Page 93 of Red Fire

“I’m sure this human, Octavia, is lovely. She has to be if my son is in love with her.” My mother smiles broadly, warming me up inside.

“Thanks, Mom…Dad. That means a lot. She is amazing.” I nod a few times. “I only hope she’ll hear me out after I let her go like that. Also, I know she wanted to go home. I’m not sure I can convince her to stay.” My stomach is in knots.

“You’ll be fine,” my dad says. “You’re stubborn as an ox. Always have been. If anyone can convince her to stay, it’s you.”

“If she feels the same about you – and I’m sure she does – you won’t need to do too much convincing,” my mom says. “What’s not to love about you, my boy?” She cups my jaw with one hand before letting go.

“It’s not like you’re biased or anything, Mom.” I laugh. “I’d better get going. The sooner I see Octavia, the better.” Just like that, the churning is back. I’ve never been this nervous in all of my life. I’ve never had so much to lose, either.

“Let us know how it goes,” my dad says.

“Bring her to meet us, please,” my mom says.

“Let me go and see her first.” I smile. It’s so good to be back.

Then I’m jumping in my Jeep and speeding away. I have to tell myself to ease off the accelerator. I keep wanting to put my foot flat.

I keep reminding myself that Octavia will be there when I get there. There is no need to rush. I have this sense of urgency, though. It hit the moment I made the decision to go to see her. It’s been building and building ever since.

Thankfully, it isn’t long before I’m pulling into the parking lot and sprinting inside.

There’s a new set of males at reception.

“Good evening, sir. How can I be of assistance?” the closest male asks as I reach the reception desk. I have to force myself to calm down. Why is my heart racing like this?

“Yes…I’m here to see the human, Octavia. She’s staying at the castle. I dropped her off earlier. I’m her…friend,” I settle on, even though I’m nowhere close to being her friend.

He makes a noise like he isn’t quite buying it. “What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t. It’s Creed. Rockwell and Knox were on the last shift. They know me. Maybe you can speak with one of them. Or better yet, you can give Octavia a call. I know she’ll want to see me.”

“I would call Octavia, but she isn’t in her room,” he says, typing into the computer.

“Where is she?” I ask. “Is there a dining hall or…?” Where else could she be? “I don’t mind waiting.” There are comfortable-looking sofas in the lobby. I know I won’t be able to sit still. I’ll probably pace until she’s done.

“No…” He types something on the computer. “There it is. She left,” he says. “She’s gone to the airstrip. We had an unexpected flight departing for the Mainland, and she chose to take it. They are due to take off in…” he looks down at the screen and then at his watch, “fifteen minutes, so if you hurry, you might catch her before she leaves.”

I almost don’t hear the rest of what he says. I sprint to my Jeep.Fuck!I will never forgive myself if she leaves before I can speak to her.

32

Octavia

I reach into the small cooler bag, which is filled with various food items and frosty drinks. It was handed to me by one of the pilots before I boarded the jet plane. The cool air inside the cabin is a welcome respite from the heat outside. I was informed that there is a restroom in the rear of the plane. I look around the interior and am struck by the luxury. I’m sitting in one of eight oversized seats that resemble plush recliners more than traditional aircraft seating. The cream leather is soft to the touch and perfectly complemented by shiny wood accents. It feels like I’ve stepped into a high-end living room instead of a plane. Then again, this is a private jet. It makes me wonder who flew in it to the island and why.

I’m going home.

I’m leaving.

My throat suddenly feels dry, so I take a big sip of my water. I close the cooler bag, pushing it under my seat, the snacks and food untouched. I feel sick at the thought of eating. Probablybecause I ate so much back at the castle. It’s also the thought of leaving.

This is it. It’s goodbye. I’ll never see Creed again.

For a moment there, I was tempted to tell Star that I was taking the flight on Monday, that I would wait. Then, I reminded myself that there was no point. This isn’t like one of those sappy movies where the guy suddenly changes his mind. Or one of my romance novels where there is a happy ending. This is real life, and things like that don’t happen.

I need to buck up already and get on with my life. There is so much adventure waiting for me out there. There is a man in my future. I can’t picture anyone but Creed right now, which is irritating, but that will change. It will! I have to be strong and positive and all that. I will be.

I take another sip of water.