She turns, walks back into the elevator, and presse the button.Everything in me is screaming to stop her, but I can't.I need to respect her wishes, even if my heart hurts watching her leave.When the doors are closed, I keep staring at them, hoping that they will reopen and she'll appear.But when it doesn't happen, I return to my apartment and go straight to my balcony, where I stare into the sky and scowl.You fucking dick.You lost her.
24
ALISHA
Arrival time: 10:39 a.m."No delay, that's good."
I take a sip of my cappuccino, watching the steady stream of people flowing through Boston International Airport's arrival doors.My chosen spot gives me the perfect vantage point, but even the familiar comfort of people-watching can't settle the butterflies in my stomach.After months apart, I'm about to see my parents.
I frown into my coffee cup, thoughts drifting to Cole like they always do lately.It's been five agonizing days since I told him I needed space, and I miss him.Miss them both—him and Samantha.The ache sits constant in my chest, like a bruise I can't stop pressing.
My fingers hover over my phone, ready to text them, but I stop myself.Girl, pull yourself together.He needs to understand he can't act as a fantastic lover one minute and turn into that arrogant bulldozer the next.
A tired huff escapes me.God, that man is driving me nuts.
The memory of my conversation with Amanda floods back.After fleeing Cole's apartment that day, I'd gone straight to our appointment.She took one look at my face and dragged me to the nearest coffee shop.I told her everything—well, almost everything.I couldn't betray Cole's confidence about the piano room, but I explained how he keeps switching between hot and cold, open and closed off.
Amanda listened, really listened, then hit me with: "Honey, give him time."But she didn't stop there.She turned those knowing eyes on me and asked, "But talking about opening up, aren't you still hiding what occurred from the people who love you most?Your parents?"
Her words struck deep, resonating through me like a bell tone.That night, I called my parents.After some awkward small talk, I blurted out what happened—the attack, the stalking, everything except the most terrifying details.They were shocked, horrified.And this morning's early wake-up call from Dad, announcing they were flying in immediately, wasn't exactly a surprise.
So here I am, watching, waiting, my stomach doing somersaults that would impress an Olympic gymnast.
The sliding doors open again, and I scan each new group emerging into the arrival hall.Men and women pushing baggage carts or dragging rolling suitcases stream through.My heart catches when an attractive guy holding an adorable little girl in a pink dress strolls past.They smile and laugh together, and something about their easy affection makes my chest tight.Stop it.Not every father-daughter pair has to remind you of Cole and Samantha.
Movement catches my eye—a tall, distinguished-looking gentleman walking a few feet behind the pair.Dad.Even at fifty-eight, with his usually perfect blond hair slightly disheveled from the flight, he turns heads.Several women openly admire him as he passes, but his attention is focused solely on scanning the crowd, searching for me.
My smile widens as I spot my mother beside him, elegant as always in her dark blue maxi dress and practical black flats.Her honey-blonde hair—so like mine—is swept into a low bun, with wisps dancing around her face as she surveys the hall.They exchange words, heads bent close together, and love swells in my chest seeing them still so in sync after all these years.
My mother's face lights up when she spots me.She taps Dad's arm, pointing, and suddenly I'm moving.The empty coffee cup lands in a nearby trash bin as I weave through the crowd.It isn't until I'm wrapped in her arms, breathing in her familiar jasmine-rose scent, that I realize how desperately I needed this.
"Oh, my sweet Alisha, I've missed you so much," she mumbles against my hair.
"Hey, Mom."The words come out thick with emotion.
She pulls back, cupping my face in her palms, and I see the moment she really looks at me.Something in my expression must give me away because her eyes dampen."Oh, baby..."Her thumbs brush my cheeks before she pulls me into another fierce hug.
"Clair, honey, give our daughter some breathing space."
I turn at my father's voice, my cheeks heating under his piercing gaze.His lips press into a thin line—his tell when he's trying to contain strong emotion.
"You, young lady, have a lot to explain."
I let out a gigantic sigh."I know, Dad, I just..."
"Come here," he mutters.Relief floods through me as I step forward, and he wraps his arms around me.Mom immediately joins us, making it a family sandwich.
"This is the best.My two favorite girls back at my side," he whispers, his voice rougher than usual."We missed you so much, honey."
"I missed you guys, too."The words come out wobbly, but I don't care.
Dad places a kiss on both our heads before taking his position behind the luggage cart."Now, let's go home."
Mom and I fall into step beside him, our arms linked like when I was little."Mom, can I stay for a day or two?"
She squeezes my side."That is a silly question, Alisha.You are our baby.You can stay as long as you want."
I kiss her cheek, watching Dad stride ahead of us.His height and commanding presence remind me so much of Cole that my chest aches.Oh, stop thinking about that man.But even as I try to focus on my parents' vacation stories, my mind keeps drifting to piercing blue eyes and a little girl's sweet smile.
