Love Remains The Same

Too Good At Goodbyes

I know you think that I'm heartless
I know you think that I'm cold
I'm just protecting my innocence
I'm just protecting my soul
——Too Good At Goodbyes, Sam Smith

May 2018

Brian flatly refused to go to the airport this time.  So Cait was standing there waiting for Luke and Rae.  She knew damn well that Luke had no interest in seeing her, but Rae had insisted that they were going to visit her. 

She'd been in Ireland for more than six weeks.  Her days were generally the same, especially now that she'd finished her classes.  If she'd been in the states, she would have started her summer session classes now, but that wasn't happening.

She also knew that Grayson would be at the combine.  Not a day went by that she didn't think about him, didn't miss him so much that it stole her breath.  But she loved him too much to go back.  He needed to move on, to have the life he deserved to have. 

Rae appeared first and ran to her, throwing her arms around her.  As much as Cait had promised herself she wouldn't cry, she felt herself tearing up. 

Luke strolled up, carrying the bags.  One glance at the look on his face made Cait's spine stiffen.  "You look like hell," he said flatly.

"Thank you, Luke," she said stiffly.  "Lovely to see you too."

He just snorted at that, but before he could respond, Rae shot him a glare.  "Don't be an ass," she hissed.  Luke just rolled his eyes.

"We should get on the road," Cait sighed.  She'd finally purchased her own car and led them out of the airport and to it.  "You can put your bags in the boot," she directed.  Luke looked confused for a minute, but she popped the trunk and gestured. 

"I guess you're a regular native speaker now," he sneered as he put the bags in.

"Sorry," Cait said softly.  "I'm used to talking to Brian."

"I'll take the backseat," Luke snapped, opening the door.

"There's not much legroom-" Cait started, but she was stopped by an ice cold glare as Luke folded himself in.

"Don't worry about him," Rae hugged her quickly.  "I'll talk to him."

"Don't," Cait sighed wearily.  "I deserve it."

*****
Rae did almost all of the talking on the hour long drive.  Cait answered her questions in as even a tone as she could manage.  Luke didn't utter a word from the backseat. 

They arrived at the farm at lunchtime and Cait immediately set about getting them something to eat, noting that they'd probably want to get some sleep. 

"Of course not," Rae told her.  "We want to spend time with you." Rae ignored Luke's snort.  "What do you do during the day?"

"Usually work in the stables or with the horses," Cait answered.  "Boring stuff.  You guys don't want to watch me do that.  Maybe you should do some sightseeing."

"Only if you'll be our tour guide," Rae smiled at her.  Luke just got up and walked outside.

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea, Rae," Cait said quietly.