Chapter 12

Driving to Tennessee is a reminder it’s been too long since Quinn and I took a road trip. We perfected the art of long distance driving when we started our college scouting trips. Snacks, playlists, games, and rest areas are all mapped out. No matter where we’re going, at the halfway mark, we switch drivers so the other can rest, read, or do homework.

Even with our usual routine, the drive today seems excruciatingly long. It’s only been a week since our trip to Virginia Beach, but something weird happened during that weekend.

As predicted, it was too cold to go to the actual beach, but we spent the three days exploring the boardwalk, visiting the museums, walking through an outdoor festival, and even went to the zoo. While we were at the zoo, Bryce got a call from the leader of his ROTC unit, asking him to come to a meeting when he got back to Knoxville. Usually, this would not be weird, but Nate didn’t get the same call. They exchanged a look but didn’t say anything else.

Each time I ask about his meeting, he tells me we’ll talk about it when I get to his place. So I’m anxious to get there and find out what’s going on.

“You know it’ll be fine, right?” Quinn states matter of factly. She knows how worried I’ve been.

“Yeah.”

“Wanna play our game to get your mind off things?”

“No, honestly, with the way everything with Bryce is so perfect, it’s easy to forget about the loser list.”

“Gag! It’s official. You’ve turned into that girl. The girl with the annoyingly perfect boyfriend with stars in her eyes.”

“Isn’t it great?” I smile at her as she rolls her eyes.

“There’s got to be at least one thing wrong with him.”

“Not to me,” I answer dreamily.

“I’ve got one!”

“What could you possibly find wrong with him?”

“He’s disgustingly, head over heels, pussy whipped in love with you.”

“Quinn! Why is that a bad thing?”

“It’s not terrible, but he’s lost some of his man appeal.”

“You’re such a bitch.”

“Call it like I see it.”

“Well, get my ass to my ‘head over heels’ boyfriend.”

We laugh and she turns up the radio and sings to the top of her lungs. After two songs, I join in and we car jam our way into Tennessee.

When we finally pull up in front of Bryce and Nate’s apartment, my worry from earlier is gone. Bryce meets us outside to help unload our bags. Quinn is staying tonight to break up the trip. When he gets to my side of the car, he picks me up and cradles me in his arms. I start to laugh, but his mouth covers mine and cuts me off. I grip his neck tightly, kissing him passionately back.

“I’m adding lovesick fool to my list,” Quinn shouts.

I pull back and wink in her direction.

“I’ll own that title.” Bryce laughs.

“Of course you would. You’re so far gone.”

“Quinn, tell me something I don’t know,” he responds, putting me down and lifting my suitcase before leading me into his apartment.

Nate calls and tells us to meet him and a few of their ROTC friends at a sports bar.

When we get there, the place is packed and every television set is on a March Madness game. Nate and his friends have pulled several tables together in the back and, by the looks of it, have already polished off a few pitchers of beer.

It must be an inside joke between the guys, because when I’m introduced as the sister and the girlfriend, they give Bryce a funny look. Being around all the testosterone doesn’t change Bryce’s attention toward me. He still holds me close to him. Even when we sit down, he drapes his arm around me so I’m nestled into his shoulder.

When he gets up to take a call from his parents, Quinn slides into his seat. We’re laughing about a commercial when the whole table goes silent. Nate’s eyes grow wide across from me.

“Hey, guys,” a sugary sweet voice says from behind and my stomach drops.

I turn around, and Holli is standing with another beautiful woman. Her eyes roam around the table, and when they land on me darken a bit. She plasters on a fake smile. “Nate! Your baby sister is visiting. How sweet.”

No one says anything to her, and the silence becomes awkward.

“Sweetie, I don’t remember your name. There was so much going on when we met.”

What a bitch. I may not be memorable, but I did send her a condolence card. Quinn nudges my back, forcing me to talk. “Devon. My name is Devon, and this is my friend Quinn.”

“That’s right. How are you?”

“I’m doing well, thanks.”

“Bryce didn’t mention you visiting Nate when I saw him yesterday. How long are you staying?”

Her statement causes a few chuckles from the guys at the table. Nate even smirks at me, knowing this girl is humiliating herself. Oddly, I don’t feel insecure at her indication she and Bryce talk.

As if on cue, Bryce walks back to the table, oblivious to Holli and her friend, and wraps his arms around me from behind. When he kisses my neck, she lets out an anguished cry. He raises his face and squeezes me protectively when he sees her.

The scene becomes very uncomfortable, and I see everyone looking around, pretending not to watch what could be the train-wreck in front of us.

Holli straightens her back and replaces her fake smile. She says hi to Bryce politely and then makes an excuse to leave the table. She waves goodbye, and I notice her lips tremble slightly.

Quinn starts laughing, and the group follows her.

“That was uncomfortable. Why didn’t any of you guys jump in and talk to her?”

“Because if we did, she would take it as an invitation to stick around. We learned our lesson a long time ago. Usually, she only approaches us when Bryce is around, but she must have been curious who the two girls were sitting here,” Nate answers.

“I personally enjoyed every second. Bryce, you should have seen the look on her face when she wanted to know how long we were staying,” Quinn pipes in.

“You okay?” Bryce massages my shoulders gently.

“Absolutely.”

“Come to the restroom with me.” Quinn tugs me out of my chair and pulls me along behind her. She’s been afraid of this day for a long time.

I yank on her arm to stop her when we get to the hallway. “I’m really okay,” I confirm.

She stares me intently in the eyes, and then her gaze roams over my face. She nods her head in silent approval. “Well, I still have to go to the bathroom.” She smiles and pushes open the door.

What I see next breaks my heart. Holli is leaned into her friend, bawling uncontrollably. Sobs wrack her shoulders as she sniffs and moans. Her friend is rubbing her back trying to console her. Memories of me in that same position cloud my mind, and I back out of the small room quietly, hoping she doesn’t know I was there. Quinn follows me back to the table where everything is back to normal. Suddenly, though, I’m not in the mood to be here.

“Bryce, can we go?”

“Why?” He looks at me worriedly.

“I’ll tell you in the car, but we should leave.”

He throws some money on the table, and we say goodbye to the guys. I take Nate to the side and tell him what I just witnessed. He offers to bring Quinn home later since she wants to stay.

When we get in Bryce’s truck, I tell him about Holli’s breakdown.

He blows out a deep breath and lays his head back against the seat. “What am I supposed to do, Devon? It’s been a long time. What you just saw was exactly what I went through for weeks after we lost the baby. I swear to you, I’ve never given her any indication there was another chance for us.”

“I believe you, Bryce, but she’s in shock right now. You may have told her you were seeing someone, but I’m not sure she knew how serious it was. Knowing it’s me, she has to realize this isn’t casual. Too much at stake with friendships and families. I don’t care for her one bit and spent many a night in the same position I found her in. But it felt cruel to flaunt in front of her.”

“You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Why don’t you take me home and show me how amazing I am?”

I giggle when he peels out of the parking lot, speeding toward his house.

“Bryce?” I say gently, rubbing circles on his bare chest.

“Hmm?”

“Before we get out of this bed this morning, you’re going to tell me what’s been going on. The secrecy is driving me crazy.”

“It wasn’t intentional, but everything finally fell into place yesterday. That’s why I took the call from my parents last night.”

“What fell into place?” I prop on my elbow so I can look at him.

“Remember when I told you on that airplane that I had been working my ass off? Last fall, when I decided to come after you, I started talking to my ROTC leader about plans after OCS. He helped me narrow down the opportunities offered. As you know, there are no guarantees in the Navy, but I was grasping for one.”

“What is it?”

“It was just confirmed, barring any new developments, I’ll be stationed in Norfolk after training. Hopefully, my assignment will be stateside mostly. I’m not an idiot; I know I’ll have to do some seaside assignments, but I’ll be as close to you as possible.”

“Really?” I squeal.

“Yeah, baby.”

“Oh my God! This is so exciting!”

“Glad you approve.”

“What about Nate?”

“No idea. I think he wants to go to San Diego. But that’s how he knew I was serious about you. He’s known for a while and helped me when he could. Actually, everyone in our families knew my plan except you. I didn’t want to see disappointment on your face if it didn’t work out.”

“So, after Rhode Island, we’ll see each other every week?”

“Yes. Not sure of those details yet, but even if I have to work odd hours and shifts, you can drive over on the weekends after football season. I figured, even with summer semesters, you’ll be in school at least another two years.”

My excitement bubbles over, and I shriek again loudly, springing on him. He laughs and kisses me. I break free and hop off the bed, tugging on my pajamas.

“I have to tell Quinn and call my mom.”

“More ammunition for Quinn to bust my balls.”

“Aww, honey. She getting to you?”

“Not one bit. Since you and her are a package deal, I’ll be dealing with her shit forever.”

There’s that word again. Forever.