Page 59 of Flyboy's Nightingale
“Sure.” He kisses me on the forehead before leaving the room.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I wrap myself in a blanket while dialing the only number I have committed to memory.
“This better be my long lost best friend, or I swear to God, I’m going to call in the boys,” Avery snaps, not bothering to answer with a hello.
“You do not have to sicc your husband and his friends on me. I’m alive!” I laugh at her antics.
“I don’t believe you. How do I know someone isn’t standing behind you with a gun to your head, making you say you’re okay?” Avery demands.
“And how exactly am I supposed to prove to you that I’m talking to you of my own free will?” I am trying to stifle my laugh.
“How many times have you orgasmed since you locked yourself away with that hunk of a man?” Avery’s voice is firm.
I stutter over my words, screeching, “I do not have an exact number!”
Avery gasps, “You hooker, I knew that man would get you. Took him long enough.”
My face turns bright red even though there is no one in here to see me. “Are you done grilling me?”
“Oh, not even a little. For now though, we’ll move on. Tell me, my dear best friend, what can I do for you?” Avery’s mock professional tone causes me to laugh.
“When you come to bring me the things for Flyboy’s physical therapy, can you also bring me the spare change of clothes I keep in my office?” I ask, picking at the lint on the blanket in my lap.
“Riley, why exactly do you need a change of clothes? Can’t you just go to your house and get your own change of clothes?” Avery no longer sounds playful.
“I’ll explain everything to you when you get here later today. It’s part of the reason why I’m working from here and Flyboy can’t come to you to do his PT.” I sigh, not wanting to tell her but knowing that I need to.
“Absolutely not. You tell me what’s going on.” Avery digs in, saying, “I’m done with the secrets and not knowing what’s going on with you. Start talking, woman, and then I’ll bring you what you want.”
Huffing, I throw myself back onto the bed. I know that she's not going to let this go and means it when she says that she’ll not come until I’ve told her everything. So, I do just that, and for only the second time in my life, I tell Avery everything, starting with my childhood. By the time I’m done, we’re both crying, but I feel lighter than I’ve ever felt before.
We talk for a few more minutes, going over her day to day and the things that she needs me to do while I work from home. Just as we finish up the call, the door opens, and Flyboy stickshis head through the door. He looks around, finding me on the bed. His grin falls when he sees my tear streaked face.
“What happened?” he questions, not moving from the door or coming into the room.
“Nothing, just a heart-to-heart with Avery. Why’re you standing at the door?” I deflect because I’m truly okay.
“Well, when I offered to get breakfast I forgot I wouldn’t be able to carry it back. So, I need you to go into the bathroom and close the door. I’ll let you know when it’s okay to come back out.” Fear starts to wash over me with the thought that he’s playing me and trying to get someone else into the room.
“Flyboy, I’m not sure,” I stutter out.
“Riley, trust me. I’ll never allow anyone to hurt you or see you like only I get to. I have a prospect carrying our plates. That is all. Do you trust me?” He watches me closely.
Do I trust him?
I reflect on the question for only a second before I know the answer.
Yes, I do in fact trust him.
Standing, I go into the bathroom using that time to use the restroom, brush out the massive rats nest that’s supposed to be my hair, wash my face and brush my teeth. Just as I finish my tasks, there is a soft knock at the door.
“Riley, baby, come on out,” Flyboy calls through the door.
Slowly, I open the door, and just like he said, it’s only him and I. Breakfast is sitting on the bed. I relax before climbing on the bed gently, being sure not to spill anything. We sit there and eat, spending time together. I laugh so hard my sides hurt. I can’t remember a time I’ve been this happy. Before I’m ready, there is a knock on the door.
“Hooker, open the fucking door. I need a hug and some girl time.” Avery’s voice shocks me.
“Looks like you ladies need time. I’ve got some things to take care of. Holler if you need anything.” Flyboy kisses me hard before sliding off the bed and leaving me alone with Avery.
