Page 72 of Student Seduction
21
Aiden
Sunday I lost.
Everything.
We lost our game against East Carolina in overtime. But I wasn’t there to see it. During the second period, Emersyn texted me.
I tried calling you. We’re leaving now. My dad found seats on a direct flight to LA at the last minute. I thought I’d have more time to say goodbye, but I guess this is it.
I didn’t see her message until I went to the the locker room to get my wrist wrapped during intermission. It was from half an hour ago and she’d tried to call twice.
Fuck.
I raked a hand through my hair as I stared at her words.
I re-read the messages we’d sent.
I’d told her to go. I knew it was the right thing to do. But I thought we had more time.
We didn’t.
We were out of time and I couldn’t stand saying goodbye like this. I slammed my fist into my locker and changed out of my skates, knowing Coach would ream my ass or kick me off the team, but this wasn’t right. She deserved better than a text message where I’d tried to say the right things instead of telling her the truth.
I was in love with Emersyn Tyler and I wanted her to know that before she got on an airplane.
I needed to tell her.
Face to face.
The Charlotte airport was surrounded by traffic. An hour later, I was still fighting to find a parking space in the garage. I finally gave us and parked in an unloading zone. Fuck it.
I was out of time.
I’d called Emersyn a dozen times on the way, but it had gone straight to voicemail every time.
Automated sliding glass doors slid open as I tore into the baggage claim area.
The words I needed to say weaved complicated webs in my mind.
I love you, don’t go.
I love you but I know you should go because that’s what’s best for you.
I love you, I don’t want you to go, but I know I need to let you live your life.
None of it was exactly what I felt but how could I tell her I was a selfish bastard and just wanted her to stay here with me? She deserved so much better.
The security turn styles were full of travelers. I scanned them for any sign of her, but there was nothing. A large sign announced that no one could go through security without a ticket.
Fuck.
I jogged over to a ticketing agent, not paying any attention to the airline.
“When’s the next flight to Los Angeles?”
She typed up a storm on her keyboard before smiling up at me.
