, most days I enjoy it. Not today with a suitcase and in this weather.”

He gives me a nod before steering the car toward Heathrow.

The news channel didn’t exaggerate a word of the report. The airport is the busiest I have ever witnessed, and I’m now regretting not canceling my flight and flying in comfort on Jobe’s private jet. I couldn’t accept his offer when he’s already doing so much for me. I can stand on my own two feet. I don’t need the comfort of his wealth to enjoy being with him.

“Excuse me, Miss.” The guy behind me urges me to move forward in the line.

Focus.

I send Penny a message.

I’m at the airport. I can’t wait to see you and Summer x

By the timeI land and am through customs, it’s midnight in Los Angeles and eight in the morning in London.

With my cell in my hand, I attempt to read the messages, and as I head through the terminal, I hear, “Zara,” my mother calling out to me.

“Mom.” She pulls me in for a hug, and Dad is right beside her, wrapping his arms around both of us.

“I’ve missed you.” She sobs, and I tighten my squeeze.

“It’s only been four months, Mom.” I love that she misses me, but I’ve been living away from home for almost two decades.

“I know, but it’s the longest we have gone without seeing you, and it’s not great for my nerves knowing you’re in a foreign country.”

“England is barely foreign, Mom.”

Dad gives me a gentle smile. “You were too far away for your mother’s liking.” He takes the handle of my suitcase while Mom keeps her arm linked with mine as we head toward the car. “You can tell us all about your adventures on the way home.”

Inside my parents’ fifteen-year-old sedan, I continue to read the messages. Three from Penny with ideas of catchups over the holidays. One from Jobe hoping I have recovered and to call him as soon as I arrive. One from Piper. It’s a voice message.

“Hi, Zara. I hoped to see you before you left. I wish you a happy Christmas with your family, and we’ll catch up when you return to London. I’m going to miss my American friend. Big hugs, my love.”

I smile and send her a text.

Hi, Piper. Thank you for the voice message. I’m going to miss you too. I already do. I would like that very much and look forward to catching up, especially for a girl’s night after the holidays. Sending a big hug and kiss to you xx

I lay my head back on the seat’s headrest and close my eyes. I barely slept since the plane was a full flight, and the neck pillow just didn’t cut it.

“Can we tell her?” Mom asks Dad.

I open my eyes. “Tell me what?”

“We have booked a few days away,” Dad says, catching my gaze in the rearview mirror.

“Away? Where?” All I can think about is how far away from Jobe and Penny will we be? I expected Christmas dayto be at our home in San Diego, and then I’d drive to Los Angeles to see my friends for a few days.

“Mexico,” Mom almost sings it.

I sit upright. “What?”

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