Page 148 of Here and Now
Doug puts his hand on my shoulder. “Listen, I know you’re upset, but let’s reach out to some guys from our unit. A lot of them went out to work with private companies. You never know, maybe they know someone or something. Let’s start at the beginning.”
I barely get the next words out, my heart in my throat. “What if she doesn’t want me tofind her?”
“Then you cross that bridge when you get there.” He squeezes once. “Come on, let’s get to work.”
On my way out of the parking lot, I find Lachlan, Everett, and Killian standing by my car.
“What’s going on?” Everett asks.
“Penelope left.”
“Left town?” Lachlan asks.
“Yes.”
Everett comes forward. “Bro, I’m sorry. I really thought ...”
“I’m going to find her,” I tell him resolutely.
“Okay.”
“Something scared her off, and I’m not going to just let her go. I love her and I’m going to find her.”
Lachlan gives me a sad smile. “I know you will, Miles. We’re all here for you no matter what.”
Then I remember Lachlan has strong military ties in Virginia Beach. His father was a captain, and Ainsley’s father was an admiral. Both of them probably know people down there who were SEALs and can help.
“I need your help, well, your dad or Ainsley’s father.”
“What?” Lachlan asks. “How can we help?”
“Her brother, he was a SEAL and lives in Virginia Beach.”
Lachlan lifts a hand. “Dude, there are millions of people down there and ...”
“He works for a security company. His name is Quinn. He has a best friend, Liam, I think.” I rack my brain, trying to come up with something more. “His wife’s name is Ashton. Please, just ask him. He works for a company there. They are all SEALs. Please.”
“Okay, I’ll call,” Lachlan says. “I can’t promise anything.”
“I know. We’re making calls too. I need to talk to her. Even if it’s just to say goodbye.”
If she wants to leave me, I want to hear it.
It’s now almost midnight and I can’t sleep. I throw on my hoodie and walk up to Penelope’s house.
It’s dark, quiet, and empty—just like I feel.
I miss her.
I don’t know when she left, and all I want is to hear her voice and for her to let me make it right.
I walk inside, looking around, somehow hoping the furniture magically reappeared. It didn’t.
How the fuck did she leave me so easily?
All she had to do was tell me that moving in was too fast and she wasn’t ready. I would’ve slowed down, but she gave no indication that it spooked her.
I walk out to the backyard again, going to the tree I gave her, wanting her to plant roots in Ember Falls and watch something grow together.
