She wraps her arm around my waist, and we motion to the other guys who’ve congregated close by that we’re headed to our car.
“Anyone up for an early dinner?” Liam waves to our drivers, who’ve been patiently waiting for us to finish up at the tower. “Our flight to the states leaves at the butt crack of dawn.”
“Sounds good to me.” I usher Fleur into the backseat, turning one last time to get a glimpse of the tower, but the incessant snapping of cameras has me climbing into the car sooner than I’d like.
In twenty-four hours, I’ll be flying high over American soil.
And I’m scared to death what going home will bring.
~*~
Axelle
I love my job.
Granted, it’s the kind that requires a uniform, but I don’t mind that as much as I thought I would. I work for a great company, one that prides itself on loyalty, hard work, and commitment. It’s more like a family, really.
Actually, for me, that’s exactly what it is. Family.
And for the first time in my life, I’m proud of who I am and what I do. I’ve worked hard to get here, and I’ve earned my position. The interview process alone would’ve inflamed all my old insecurities. God knows my boss isn’t the most sensitive man in the world. But I’m not that insecure girl anymore. I faced adversity, fell in its wake, and dragged myself to my feet to move forward.
I filter through my work shirts embroidered with the company logo and settle for the blue one. I like the way it brings out my eyes.
Sliding that over my head with a pair of workout leggings and one of my three pairs of color-coordinated Nikes, I grab my bag and head to the kitchen to grab a bite before I go.
“Goooood morning, family!”
“Oh!” My mom slams her cell phone into her lap with a forced smile. “Morning!”
I narrow my eyes. “What are you hiding?”
“What? Nothing.” More of that fake smile.
I pin Blake with a glare. “What’s going on?”
He sucks on his teeth, seeming to struggle with how to answer my question. “Just, uh…” He slams his lips shut.
I peek over at Jack, who has his nose buried in a bowl of cereal, his mop of golden hair ruffled from sleep. I swear when you give that kid food he forgets the world around him even exists.
“Jackie Bear, help a sister out.”
He blinks up at me as if seeing me for the first time. “Huh?”
“Ugh, you’re no help.” I motion toward him and his trough. “Continue.”
He goes back to his cereal, and I turn back to Mom and Blake.
I nod to her lap. “Something interesting on your phone there, Mom?”
“Oh, this?” She holds it up and then makes a psht sound with her lips. “I was just noticing the…weather?”
“Is that a question?” I cock a hip, raise my eyebrows, and she squirms in response. Yep, something is definitely up.
Blake chokes and clears his throat.
“Mom, I know you’re hiding something, and if you don’t tell me what it is, I’ll worry all day. Just tell me. Whatever it is, I can take it.”
Blake mumbles, “She’ll find out on her own eventually.”
“I’ll find out what?”
She pinches her eyes closed and shoves the phone at me. “Here.”
I approach cautiously, snag the device, and hit the screen.
My breath catches in my throat.
It’s a photo from an online news article. Killian and Fleur are walking together, his arm slung over her shoulders. He’s leaning in deep to whisper in her ear, and whatever he’s saying makes her smile.
But that’s not the worst part. After all, seeing them together isn’t new to me.
The worst part is the view behind them.
They’re in Paris.
Walking away from The Eiffel Tower.
And the caption on the story reads, “UFL Superstar Killian McCreery Bringing his Love Back to the States.”
There’s an article that follows, which details his week-long stay in Paris. The journalist alludes to the fact that he was there to meet her parents and is now bringing her to Vegas to meet his and possibly get hitched at one of the quickie chapels here in town.
I finish the article, take a deep fortifying breath, and hand the phone back.
“You okay?” Blake’s eyes are settled on mine with concern.
“It hurts a little, but yeah, I’m okay.” I grab a handful of blueberries from a bowl on the table. “He’s not the Killian I knew anymore, and this new Killian seems happy.” I shrug. “That’s all I ever wanted for him.”