Facing the darkened window that looked out over the beach, he kept his back to me as he said, “It means I need time to think, that’s all.”
I nodded, determined not to let any more tears fall. I’d wait until I was back home.
“For what it’s worth,” he added, “I appreciate your telling me.”
I tried to smile, but it probably came out as a grimace. He didn’t see it anyway, because he averted his face as he opened the door and walked out.
Pain struck me so hard when Drake walked away, it was difficult for me to stand. I shouldn’t have gotten as close to him as I had. In fact, I shouldn’t even be here right now. At least here he’d have his family to help him process it all, a family I could only wish to have one day.
Devastated, I watched him walk out of the room and probably out of my life. The click of the front door closing downstairs echoed in my soul.
I was already responsible for destroying Greg, and I couldn’t do the same to Drake. He deserved to live his dreams, without the problems my past would cause him. He’d be forced to make excuses for me, and my past would become fodder for the next news cycle.
The headlines alone would be brutal, and once my family found out where I was, everything I’d worked so hard to put behind me would be front and center once again. I wasn’t so much concerned with myself, but if my parents found out that my boyfriend was a prominent political figure, they’d feast on that—especially my mom.
I grabbed my phone, looked up the bus schedule, and called a cab to take me to the terminal. Then I sent Mason a text, asking him to pick me up at the station. Knowing he’d be confused, I also told him Drake knew the truth.
Not wanting to discuss it right now, I turned off my phone and tossed it back in my bag. Mason would be calling, wanting to be sure I was okay, but I just couldn’t talk right now.
The only thing left to do was to pack my bag, which didn’t take long. I turned to look at the bed Drake and I shared in this beautiful oceanfront room. We might not have been here long, but I’d fallen in love with it. Knowing Drake would expect me to be here when he got back, I went to the desk next to the window, took out a notepad, and wrote him a letter. It was the hardest letter I’d ever written in my life.
When I was done, I placed the paper on my pillow, wiped my eyes, and headed downstairs to wait for the taxi.
Sounds from the TV were coming from the den, and I peeked in to see Drake’s brothers, father, and sister watching a baseball game. I felt horrible not saying good-bye to them, or at the very least thanking them for their hospitality, but I’d send a card later, once I got home.
My heart sank as I stepped out onto the porch. The night air was cool, and the salty breeze blew my hair into my eyes. A noise startled me, and I turned to find Drake’s mom sitting on the swing I’d admired when we first arrived.
“Lucy, sweetheart, is that your bag? Are you leaving?” Her posture straightened as she slid over and patted the seat next to her. “Come and sit with me.”
“Thank you, Tina, but I’m waiting for a cab. It should be here any minute.”
“Did something happen at home? Was there an emergency?” Then she looked behind me. “Where’s Drake?”
I shrugged and my eyes filled. “I had to tell him some things from my past that I’m not proud of. He may need to talk to someone, but he might think he needs to keep my secret. Please let him know that I told you it was okay for him to talk to you if he needs to.”
Sympathy filled her eyes. “You love my son, don’t you?”
“Yes, I believe I do.”
“Then why are you leaving? I’ve never seen my boy look at someone the way he does you. He’ll be back, I’m sure of it.” Tina stood and approached me.