January 28, 2018
Golden Globes
“Alex, you look amazing tonight. What are you wearing?” the reporter asks.
“I have no idea. It’s a deep purple, and it’s comfortable; that’s all I know.”
She laughs an awkward laugh. Eli’s hand tightens around mine.
“And who is the stunning example of a man you have with you?”
“This is my fiancé, Eli.”
Eli looks back at me as if I were the only person on the red carpet tonight. He looks so handsome in his suit.
“That’s so exciting. Have you set a date?” the reporter asks.
I look to Eli.
Yes, but we aren’t telling the world yet. We’re not ready.
“We’re working on it.”
“Well, congratulations, you two, and enjoy the show.”
“Thank you.”
Eli leads me down the red carpet and turns back to me. “Alex, where to next?”
I love the sound of that. “Anywhere with you, Eli.”
The plane is only a fifty-seat plane with lots of bumps along the way. In order to get to Belle’s Hollow from Los Angeles, you must fly through San Francisco first. Getting into the Arcata–Eureka Airport (near Belle’s Hollow) from San Francisco International is like riding in a tin can after you’ve just test-driven a town car. The flight rejuvenates your faith in God.
I’ve been flying up here for years.
Poor Eli, on the other hand …
What it took to get him on an airplane all the way across the country, took a lot of guts, and maybe a lot of love, too.
Every air pocket we hit, he just about jumps out of his seat. I’d say the two scariest landings I’ve taken part in include landing at home and in Las Vegas. I think there needs to be a T-shirt made that says, I survived the plane ride to Arcata–Eureka Airport.
We’re on the flight back up to Belle’s Hollow from San Francisco. From there, Eli will fly home, back to Granite Harbor, and I’ll move out when I get everything situated at home. Pack up Larry, my stuff. We’ll sell the house in Belle’s Hollow. It’s time to let go of the past, but I’ll fly back and forth to help my mom with dad. Eli was reluctant to leave me, but he knows I can survive on my own—now.
“I know you probably aren’t ready to talk about it, but when you are, I’d like to know what happened with Clay.”
I shrug. “I’m ready now.”
Eli’s eye studies me. Our hands are interlocked.
“The most scared I’ve been in my life was when I lost Kyle and when you went into that burning outhouse.”
Eli’s hand tightens around mine.
“When Clay showed up at my door, it was eerie. Was I scared? Yes. But it’s almost like my adrenaline kicked in before I had a chance to fully feel the fear. I-I don’t know if that makes sense. Anyhow, when he walked in, the phones started to ring. It was really weird. Both the house phone and my cell phone. When I told Clay I could make the ringing stop, he agreed to let me.”
Eli grinds his jaw.
“And Kyle was the one calling on my cell phone.”
He cocks his head. “What?”
I nod and look down at our hands. “My phone was on my nightstand where I’d left it. Right where the gun was. I think it was Kyle’s way of reminding me of the gun.” I shrug. “I think it threw Clay for a loop. He couldn’t focus. He was really scattered. I think things happen for a reason, Eli.”
He leans down and kisses me on the head. “I might throw up.”
“I’m all right, Eli.”
“I know, but when I think of how close I came to losing you …”
“When he told me what he’d done to Randall and Lila, I knew, if I didn’t act, I’d be next. And, if he lived and I didn’t, he’d move on to other victims.” I shake my head and stare at Eli, straight in the eyes. “I wasn’t going to let that happen. So, that’s why I don’t feel any guilt. I don’t have any remorse. I had to do what I had to do.”
“But you have nightmares.”
Eli had to pull me from the deep awfulness my mind traveled to one night in LA. Clay had killed Eli in my dream, just like he’d killed Kyle. The mind can be a fucked up place to live. That morning, I told Eli what the dream was about. We promised never to keep secrets.
“I’m glad Kyle taught you how to use a gun.” He tucks me under his arm and pulls me to his chest.
“I never thought I’d have to use one, but I’m glad I know how.”
Eli kisses the top of my head.
Over the loudspeaker, we hear the flight attendant say, “Please buckle your seat belts and prepare for landing.”
“You bet your ass we’ll buckle our seat belts,” Eli whispers under his breath.