When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,76
at the corners of my eyes. “It’s not Lee’s fault. There’s no one to blame except myself. He told his friend Ian, I wasn’t his date. In fact, I think he asked me so he could set me up with that friend.”
“Oh,” Abby’s voice dipped lower. “Well, forget about Lee. You’re going back home, and you don’t have to see him again.”
“It’s not his fault.” I wanted to stress that point. I didn’t want my sister to have a bad impression of him.
“Well, then he shouldn’t have tried to kiss you.”
I had confessed to Abby what had happened in the painting room last night. If we had kissed, would today have turned out differently? No, I doubted it. I would have been an even bigger mess. I didn’t take kissing lightly as some people did.
I stiffened when my cell rang like wind chimes. Stupid phone. I’d thought I had changed the ringtone, but it made me think of Bridget and Lee, and my heart ached. This was not how I imagined our goodbye would turn out.
“It’s probably Lee. I’m not going to pick it up.”
“He might want to know you’re safe. You should let him know.”
I at least owed him that much. He would worry about me. He was a perfect gentleman that way. I walked to the dresser and took out my cell out of my purse.
Lee: Are you safe?
Me: Yes. I’m home.
Lee: You left. Why?
I flinched, shocked the response had come fast.
Me: I’m not feeling well.
Lee: I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?
Me: No, thank you.
Lee: I hope you feel better.
Me: Thank you.
Lee: Will I see you tomorrow?
I wished he had asked that question because he missed me, but I knew better.
Me: Isn’t today my last day?
Lee: Yes, but I need to pay you and I believe you have your things in the room.
Me: I’m busy tomorrow. My sister will pick them up for me, if that’s okay.
Lee: Of course. Get well. Please tell Abby I’m on my way to pick up Bridget. Thank you.
Why was he leaving so soon? Perhaps his duty was done. I tossed my phone on the bed and turned toward Abby who still sat on the mattress. “Lee said he’s on his way to pick up Bridget. Can you get my things from Lee’s place tomorrow?”
Abby crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I think you should do it.”
I sat back down next to her and hugged a pillow. “I don’t want to see him. Besides, it’s not like he’ll care. I was there to do a job and that’s all. Mona will be back tomorrow night, and everything will be back to normal for them.”
“Well, if that’s what you want, I’ll do it. I’ll have to swing by before I go pick up Mom and Dad at the airport. Watch Ty for me. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“Thanks, Abby. I really appreciate this.” I hugged my sister, and then we said goodnight.
After I washed up, I lay in bed with my door closed. I couldn’t sleep knowing Lee was on his way to pick up Bridget.
Would he ask to see me? I didn’t think so, and if he did, Abby would tell him I was asleep. A part of me wished he would come to my room and tell me he was in love with me and that I should stay in Kauai.
I was a fool. A fool in love or whatever I was feeling. I needed to put distance between us. It was a good thing I’d be going back to LA soon.
The front door opened. Lee must have messaged Abby instead of ringing the doorbell. I heard feet shuffling and murmurs. Then quiet. The door shutting felt like closure somehow, like it was the last time I would see Lee and Bridget.
Chapter Twenty-Nine — Parents
“Grandma. Grandpa.” Tyler dashed out of the house when Abby pulled her car into the driveway.
My parents got out of the minivan and hugged and kissed their grandson.
“Wow, look at you. You’ve grown.” My petite mother held him with love twinkling in her brown eyes.
“I’m a big boy,” Tyler said and pulled away.
“Kate.” My father wrapped his strong arms around me, towering over me by six inches, and then my mother hugged me next.
“Go inside,” I said. “I’ll help Abby.”
“Look at the beautiful door,” Mother’s sweet voice projected from the front porch.
I smiled when Tyler said with pride, “Auntie Kate did that.”
Abby popped the trunk open and