The big burly Theo grunts as he shuts the phone off and clicks the lock on the front door. It’s a nice little Air B&B in central London. Very swanky with a view of the London eye.
I’ve been drinking tea at the dining table, watching the pods go around. Reminiscing about my experience with Grayson there. I swear at one point my cheeks were so red, Theo was asking if I wanted a window open. The day’s sunny. That autumn sun is just the best.
Theo breaks my moment, “You are free to go now.”
A smile beams across my face.
“For real?” I exclaim.
He nods, holding the door open.
I’ve only been here a few hours, and I haven’t unpacked. Everything is still in that brown suitcase next to the front door. I rush over and grab the handle.
“Boss says spend whatever you want, stay in London for however long, and then you are free to return to New York.”
Grayson. I need Grayson.
I bolt out of the door without so much as looking back. I can’t risk him changing his mind.
I’m free.
I can finally get my life back.
I can get my man back.
I step into the lift and press the button to the ground floor, tears streaming down my cheeks. Happy tears. Damn hormones.
The sun beats against my pale skin. I guess that’s what being on house arrest for six weeks does to one’s complexion. I close my eyes and let it burn against my face. The waft of fresh doughnuts makes my stomach rumble. Placing my palm over my rumbling belly, I can’t help but grin.
I walk over, the wheels of my luggage whirling against the pavement. This part of the embankment is heaving with people. Kids are running around, laughing at the men painted in silver pretending to be statutes. Someone here will surely let me borrow their phone.
I spot a woman in front of me who’s busy texting. Her blonde hair is pulled up into a high ponytail, big black sunglasses covering half her face.
“Excuse me, Miss,” I shout, making my way over to her. She looks up from her phone and frowns at me before she rushes over.
“Hey!” she says. “Are you ok?”
“Would you mind if I used your phone to make a quick call? I don’t have mine on me.”
“Of course, here.” She hands over the phone.
“It’s to the States. I can give you some cash?”
She waves her hand and shakes her head.
The phone makes a weird connecting noise in my ear.
Please pick up, please pick up.
I hold my breath the entire time, stepping from side to side as I wait.
The call connects finally.
“Grayson?” I whisper.
Nothing.
My heart sinks. What if he thinks I broke up with him? What if he hates me right now?
“Sunshine?” His voice fills the speaker, and my heart almost leaps out of my chest.
“Oh my god, Grayson,” I choke out, tears spilling down my cheeks.
“Oh fuck, Maddie. I’ve missed you so fucking much. Tell me you’re okay.”
“I’m fine, I promise. Frankie looked after me. If you haven’t already, please don’t kill him. He’s not a bad guy deep down.”
“We can talk about that later, Baby. Where are you exactly? I’m coming to get you.”
Thank God.
“London. Well, near the London eye.”
“I’ll be there in a few hours. Hang tight. I’ll book us a room at the Shard on my way, you can go check in. Then meet me by the London Eye in say, eight hours?”
I hear a car roar to life; he really isn’t messing around.
“I’ve got Frankie’s card. I’m sure I can entertain myself for a few hours.”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
“I love you, Grayson. I never stopped. I didn’t mean anything in that letter, please believe me.”
“Baby, I never believed you would leave me. I’ve been painting the city red searching for you. Every second of every day. I am never letting you go again, Sunshine. I love you too much. Without you, I barely survived.”
I twiddle with my engagement ring.
“I’ll see you soon.”
“Damn right, be ready for me. I’m a starving man ready to devour you.”
I let out a laugh and shake my head. I fucking love this man.
“I’m banking on it.”
“I love you more than life itself, Maddie. I hope I can prove that to you every day for the rest of our lives.”
“I’d like that.”
We say our goodbyes, and I cut the call.
Eight more hours.
Easy.
