It Was Always You by S.L. Sterling (7)

Jen pulled up outside the airport and handed the valet her keys. After Dean left me in my hotel room, I checked out and went to stay with her. As I went to get out of the car, my phone chimed as Dean’s name flashed across the screen.

"God, he is messaging me again! When is he going to get it through his head we are over?" I said as Jen pulled my suitcase out of the trunk.

"I think you need to change your number. Have you mentioned anything to Elliott about what happened?"

"Are you crazy? Elliott would lose his mind if he knew what Dean has done. I’ll change my number once the move is complete."

"Elliott needs to know about this. The bastard hit you and then attacked you. You should be pressing charges on his ass."

"I know, but I swear, aside from the day I caught him with that woman, he has never laid a hand on me." That wasn't exactly the truth, but I didn't want her to know any different.

"Take a look at yourself. You’re covered in bruises.” She glanced at my arms. “Elliott needs to know, Tatum, and you know if he finds out by seeing these marks on you, he will be pissed. Who is to say Dean won't find you and come after you, have you thought about that? I'm worried about you, Tatum. You’re my best friend." She placed her hand on my arm, the look in her eyes saying it all.

"Everything will be fine." I didn't want to let on that I was also afraid of him finding me, so I did my best to ignore her comment. “Besides, Dean doesn't even know where I’m going.”

"You told me he said he has an idea. That scares me! He could be following us right now." Jen looked around the parking lot.

I looked at her and sighed. "I promise when I get settled, the first thing I will do is get myself a new number and maybe an alarm system."

Jen sighed, her eyes running to the bruises on my arms. "You’re also going to talk to your brother!"

"I'll be fine! Stop worrying!"

"I'm not convinced, Tatum. You were so scared when you arrived last night, and your phone hasn't stopped going off since. I hope you’re telling me the truth, that a new number will be the first thing on your agenda when you get there."

"I promise. Now let’s go so I can check in.

"All right, I will take you as far as they will allow, and then you will only be waiting for an hour before boarding. At least I know that you will be safe here."

After I checked in for my flight, we stopped at a little cafe for a coffee. Jen ran over to the nearest washroom while I grabbed us a table. I took a quick minute while she was gone to check my messages. Fifteen messages from Dean, this morning alone, and they were still coming in. I felt the color drain from my face when I reached the most recent text. It sent chills through me.

I sat staring at my phone. I was so scared that I didn't even hear Jen come back to the table.

"Tatum, you don't look very good. What is it?"

I handed my phone to Jen who read over the screen.

"He is scaring me, Tatum. Please talk to Elliott."

Ignoring her plea, I took a drink of my coffee. "Did I tell you who Elliott is partnered with?" I was trying to change the subject.

Jen shook her head no as she took a sip of her tea.

"Parker."

She stopped mid-sip to look at me.

"You heard me," I said.

"Parker? As in, your ex-boyfriend from college, the love of your life, that Parker?"

I answered her with a nod, a warm feeling coming over me.

"Have you spoken to him at all since you found out?"

"No. But apparently they hang out a lot, so I'm guessing I'll see him when I get there."

"Maybe that’s a good thing, if you get my drift." She waggled her eyebrows.

I giggled. "Don't get your hopes up. That was a long, long time ago. Besides, he is probably married now with a couple of kids." I looked at my watch as I took my last mouthful of coffee.

"Yeah, but aren't you the least bit curious?" She smiled at me.

I was curious. Parker had rarely left my mind in the years following our breakup. Having regrets was the worst feeling in the world.

"Maybe a little curious, but I'm not going down there to get involved with anyone. I better get going." I looked at my watch again. "I still have to go through security. I will text you as soon as I land." I gave Jen a hug. "Thanks for everything these last few weeks. I appreciate you letting me crash with you."

"I'm going to miss you." She hugged me again. "Please remember to talk to Elliott."

We walked over to the gate and said a final good-bye. I headed toward the security check point and handed them my passport and boarding pass. I couldn't wait to get started with my new life.

I woke up and stretched as the plane touched down. It had been a quiet flight, and the best gift was my phone on airplane mode so Dean couldn't bother me. I managed to get a couple hours of sleep which I was in desperate need of. I had a feeling there would be a slew of texts and messages from him waiting for me once I turned my phone back on. I was trying not to worry about it, but my anxiety was getting the better of me.

I reached down and picked my purse up off the floor and unbuckled my belt. I was stiff from being crammed up against the side of the plane. As soon as we were able, I stood and grabbed my only bag from the overhead carrier and made my way to the exit. Thanking the flight attendant, I made my way down the ramp toward customs, and then to the designated meeting area.

Searching the crowd of people for Elliott, I felt a little discouraged when I didn't see him right away. Figuring he may have gotten delayed, I grabbed a coffee from the closest shop.

"I'll take a large coffee with coconut milk and honey please." I reached into my purse, grabbed my phone, and turned my data back on. After I paid, I went to sit down at one of the little tables outside the coffee cubicle. I immediately noticed Elliott's name highlighted on my phone and clicked on the message.

I looked around at the crowds. Parker must be late, too. I swallowed down the nerves I felt building in my stomach—the same feeling I had the night Elliott told me he was working with him—at the thought of seeing Parker after all these years. I took a sip of my coffee and concentrated on breathing deeply while waiting for him to arrive.