Page 92 of Red Fire

“I’m glad you got hold of him.” Star beams.

“Me, too.” I huff out a breath. “I’ve been so worried about him. I wish I’d known he hadMarykeeping him company.” I bob my eyebrows, laughing. “I could have relaxed a little more.”

“Well, my shift ended at seven. I’m going to head home,” Star says. “There’s been a shift change for the guards as well; Ruby is outside your door. She’ll help you with whatever you need. Or you could dial reception. Plus, you have my number.” She points at the notepad on the side table next to my bed. “Don’t hesitate.”

“You’ve been so kind. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“No problem. It’s my job.”

I suspect it’s more than just her job, but I don’t say anything.

“See you tomorrow, Octavia,” Star says.

“Bye.” I wave, watching her leave.

I unmute the television. A new cooking show has started. This time, they have to cook with strange ingredients. Among the ingredients are collard greens, ox heart, and kumquats. I smile when I see cotton candy, too. I’m not sure what they’re going to prepare using those foodstuffs, since every one of the items needs to be used.

I turn up the volume, reaching for another Reese’s Cup, when there is a knock on the door.

I frown. Who could that be? I’m sure that Star wouldn’t be back so soon. I didn’t order anything.

“Who is it?” I ask tentatively.

“Me.” It’s Star.

“Come in.” My frown deepens as the key turns, and she walks in. She looks…flustered. I sit up, spilling the popcorn. “Crap!” I start cleaning up the mess.

“Leave it,” she tells me.

I turn to her. “What’s up?” I ask because something is most definitely up.

“So…I just heard that there’s a flight leaving for the Mainland tonight.”

“I thought that there was only one flight a week?”

“There is the occasional unscheduled flight. There was one this evening. If you hurry, you can still make it. You would need to leave in ten minutes, though. Or you could wait until Monday next week? It’s up to you.”

This is unexpected.

I should jump at the chance of leaving. It’s what I’ve been hoping for.

“I’m afraid that you need to decide right now,” Star says, looking serious.

Creed

“Are you sure I can’t pack you some food for the road?” my mother asks, looking concerned. “You haven’t eaten. I can pack some for your lady friend as well. Remind me of her name?”

“It’s Octavia. And I’m fine…thank you.” I don’t think I could eat right now if I tried.

I look up and see Levi and Aspen in the doorway. I wave at them. Levi waves back before ushering my ex back into the house. He’s talking to her quietly. I’m sure he’s comforting her. I’m glad. Makes me feel a little better because I feel like shit about all of this. I remind myself that it isn’t my fault.

Ultimately, it is what it is. I know Aspen will be fine, given time. I hope she will. It’s not like I planned any of this. Neitherdid I know that she was waiting for me. I must say, I’m not sure it would have changed anything, even if I had known. I’m not the same male who left the city three years ago.

“Sorry I can’t stay, and I’m sorry about Aspen and me. I know you guys love her like a daughter.” I look at each of my parents in turn. Their eyes are clouded. I have to do what’s right for me. Especially when it comes to choosing a partner to spend the rest of my life with.

My mother takes my hand between both of hers. “It’s your life, son. You need to live it. No one else can do that for you. Whoever you choose will be good with us. We love you.”

“Your mother is right. We will be happy for you, whichever path you take. We are proud of you,” my father says.