21. Wyla

Chapter 21

"Because I want to savor it when you do."

Those words have been on repeat in my head since Jett whispered them. There have been countless times the question has danced on the tip of my tongue since.

I want to scream it. Demand it. But then, I don't. Part of me needs to see that him leaving tonight won't be the end. The fact that he gets on a plane going to the opposite side of the country in less than ten hours makes me want to vomit.

And as much as I would like to say distance isn't a factor, it is. I don't want to move to Seattle and Jett doesn't want to move here either. Not full time, at least. It's not physically possible for him to live here and still play.

I stare out the car window as we go over the Board River bridge. We're headed back to Aster Creek after spending the weekend visiting Jett's parents in Charleston .

We headed out Friday morning, and I was nothing but a ball of nerves on the drive over. I wasn't entirely sure how they would react to the girl who skipped out on their son then had his baby with no way of telling him, but they were so welcoming and adored Stevie…and I mean who wouldn't? And by this morning, Stevie was calling them Nana and Pop.

Rose and Stevie were fast friends, for sure, especially after their name bonding. And Stevie was over the moon when Jett's dad, Vance, took her to the little pond they have in their subdivision to feed the ducks.

Vance is also an early riser so most mornings Stevie would slink out of the bed when he'd turn on the stereo a couple volumes too loud and help him make breakfast. I've gotten used to the early mornings so I usually followed her down and sip on some coffee watching the two sing together. After hearing Mr. Ellison's singing, I think I get why Jett isn't karaoke's biggest fan.

Jett and I really didn't have any time alone, which was probably for the best… But, I still had such a good time. We feel like a family, and now what?

Jett places his hand on my bouncing knee. "You okay?"

A hmm comes out while I process his words, and pull myself out of my daze. " Yeah, sorry."

He's leaving. Jett's getting on a plane and leaving. His original plan of heading to Nashville is obviously now pointless, so he canceled that flight but unfortunately the only flight to Seattle from the closest airport to Aster Creek leaves tonight at eight.

My stomach turns in knots. This fucking sucks.

I turn my head back to check on Stevie. She's still out like a light. Something about long car rides still get her.

As I turn back my eyes go back to the window and try to forget the fact that Jett's hand is still on my knee. "So, Anna's sure she's okay to take you to the airport?"

"Yeah, she said she could manage it as long as she didn't have to step foot inside."

I kind of feel bad that she's gotten roped into taking him. After things cooled down with the whole Matt situation, I told Jett about the flat tire. He called the rental company and got it situated with them. Fun fact about Jett—he's a "always get the car rental insurance" guy so on our way to his parent's house, he met the roadside assistance person and dropped off the keys for them to take care of it.

Jett squeezes my knee. "Wy, it's going to be okay. We're going to be okay. "

I want to believe him, I do, but he's not even gone yet and I already miss him. I feel like we were finally getting somewhere.

Jett's hand moves, linking it with mine. "Wyla, listen to me. We will figure this out. I know you're scared, but we will make this work. One day at a time, baby. Okay?"

I give him a real half-ass nod, the damn lump in my throat fills too big to swallow. Gah, if Waverley was in my head right now, she'd make a serious "that's what she said" joke.

Jett squeezes my hand. "Hey, why don't we do another round of twenty questions? As for me in Seattle, it might make you feel a little better."

"Alright." I angle away from the window toward him and I don't miss the quick smile that tugged at his lips. "What's the plan for when you go back to Seattle?"

Jett's eyes remain on the road in front of us but his hand is still holding mine tight. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I'll get in late tonight, and really, I'm technically off tomorrow so I imagine I'll probably mope around missing you."

I huff a laugh. "You will not."

"I probably will," he replies. He glances my way for a moment and squeezes my hand again. "Wyla, I'm going to miss you two the moment I walk out of your house tonight."

My whole body feels his words. I rest my head on his arm. "We're going to miss you too."

Jett plants a quick kiss to the top of my head, then looks back at the road. "I'll talk to my manager and coaches and we'll work out times for me to come see my girls. Then, I'll see what arrangements I can make for you to come up there whenever you want."

"Don't you have an apartment or something already?"

"I do, but it's only one bedroom. I'm sure there's another condo available in my complex. I'll sort it out, don't worry."

Don't worry. I hate that saying. "Easier said than done, don'tcha think?"

My voice is kind of snarkier than intended, but I am worried, and telling me not to won't help me.

"Wyla, that brain of yours is running with something it shouldn't."

I lift my head back up and defensive words are at the tip of my tongue.

"Don't even argue, I can see it." He lets out a sigh. "When I tell you don't worry, it's not to belittle your feelings, it's to reassure them. There will not be a ‘I might get a new place,' or ‘I'll talk to my coach when I can.' I will do those things . I will make sure I have time to come see you and Stevie. And I will make it to where y'all are comfortable if you come visit me."

Damn it, well when he puts it like that.

"I tell you not to worry because I'm going to take care of them. You are not in this alone anymore, Wy. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to help pay for things, I'm going to make sure you and Stevie have everything you need, and I am going to shoulder your worries with you. But you are not going to worry about this because I will take care of it. Do you understand?"

"Yeah." My head rests back on his arm. "I understand."