Page 102 of Changing Lanes

Two week’s post-Torrie and I’m not doing any better. I text her every day, well, three times a day. She reads them immediately but never answers. I’m surprised she hasn’t blocked me or changed her number. Andi cries every night at bedtime. I hold her, explaining to her it isn’t her fault Torrie left.

Ava’s doing better, though, I still won’t let her see Andi. She needs a little more time to think about what she’s done, not just to us but Torrie. The minute you think you have life figured out, it throws you a curve ball. Why I haven’t learned how to hit the damn thing, I have no clue.

I’m busy at work when One knocks on my door. “You got a minute?”

“Sure, what’s up?” I give him my attention.

“Harrington’s ready. I’m going to let Torrie know, they’ll be having a grand opening,” he explains.

“Is she coming back?” I ask.

“I don’t know, I just wanted you prepared. She may call or it may be her father. In case you answer, I didn’t want any surprises,” he says.

“Oh, okay. Thanks for the heads up.” I grind my teeth, trying to keep my cool.

“Say it, it’s written all over you,” One prompts.

“I’m telling you now, I’m gonna knock his fuckin’ head off. And if she shows her face, I may take her over my knee. Bullshit way to leave, fucking driving me crazy.” I slam books and drawers, anything I can get my hands on.

“I need you to not hit her father, and it’s completely up to you about putting her over your knee,” he chides as he holds his hands in the air.

“Fuck you. Although knocking him out would feel great, I wouldn’t do it. I’ll just lay low,” huffing, I drop my head on my desk.

“Have you talked to her?” he asks.

“Not really, we text her all the time.” Lifting my head to look at him then drop it again. “I miss her. I wish she’d just come home,”

“Have you thought about going to see her?” He asks me.

‘I would love to. Kissing her would mean so much right now.” I bounce my head off the desk.

“I know someone who happens to have a plane.” Lifting my head, One smirks at me. “It flies all over.”

“Can it fly to say…New York?” Cocking my eyebrow, I smile.

“I think it can. Go see her, say what you need to say. Leave the rest to her.” One has a point. I didn’t fight hard enough last time; she’s not getting away so easily now.

“I need to grab a bag and tell Mom. Thank you.” I shake his hand. “Please tell Lea thank you.”

“She wanted me to offer it two weeks ago, but I kept waiting for you to think of it.” He laughs.

“Next time, listen to Lea,” I say as I rush from the office.

“I’m learning,” he yells as the door closes behind me.

Throwing my truck in gear, I speed home in record time. I explain to my mom what I’m doing and that I’ll only be gone for the evening. I pack a bag of things I need. Mom carries my bag to the truck, hugging me before I leave. “Wait, I almost forgot something.” Running to the barn, I find my box, grabbing what I need. As I step from the ladder, I hear my mom arguing with someone. Ava.

“I’m just checking on him,” Ava says.

“He has somewhere to go, you need to leave, Ava,” Mom declares as they open the barn door.

“It’s alright, Mom. What is it?” I demand. Mom looks from me to Ava, shaking her head and walks away.

“She hates me. Always has.” Ava traipses to the tractor and sits down. “Saw you race through town, where you going in such a rush?”

“None of your business, tell me what you want,” I add.

She stands, walking closer to me. “Why her? All this time. You left her, and now she’s left you. Why her?”