Just One Night Together (Flatiron Five Fitness #3) - Deborah Cooke Page 0,99

he doesn’t want a commitment.”

“Because...well, because. It’s complicated.”

“It always is when it matters.” The cab stopped at the curb and Tiffany paid the fare over Haley’s protests. She didn’t get out of the cab, though. “So, tell him,” she said.

“Tell who what?” Haley asked, although she knew.

Tiffany lifted her brows.

“You’re going to miss your flight.”

“Then you’d better call him soon. There’s no telling what that cat will do if I show up again.” Tiffany smiled, her manner expectant.

“There’s no reason to call him,” Haley said, because it was true. Her period had started the day before. She didn’t have an excuse to call Damon and she didn’t want to make any kind of confession over the phone.

“Then I will miss my flight. Huh. Well, we can share the bed for another night.”

Haley glared at her sister, who smiled back. “You’re being pushy.”

“I’m reminding you of what you already know. Dad told me once that you can stand and watch the parade go by or you can join in and march with the others.” Tiffany’s gaze was steady. “Thanks to Garrett, you’ve been watching the parade for too long.”

Haley frowned as she watched the people on the sidewalk. “Aren’t you afraid? Don’t you worry sometimes that Stefan won’t come home?”

“Like Dad didn’t?” Tiff gave Haley a hard look. “Like Garrett didn’t?”

“He came back.”

“Just married to somebody else. That wasn’t the plan.” Tiff stared down at her hands and Haley knew she was composing her thoughts. “I do think about it. I mean, I see life’s surprises every time I work a shift. But here’s the thing: I want every single moment with Stefan that I can have, regardless of what the future holds.”

Haley understood that.

Tiff bumped her shoulder. “Maybe the guy who isn’t a guy doesn’t want a commitment, but let him decide with all the information. Join the parade, Haley. Dad would want you to.”

Haley dug in her purse for her phone and took a deep breath before she called Damon’s number.

“On speed dial even,” Tiffany murmured with an angelic expression.

“Shut up.” The call went immediately to voice mail, and Haley thought that was probably a good thing. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sound of Damon’s voice, even in a recording. “Hey, it’s Haley,” she said when it was time to leave a message. She hated how breathless she sounded. “Thanks for the drawing. And, um, I just wanted to tell you that um, I got a tattoo. Of a mermaid. Because maybe you’re right and you have to believe to find one.” She swallowed. “And I love you. If you change your mind about possibilities and promises, please give me a call.” She ended the call and looked at Tiffany, her mouth dry. “Happy?”

“My heart is all a-flutter. Really, Haley, you didn’t exactly exude warmth.”

“Well, I had no time to prepare!”

“Maybe you’ll get better with practice,” Tiffany said, her smile mischievous. “Love you, sis.” She gave Haley a hug and a kiss. “See you in a couple of weeks—unless he takes you up on that offer.”

And then she was gone, turning to wave before she strode into the terminal. Haley saw her breaking into a run, as if she’d just realized she was late.

It would serve Tiffany right to miss her flight.

Haley thought about the billboard as the cab drove back to Queens. She held her phone tightly but it didn’t ring.

Get lucky at F5F.

The rings were the big difference. Those two were together for the duration.

Her time with Damon, however, had been just a temporary thing.

He wasn’t going to call her back. He kept his word.

But he’d encouraged her to take a chance and start over again. Maybe that was the important thing.

Haley wasn’t convinced, but she told herself to get used to it.

Damon was part of her past.

Funny how having her career as the focus of her life, even with her dream job, didn’t feel that ideal any more.

Fifteen

After a little more than a month of therapy, Damon returned from Boston, newly confident that he could conquer his nightmares. He felt stronger and more resilient. The therapist was convinced that Damon was on the right path. He’d been sure of it himself, even before he got his phone back and heard Haley’s message.

I love you.

That was all the encouragement he needed.

Even so, Damon listened to it a dozen times.

His first stop was at F5F, where he caught up on all the news from Cassie and Kyle, and of course, Meesha. The tattoo shop in the lobby