Page 40 of Anchored Love
“Hope that’s okay. I figured you’d rather eat than pack.”
“I appreciate that.”
We sat on the couch and ate quietly. My chest burned as I stared at the tangled sheets. I had no regrets about sleeping with Mason. I wished I’d made a move on him earlier in the week, but I still had a great time and made so many wonderful memories with him.
* * *
Mason carriedmy bag through the airport, rolling his luggage behind him. Drake and Kelsey were staying a few more nights in Miami, but the rest of us were scheduled to fly back to Idaho. I wished I had a few more days to rest after all the activities we’d done all week. Sure, I was active, but I felt tired deep in my bones and like I could sleep for a week. I missed my bed and my dog. I couldn’t wait for doggie breath and cuddles.
We checked in and took our seats in the lounge. I sat with my head on Mason’s shoulder, needing to feel close to him. His palm curved over my knee, he kissed my forehead and gave me a squeeze. “I’m going to get something for my headache and a water. You want the same?”
“Please,” I responded, needing something. Casey went with him.
Mom had her nose buried in a book, and Herbert was doing something on his cell phone. I couldn’t believe how little I even looked at my phone during the trip. I liked breaking the habit of being accessible twenty-four seven and spending time with my family and Mason. It was refreshing and a bit of an eye-opener.
“Something’s different between you two,” Jess observed as she sat next to me, taking Mason’s spot.
“I have no idea what you mean, and I don’t have the energy to argue or let you dissect me. How’s things with you and Casey? You still not want to get married?”
“Don’t start. It’s not like that.”
“I’m not getting on your case. I’m genuinely curious.”
“If you tell anyone I said this I will kill you, but the idea of marriage, I don’t know… It seems so final and like bam—you’re just stuck with this person forever or until one of you dies.”
I didn’t know what to say. I was no psychiatrist, but I thought Jess had unresolved issues about our father dying and our mother getting remarried. I wasn’t sure what to do for her. It was something she needed to resolve for herself.
“I think you should talk to Casey about how you feel.”
“Yeah. I know. I love him, and I’m scared I’ll lose him.”
“Tell him. He’ll understand. He adores you.”
“I guess.”
Mason and Casey returned. I knocked back some water and swallowed down two painkillers.
“Thought you might want this.” He handed me a candy bar.
“Thank you.” I squeezed his hand.
My phone sounded with a new voicemail. My luggage had been found, and I could grab it in Dallas. Great! A day late and a dollar short.
Before we boarded I sent Samantha a text.
Ev:How’s Moocher?
Sam: OMG, are you back?
Ev: Not yet. Boarding our plane in Miami, then Dallas, and after a two-hour layover I’ll be back.
Sam: Mooch has been good, but he’s missed his momma. When should I drop him off?
I glanced at the time.
Ev: I won’t be back till like midnight, so if you want to wait until after work tomorrow we can catch up.
Sam: No problem. The booger has kind of grown on me.
