“Holy shit,” Leo says after he removes his oxygen mask. The way he looks reminds me of Peyton. “You’re my fave.”
“Thanks, Leo, for the support. I hope you get better, man.”
“Yeah, me too. And I hope you kick ass next year.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Jeff takes the phone and tells his brother he’ll see him later. I don’t know why I continue to watch their exchange but I do. When he hangs up, I hand him the sheet of paper I autographed and the card for my manager. “When you get a chance, call this number. It’s my manager. Tell him we met and you’re leaving word about your brother. I’d like to visit him when I get back in a week.”
“Wow, really? Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Merry Christmas, Jeff.”
“Yes, you too. I can’t thank you enough.”
“It was my pleasure.” I watch Jeff walk down toward the taxi line, waiting until he’s out of sight before I turn my attention back to Dessie and all her luggage. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine. The porter took our stuff and security is ready to escort us to the first class lounge.”
I nod and fall in line behind her. Now that we’re inside the airport, both our names are called, but neither of us stops. For the past year and a half, we’ve been a high-profile couple, and the media is going to have a field day when they find out she’s pregnant.
By the time we get through the TSA checkpoint, our flight is about to board. The security guard drops us off at our gate just as first class is being called. Dessie and I walk by, listening to the murmurs of people, wondering if it is in fact us.
“What you did back there for that kid, that was very nice of you,” Dessie says once we’re situated.
“It felt like the right thing to do. I’m going to go see him next week when we get back. Maybe round up a few of the guys if they’re in town.”
“You’re going to make a great father, Noah.” I turn away from her so she doesn’t see the anger in my eyes. I want to be excited about this baby, I do, but I can’t help to think we’re doing the wrong thing by staying together for the sake of the baby. All I know is that when I get to Beaumont, my dad, Nick and I are having a long talk. I need their advice, their guidance and help. I don’t want to make a mistake I’ll regret later or make a rash decision that comes back to bite me in the ass. I have to remember, Dessie and I created this baby together, it’s just shitty luck I don’t want to be with his or her mom anymore.
23
Peyton
I miss the snow. I miss the gloom of overcast days. The wind, rain and feel of Christmas that Chicago has. I never thought I would say those words, but it’s true. I enjoy the beach, but being here in December seems all sorts of wrong. Watching my dad, brother and Ben surf, while carols play loudly from the surrounding houses, doesn’t make sense.
In hindsight, I would’ve been home this week no matter what, but things would’ve been different. Normally, I’d be able to come and go as I please, but now I’m stuck, literally, in the sand, sitting in a wheelchair, without an escape.
After Christmas, I start physical therapy. Interesting considering I still have both casts on, but Xander says we need to strengthen my core and my left side. He’s afraid the weakened state of my body will result in further injuries and he’d like to prevent those from happening. I agree. Being immobile and having to depend on others isn’t my idea of a good time.
Ben comes out of the water and strips out of his wetsuit. The arms dangle at his sides, making him look like an odd octopus. He walks toward me, slamming his board into the sand, and sitting down next to me.
“I suppose your sister isn’t home?”
“Nope, and you’re here. Doesn’t that make you feel sort of odd?”
“Quinn invited me.” He nods toward the water where Quinn and my dad are riding a wave. “Not that I expect you to find out, but has Elle said anything about who she’s dating?”
I shake my head slowly and glance down at Ben. Since our chat in the hospital, we’ve grown closer as friends. I can confide in him about my feelings for Noah, and he does the same when it comes to Elle. “Nothing. I even asked her one night and she became defensive.”
“I don’t know why she won’t tell me. It’s not like she hasn’t dated before.”
“Maybe it’s someone you know or won’t approve of.”
Ben nods and lies back on the beach blanket. I feel bad for him. He’s been in love with Elle for so long and the feeling isn’t mutual. It sucks being in love with someone who doesn’t love you back. It’s worse when the other person loves you but chose someone else. I don’t blame Noah, yet I do. I’m so mad at him for telling me how he feels, for kissing me, and then walking away without an explanation. But I know why he did it. I know how he struggled with Nick and Liam, both wanting to be his dad. He confided in me years ago about how classmates used to tease him because Nick wasn’t his real father. It’s one of those things where everyone in town knew he was Liam Page’s son, except for him, until my father died and Liam showed up. Everything changed then.
My mom comes out of the house and hollers to Dad and Quinn, telling him lunch is ready. “Ben, are you joining us?”
“Yes, Mrs. KPJ.”