The Fling (18+)

Chapter 35

As we touched down in Seattle, Jess whispered, "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."

Patting her hand, I assured, "It'll be alright. If worse comes to worst, you can always sleep on my couch."

Muttering darkly, Jess said, "I'm holding you to that."

Getting through the "deplaning" rigamarole was a test on my already strained nerves. The past few days had been physically and emotionally exhausting, and I was more than ready to rest.

Then, past the security checkpoint, a warm sense of relief spread over me.

Mom was waiting on the other side.

Smiling, I walked into her arms, grateful for the warm comfort of her embrace.

"Hey, kiddo," she whispered while her hand stroked my hair.

"Hey," I answered, closing my eyes and savoring the moment. "Thanks for picking us up."

Us.

Suddenly remembering that Jess was waiting awkwardly behind me, I straightened, stepping back. Looking between Jess and my mother, half expecting hands to start flying.

"Come on," Mom placed a hand on my shoulder, "let's get your bags. Are you more tired or hungry?"

Shooting a glance at Jess, we answered in unison:

"Both."

After a nice lunch at a local cafe, we headed back to Mom's place. She'd convinced me to stay the night in my old room, but in truth I didn't need much convincing. The tension between Mom and Jess was tight as piano wire, and I wasn't ready to leave either of them alone.

But, as the days of accumulated stress got to me, I mentioned that I might take a nap, a proposition Jess swiftly agreed to.

All of which led to me waking up at one in the morning with a parched tongue and a full bladder. Heading for the bathroom, I handled the latter before tiptoeing out to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of water.

On the way there, I checked my phone, finding a message of encouragement from David-

-and nothing from Adam.

I locked the screen as a frigid surge of disappointment and despair washed over me. In truth, I'd started growing numb to it.

Silently, I bid adieu to the future I'd dared to envision, a future by his side.

He doesn't feel the same way. You have your answer - it's over.

Leaning against the counter, I took a long, bracing drink of water, trying to swallow the bitter pill on my tongue.

Movement through the glass patio door caught my eye, and in the dim glow of distant streetlights, I saw Jess sitting on the stairs leading down to the lawn.

Taking my water with me, I stepped out onto the patio and sat down beside her.

"Hey," I offered as a greeting.

"Hey," she replied, staring down at her hands where she was idly twirling her wedding ring.

"So, did I miss anything while I was out?"

"Nope. Just me hiding like a coward in the guest bedroom until everyone else went to sleep."

"Is it really that bad? If it's too uncomfortable for you, I was serious about offering up my couch."

"Nah," she sighed, "I'll just pull up my big-girl pants and deal with it."

Leaning over, I bumped my shoulder against hers, "In case I haven't mentioned it recently, I'm really proud of how you're handling this."