Page 82 of Finally Forever
“Any memories?”
“Glimpses of my past. They’re like a sped-up TikTok video of pictures that move too quickly for me to make sense or get a feel for them.”
“The doctor said that could happen. He also said they could return all at once.”
“Or not at all,” I remind him.
“What will be our next step? The house is paid for through the end of the month.”
It’s the middle of June. “I suppose it’s easiest for us to stay.” No point in moving Ainsley and me or forcing Xavier to monitor a new house and area for weakness. “Have you scoped any new places for after this? I’m open to wherever. Ainsley seems to have made a new friend in Kensie, though. Perhaps something back in Florida.”
“Orlando?” he asks.
“Not that close to where they live, but a place close enough for Ainsley to meet up with Kensie.”
“Just Ainsley and Kensie? Not you and Nathan?”
Shit. Did I just give away the fact that I might not have a future with Ainsley because I might not have one at all? This is what happens when I let go and have a little fun. I get sidetracked, and I hate letting down my guard. “Nathan coming is a given. He’d never let Kensie come on her own. Too dangerous. Which is why a place farther away is best for everyone’s safety.”
“Does this mean you and Ainsley have worked things out?”
“We’re still trying.”
He nods. “She seems happier. Less sad. You’re doing something right.”
“For now.” I shrug.
“Now is all you have.”
“It’s all anyone has.”
His eyes narrow like he thinks I’m up to something, but he’s smart enough not to ask. He knows he won’t get the answer. After a few seconds of silent staring to see if I’ll divulge anything, he turns to his laptop.
“I’ll check out some secure places to rent outside of Orlando and get back to you ASAP.”
“Thanks, man.” I pat his shoulder and leave the office.
Next stop, my room. Not the one I share with Ainsley. My first room here, where I stashed my burner phones. I check them morning and night and even managed to sneak off and interview three candidates. I ended up choosing one: Paolo. He meets the requirements needed for this job. The native Sicilian has lived all over Italy and has connections with rival mafia families there.
I have a private jet ready, so I can leave as soon as I need to without alerting anyone. I have a driver on standby to take me to the private runway, owned by another local celebrity. Xavier can’t track me there. It’s off the books. I have a bag packed and hidden in the closet. I have the alarm code to disable the door used by the cleaning staff. I’ll be gone by the time he puts my disappearance together.
In my old room, I retrieve the burner from the ensuite where I hid it and check for texts.
I have one from Paolo written in code.
I’m to leave tomorrow night.
Dread hits me first, followed by shock that it’s time, and then anticipation about executing the plan. This is it. Finally. I focus on my breathing and keeping my cool. Ainsley’s face enters my mind. How will she handle this? I can’t tell her I’m leaving. She’ll think I abandoned her and that causes my stomach to knot. I don’t like it. I should have kept her at arm‘s distance. I can’t have her in my head and still do what needs to be done.
I should push her away tonight. Start the separation she’ll face soon enough. That way, she’ll think I left because of my fucked-up shit and not because of her.
Yeah. I nod. But fuck if I don’t want to spend the night in her bed one last time, loving her the way she deserves. If I survive this, I’ll come back to her and give things another try.
Even if I don’t remember, I can see myself falling for her. The threats on our lives will be gone by then.
I wasn’t sure if I’d get the okay from Paolo before the guys left. They’ll be gone by morning. It will be easier. My biggest concern was me giving a hint of my plan, slipping up by saying something, then Nathan and Riley figuring it out. I dropped the idea of killing my father a few times in college when we were drunk. Whether they were too drunk to remember what I said, I don’t know.
Even if Ainsley or Xavier reach out to Nathan after I leave to find out where I am, they’ll hit a dead end.
