Chapter 37

I curledup in a chair under the blanket another passenger had given me a week ago. I was so weary. I felt too tired to sleep, too exhausted to eat, and too tired to think. I was beginning to feel hopeless.

This was a long stopover, more than six hours. My next bus left in three hours. If I'd had the energy, I would've showered and changed clothes. However, I didn't feel like moving.

Every time I closed my eyes, I pictured Bredon. I missed his voice. I missed Bredon.

Why do you fight the pull?

I was only talking to a voicemail. I never gave too much information. Recently, my ramblings were longer. It was a release to talk to somebody I knew or thought I did.

I eased my cell from the side pocket of my tote bag. There was only one number saved. I glanced at the call log and was surprised to see the screen full of my calls to the voice mail.

It still hurt that he had ignored me after the ball. I did accept that Anton had interfered, and there could be reasons why Bredon had chosen not to act. But now, I didn't want to rehash that. I wanted to remember the good parts. The way my belly warmed when I made the very serious man laugh. How his blue eyes got darker when he pulled me close and how my panties got wet when we kissed.

I tapped the screen and waited expectantly.

Ten days later.

"Thirty steps," I whispered. I was so weak that even short distances were draining. Four days ago, I accepted that I was dying.

It wasn't a huge shock. In a way, it was a relief that eternal rest was coming. I didn't think I could keep bus hopping much longer, and I feared what I would find at a motel that would take cash and ask no questions.

I had regrets. Many regrets. I wondered what would have happened if Bredon and I had had a real chance—not living with the Redds, but somewhere else where we could've been free.

On the last bus, I fell into a deep sleep. I dreamt I was standing before a massive throne. It was so tall I couldn't see the top. A woman ruled. I knew this because her voice, although husky, was still feminine. The voice was so powerful it caused my chest to vibrate. As hard as I tried, I couldn't see her face. Her features seemed to be shielded by a shimmering fog. However, I felt no fear. I could only stand and stare in awe.

"Daughter, your time will end if you do not surrender and follow your heart."

I woke up clutching my phone. I knew what I should do. I only needed to find the courage to make the call.

I took the first available seat in the terminal and caught my breath. When I could concentrate, I scanned the departure board. I wanted to see the ocean before I died. Something about the rhythmic sound of the waves called to me. I wanted to leave this world with the soothing sound of the sea in the background.

I kept my mind blank as I pulled my phone from my bag. I taped the icon and waited for the voicemail to click on. "If you want to see me. I'll be in Tampa, arriving on Bus 1751. It arrives tomorrow at four." There was nothing else to say. I ended the call.