The Beaumont Series
Forever My Girl
My Unexpected Forever
Finding My Forever
Finding My Way
Other Novels:
Here With Me—The Archer Brothers Book 1
Lost in You
Lost in Us–Novella
Chapter 1–Yvie
“Would you care for a warm towel, ma’am?”
I blink and turn my focus to the flight attendant pushing her wet towel in my
direction. I take it and smile at her as my thanks. I don’t know what to do with it, but others are wiping their hands. I opt to cover my face and let the warmth seep through. I was hoping that my mind would focus on the hot cloth lying on my face, but it doesn’t.
I’m escaping. At least that’s what Oliver tells me. We’ve been together off and on now for over a year, and lately it’s been more off than on. He says it’s me, but dating the producer of my Broadway show, Enchantment, has never been my cup of tea. I want to earn my way. I want the lead based on my ability as a dancer, not because of who my boyfriend is. He doesn’t understand that. He says that he loves me, but right now I’m clearly in the “like” stages of life. I’m not sure he’s the one, but I’m drawn to him and I don’t know why. I thought that it was because he was older, and I felt he was more sophisticated, but lately that hasn’t been enough for me to give him my heart.
Something’s missing, or I’m just not into him and I need to admit it and move on.
The fear is there, though, that he’ll cut me from the show because I’m no longer
with him and replace me with a younger dancer. I think about it all the time and wonder if I’ll land another gig. He’s said the words that cut deep: my ass is too big, my toes don’t point, and my bun isn’t high enough. He follows up with an “I love you” but the sharp edges of his words still hurt. I work harder following those fights. I spend more time in the gym, longer hours in front of my barre working on my form. The bun I can’t help until my hair grows longer, but I try and that’s all I can do right now.
The pilot’s voice comes over the intercom. It’s jumbled, but we all know what
he’s saying. We’re about to land. In under an hour I’m going to see my nieces and nephew. I’ll get to wake up to their joyful laughs on Christmas morning and tease my brother relentlessly when he tries to sneak a kiss with Katelyn.
Harrison doesn’t know I’m coming. I’d like to say it’s a surprise, but the truth is I just needed to get away. Spending time with him, Katelyn and the kids appealed to me more than staying in his beachside apartment alone. My mom will be in Beaumont for Christmas too, and I miss her. I really just need my family right now.
I remove the now cold, wet washcloth and return my chair to its upright position.
The moment we were allowed to recline, I did. With no one behind me, the freedom to relax and reflect was much needed. Once the plane touches down and is at the gate, everyone is out of their seats and scrambling to get their carry-ons from the overhead lockers. It’s almost a race to stand-up. The only winner is the person in the first class seat.
They’re calling all the shots because plane etiquette dictates that those of us in the cheap seats have to wait our turns. Some people don’t abide by the rules, and when I see them I just want to stick out my foot and trip them. Mean, I know, but whatever.
With my bag gathered, I shy away from looking at the families excited to see their loved ones. Harrison would’ve been here if I had told him I was coming, but I didn’t want to interrupt his family time. He’s changed so much since he met Katelyn, and it’s all been for the better. She’s the sister I never thought I’d have, and she’s given me two exceptional nieces.
I think I’m homesick. My mom is always talking about Quinn, Peyton and Elle
and how much fun she’s having, how her life feels almost complete. I know she’s
spending more and more time in Beaumont now that Harrison has a family. I’m
Patience Griffin
Beth Williamson
Jamie Farrell
Aoife Marie Sheridan
Robert Rubin, Jacob Weisberg
Nicole Jacquelyn
Rosanna Leo
Jeremy Laszlo
Loren Lockner
V Bertolaccini