Chapter 19: Back to Reality

The plane touched down in Texas, and for the first time in a month, I was back home. As much as I had enjoyed my time with Isabella, there was a sense of relief being back on familiar ground. The wild adventure had come to an end, and now, I had to figure out my next move.

I grabbed my duffel bag, still heavy with cash, and made my way out of the airport. The fresh Texas air hit me differently this time. It felt grounding, almost like a reminder that I needed to snap back to reality.

On the ride back to my place, I found myself replaying everything that had happened. The passion, the thrill, the risks… It had all been worth it, but it also left me with a lingering question: What next?

Sandra's Cut

Before heading home, I had one stop to make. Sandra.

She had been the one to connect me with Isabella in the first place. Without her, none of this would have happened, and I knew better than to forget the people who made things happen.

I pulled up outside her place and shot her a text.

Me: Come outside. Got something for you.

It didn't take long before she stepped out, wearing her usual confident smirk. "Look who's back," she said, leaning against the car door. "How was Miami?"

I chuckled. "Wild. Just how you expected it to be."

She gave me a knowing look. "And Isabella?"

"She was… satisfied."

Sandra laughed. "Knew you'd handle business."

I reached into my duffel bag and pulled out a thick envelope. "She was supposed to give me a hundred grand, but she threw in an extra fifty. Said it was for a job well done."

Sandra's eyebrows raised. "Damn. She must've really liked you."

I handed her the envelope. "This fifty grand is yours."

She blinked, surprised. "For real?"

"You made it happen," I said. "It's only right."

For the first time, Sandra looked genuinely touched. She took the envelope, weighing it in her hands, then grinned. "You're a real one, Frank."

"I know."

She laughed, tucking the money away. "So, what's next?"

I exhaled, shaking my head. "That's what I'm trying to figure out."

As soon as I got to the dorm, I dropped my bags and collapsed onto the couch. I had barely settled in when my phone buzzed.

Maya.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. Before I left, she had been ready to visit me, but I had postponed it. Now, I wasn't sure how to pick things back up with her.

Maya: You back yet?

I stared at the screen for a moment before replying.

Me: Yeah, just landed. Been a long trip.

She replied almost instantly.

Maya: Bout time. When do I get to see you?

A smirk tugged at my lips. I liked how direct she was. But after everything with Isabella, I needed a second to breathe.

Me: Soon. Give me a day to get settled.

She didn't respond immediately, but when she did, her message was short.

Maya: Fine. But don't keep me waiting too long.

I chuckled, shaking my head. She wasn't playing around.

Then another text came in. This time, from Angela.

Angela: So… are you finally back or do I have to wait another month?

Damn. I had almost forgotten how eventful my time with her had been before I left. She had kept me company in ways I didn't expect, and now, it seemed like she was ready to pick up where we left off.

Me: Yeah, I'm back. You miss me?

Angela: Should I say no?

Me: That'd be a lie.

Angela: Exactly. See you soon, then.

I smirked, locking my phone. Two women already waiting for me, and I hadn't even unpacked yet.

I took a long shower, letting the hot water wash away the exhaustion from traveling. As I stepped out, wrapping a towel around my waist, I heard a knock at my door.

Frowning, I checked my phone. Neither Maya nor Angela had said they were coming over.

When I opened the door, I was surprised to see Kira standing there.

For weeks, she had been this mysterious, hard-to-get woman, always keeping me on my toes. But now, she was standing in front of me, looking more approachable than ever.

"Didn't think I'd see you here," I said, leaning against the doorframe.

She smirked, her eyes scanning me, specifically, my towel. "Didn't think I'd come?"

"Not really," I admitted.

She crossed her arms. "You disappeared for a whole month. Thought I'd check if you were still alive."

I chuckled. "Missed me?"

She rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "I brought you something."

That piqued my curiosity. "What is it?"

She reached into her bag and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. "A welcome-back gift."

I raised an eyebrow. "Didn't know you were the thoughtful type."

"Don't get used to it," she said, stepping past me into my room.

I shut the door behind her, watching as she made herself comfortable. This was different. Usually, Kira kept her distance, always making sure she had the upper hand. But now, she was here, in my space, almost like she was finally letting me in.

Progress.

As I sat next to her, pouring us both a drink, I couldn't help but wonder, was this the beginning of something new with her? And if so, how was I going to handle Maya and Angela at the same time?

One thing was clear, life wasn't slowing down anytime soon.