I almost expected him to knock on my door to ask me what I was talking about. He didn’t. But I knew he was thinking about it. I had nothing to unpack. But I did use a towel and some facial soap to wash my face. Then I got in the shower and bathed the road scum off me. I washed my panties in the shower then hung them up to dry.
I’d have to go without until we went to a store. Walking over to the window with the bath towel wrapped around me, I took my phone and snapped a photo of the French Quarter. Then I texted it to Eli.
Arrived. It’s just like I pictured it. Sorry I didn’t say goodbye.
I needed to call Nate and Bliss to explain. Then, of course, my parents.
I started to dial Nate’s number when Eli texted me back.
You left already? was his response.
I sighed. He hadn’t even gone looking for me when he woke up and I was gone. I don’t know why I expected him to. He had other things on his mind.
I didn’t respond to him. I called Nate instead.
“Just got off the phone with Cruz,” was Nate’s greeting. “Your dad is going to kill him. You thought of that?”
I sighed. I had considered that. But at the moment, I wasn’t thinking about anything other than doing something completely out of character. Something exciting and I did it. But there was going to be hell to pay later.
“I’ll handle my dad. I’m sorry I didn’t leave a note or get my things.”
“Cruz thinks he’s protecting you. That’s all this is Lila.”
Nate knew. I’d never told him, but he knew. He had been part of our trio as kids. He saw it even though Cruz never saw the little girl crush in my eyes. Nate was always more observant. Now he was making sure grown Lila Kate didn’t get the wrong notion that she had a chance with Cruz.
“I know.” I didn’t say more. It was embarrassing.
“I got your Rover in my garage, and your things will be in the guest bedroom until you return.”
“Thanks, Nate. Tell Bliss I’m sorry for running off without a goodbye.”
“I will. She gets it. Better than me I think.”
We said our goodbyes and ended the call. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to my parents yet. I was an adult. The money I was using was mine. I didn’t have to call them. I was free to be my own woman.
I felt guilty but I dropped my phone back on the bed and went to put my clothes back on without the panties. That wasn’t going to feel very good in jeans. I had to find a store.
Cruz Kerrington