Chapter 6

Audrey’s P.O.V

“Oh, I’m gonna miss you guys so much,” I mumble, caught in a tight group hug with Rob, Gina, and Aaron.

It was already time for them to head back home. Time flies when you’re with the people who feel like home.

“Why didn’t Drew come say bye?” Aaron asks, catching me off guard.

“He was a little busy today, buddy,” I say gently, brushing his hair back, “but I’m sure if he could, he’d be here to give you a big hug.”

Aaron’s eyes tear up, and he throws himself into my arms again. My heart squeezes.

“Oh, baby... I really love you, you know?” I whisper, kissing his cheek. “Please come visit me again. Maybe during Christmas break?”

I glance at Rob and Gina, silently asking for permission.

“We’ll make it happen,” Rob says, already tearing up. “Or she could come to Cincinnati when she gets some free time.” He winks at me.

“Of course,” I smile, swallowing the lump in my throat.

We say our final goodbyes, and I start heading toward the exit—until something makes me stop in my tracks.

There, by the Arrivals area, stands Drew.

Tall. Lean. Effortlessly magnetic in black skinny jeans and a leather jacket. His sunglasses are on, but I know it’s him. He’s typing something on his phone, oblivious to the world around him.

A woman approaches him. She’s frowning—visibly upset. Drew sighs, barely looks up as she starts speaking to him in what’s clearly a heated tone. He grabs her luggage and starts walking toward the exit, his attention already back on his phone.

He doesn’t wait for her.

And she looks furious.

I stand frozen until my phone beeps.

Drew

So sorry I couldn’t make it. Please hug Aaron for me? Talk to you later. X.O.

Couldn’t make it?

He was literally right there.

I clench my jaw, shove my phone in my bag, and storm out toward my car.

________________________________________

Drew’s P.O.V

I felt like a coward.

Waiting in the same building as Rob and Audrey, praying they wouldn’t spot me. Because Jen? Jen was not something I wanted to throw into their lives—at least not yet.

At least not ever.

“At least you showed up,” a voice snaps, loud enough to echo. A suitcase slams against my chest.

I look up.

There she is—my lovely wife. Wearing her trademark scowl.

I don’t respond. I just take the bag and walk ahead, dragging it behind me without waiting.

She’s still talking behind me. I have no idea what she’s saying. I’m too busy finishing the text I needed to send.

To Audrey.

We climb into the cab. The ride is silent. She’s on the phone. I stare out the window and check my screen.

No reply.

Figures.

________________________________________

Morning comes slow, and unforgiving. Sleeping on the couch when you're six-foot-something is a crime against your spine.

I check my phone.

Nothing from Audrey.

I shower quickly, get dressed in whatever’s clean, and head out the door like a zombie.

The elevator pings open.

Hazel eyes. Black hair. Red lips. And a dark grey suit that makes my brain short-circuit.

Audrey.

She looks sharp, composed, powerful—and absolutely untouchable.

“Are you coming or what?” she says, holding the door open.

Shit. How long have I been staring?

“Y-yeah,” I clear my throat and step inside. “Thanks. So, um... good morning?”

“Good morning to you too,” she says coolly. “You look like shit.”

“Why thank you. I feel like shit.”

“Still not a fan of early mornings?”

“More like... not a fan of sleeping on the couch.”

Her lips twitch, but she says nothing.

I glance at her out of the corner of my eye. “Big day today?”

“Yeah,” she exhales. “I’m fucking nervous.”

“You don’t look it. You look... badass. You’re gonna kill it. I promise.”

She doesn’t smile, but her voice softens just slightly. “Thank you for the vote of confidence... Andrew.”

Ouch.

“Oh man... you’re angry,” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I’m sorry, okay? I mean it.”

“I’m not angry.”

“You are. You called me Andrew. You only do that when you’re mad.”

Her silence says everything.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday,” I add quietly.

“You did make it,” she snaps. “You were at the airport. I saw you. So what I don’t get is why you didn’t come over and wave goodbye. Say hi to a kid who worships you.”

Fuck. So she did see me.

“I get it,” she cuts in, “You were picking up your wife. That’s... fine. That’s normal. But don’t tell me you couldn’t spare five minutes for a little boy who missed you.”

We’ve reached her car. She unlocks it, and I instinctively follow.

“I’ll make it up to you,” I say quietly.

She stops walking. Turns.

“You need to make it up to him, not me.”

She spins fast—and we collide. Chest to chest.

Her folders fall with a loud thud, but neither of us moves.

My arm wraps instinctively around her waist to keep her steady. Her palms land flat against my chest. Her breath hitches.

We don’t move.

She stares up at me. Like she’s trying to read every unsaid word from my face. And God help me, I want to say them all.

You were always the one.

I missed you every day.

I never stopped thinking about you.

“You’re, um... ruining my shirt,” she mutters, scratching her throat.

“Sorry,” I whisper. But I still don’t let go.

I shouldn’t be touching her.

I’m not eighteen anymore. And I’m not free.

But right now, none of that matters.

Eventually, I step back. Let her go. Slowly.

“I’ll see you around, Drew. I really have to go.” Her voice wavers just enough for me to notice.

She bends, gathers her papers, and disappears into her car.

________________________________________

Audrey’s P.O.V

“Bye,” I mumble, sliding into the driver’s seat.

Great. Just great. I was already nervous enough. Now I’m flustered and unfocused.

Get it together, Audrey. It’s your first day. Drew isn’t going anywhere. You can set boundaries later. You're both adults. You’ve got this.

My phone buzzes.

Drew

I’ll see you tonight, Audrey. You gotta tell me how your first day went.

Yeah... just great.

I shake the thoughts from my head and walk into the N.T.L. building. It’s stunning—sleek glass, bold lines, modern everything.

Elle meets me at the entrance, grinning like she’s been waiting her whole life for this moment.

“Good morning, Audrey! Looking sharp as always.”

“Morning, Guardian Angel Elle,” I smile, falling in step beside her.

She walks me through the schedule, and I feel my pulse steady a little. Work. Structure. Focus. Something I can control.

The meeting goes smoothly. I delegate. I lead. I own the room.

But even in my new office, surrounded by my future, I feel a shadow of the past pressing at the edge of my thoughts.

A text comes through.

Johnny

Kick ass, sis. You got this.

I smile.

And just like that, the air comes back into my lungs.