Trent questions. “I mean, you got into NASA. You’re going to be a fucking astronaut. And you look like your dog just died.”
“The tea, Luke,” Thatch insists. “Serve it up, my man.”
“Fine!” I shout, my brain feeling like it might explode. “I fucked up with Ava, okay? That’s why I’m here and not in Vermont with her. She told me she needed space from me because I. Fucked. Up.”
Those words break the dam, and I just tell them everything.
How things changed between Ava and me in Vermont.
How we became more than just friends.
How I couldn’t bring myself to tell her that I got into NASA and would be moving to Houston because she’s been the steadiest thing in my life since my parents died.
I just lay it all out there, and by the time the last word leaves my lips, Georgia and Winnie and Maybe have tears in their eyes, and Thatch is grinning like a fucking lunatic.
Cap, though, on the other hand, looks pissed. “Wait…you guys weren’t in a relationship? What the fuck, man?” he questions. “I feel had.”
“I think what Cap is trying to say is that you guys were very convincing, so convincing that it probably wasn’t ever fake, was it?” Kline interjects, his eyes kind and his words filled with his usual wisdom. “You love her.”
“Yeah. I do.” I nod. “Actually, I’ve loved her for a very long time.”
Trev smiles at me, his eyes knowing. “I’ve been trying to make you see that for years, man. For fucking years.”
I know he’s right.
“Well…I think I know what we have to do now,” Cassie announces and stands up from her chair. “Looks like we’re going to spend New Year’s in Vermont.”
Instantly, my eyes go wide. “What? No. No, that’s not—”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.” Georgia is quick to jump on the insane bandwagon.
“You don’t understand. Ava wants space. She doesn’t want me in Vermont.”
“I swear, sometimes, men are so dense,” Lena comments.
“They sure are.” Maybe snorts. “But don’t feel bad, Luke. Every bastard on this plane has been in your clueless position before.”
“Excuse me?” Milo questions on a laugh, but Maybe ignores him, standing up to join the rest of the girl gang.
“Luke, honey, she wants you there,” Winnie says, her eyes serious. “She doesn’t want space. She wants you there.”
“You have to go,” Georgia adds. “You need to be there.”
Before I know it, Thatch and Milo and Kline and the rest of the guys are joining Team Crazy, urging a change in flight plans. And that fuck Trevor is back in the cockpit, talking to ATC to see if we can get last-minute clearance.
Which he does.
“We’re a go,” he says over his shoulder, meeting my eyes. “What do you say, Luke? Should we go get your girl?”
It’s all so fucking ridiculous.
Yeah, but you’ve never wanted to do anything more in your life.
From the instant I stepped on that plane and headed back to New York without Ava, I’ve felt like there’s a goddamn hole in my chest.
I never should’ve left. I know that now.
I look at everyone inside the cabin. “Are you guys sure you’re okay with this?”
“Okay with this?” Thatch bellows. “Fluffing hell, this is better than book club! Let’s goooooooo!”
“Everything is better than book club,” Wes mutters, and Thatch glares.
“Don’t rain on this romantic parade, you grumpy bastard.”
“But,” Wes adds, a smirk cresting his lips, “this is pretty fucking fantastic. If I were in Luke’s shoes and my Winnie was in Vermont, I’d be all motherfucking in. Let’s go get your girl, man.”
Yeah. Let’s go get her.
Ava
An hour ago, my baby sister said I do to the man of her dreams.
The ceremony was a simple but gorgeous affair. The church was decorated with white lilies and Christmas trees covered in simple twinkle lights. And she looked downright stunning, standing on the altar in a silk wedding gown embellished with lace.
I’ve never seen Kate so happy. The smile on her face as she and Zach looked toward the crowd, after they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, was breathtaking.
And I’m so happy for her. But also, I need a hot minute to gather myself before I can put on a brave face and enjoy the reception. My emotional state isn’t exactly pro-wedding festivities, if you know what I’m saying.
So, when my dad mentioned he had to run back to the house because he forgot to bring cash to tip the caterers, I volunteered to go with him.
The instant he pulls his