“Grant Bishop, right?” she asks and my stomach drops. Shit, I must’ve fucked this girl and don’t remember it.
“That’s me,” I confirm.
“I have my break in five minutes if you want to relive the memories,” she says flirtatiously.
“Sorry,” I say and look at her name tag again, “Kim. I’m here with my girlfriend. I don’t remember you and I know that’s shitty of me, but I’m not interested in meeting you anywhere in five minutes,” I tell her and her face never falters.
“Lizzy?” she questions and a cold shock hits my body hearing the name.
“You knew Lizzy?” I ask.
“No, it’s just you kept talking about her after we finished that night. I can see why you don’t remember. We were pretty drunk,” she laughs, but I don’t see what’s so funny about the situation. Then it dawns on me. I must have met this girl right after Lizzy. I was a complete mess back then, drinking myself silly and screwing anyone who was willing.
“No, it’s not Lizzy. It’s someone else,” I inform her and pick up the magazines. “Thank you, Kim,” I say and walk out of the store.
“If you change your mind, you know where to find me,” she calls out as I make my way to Jessa. I don’t respond, since there’s not a chance in hell I’m going to change my mind. Maybe Trey should go buy a magazine; he’s always looking for a quick lay.
Seeing Jessa leaning against the wall and laughing with Sadie brings a calming feeling back over my body. Hearing Lizzy’s name made all those fears of losing Jessa go racing around my head again.
“Hey.” She welcomes me with her lips and I wrap my arms around her waist, squeezing her tight.
“I love you,” I whisper in her ear and she squeezes me harder. I’m thankful she does because it reminds me that she is worth it.
We board the plane, taking our seats. Trey and Dex end up on either side of a young, attractive college student and I laugh watching them try and up their game on her. Jessa and I sit next to each other, with me in the aisle and her in the middle. Sadie and Brady are behind us. We listen to the flight attendant’s instructions and Jessa cuddles up next to me as I reach around her, pulling her closer. That coconut and vanilla scent hits my nostrils, and I remember how I once thought she’d never be mine.
Jessa is asleep two seconds after the flight goes airborne. I watch the poor girl who’s squeezed between Trey and Dex as her head bobs back and forth, trying to give them equal attention. Thank God that’s not me anymore. I have to admit, this committed relationship thing is nice.
I just wish I could get Lizzy out of my head. Ever since that girl at the airport mentioned her name, I can’t turn off the memories. It’s the night I thought my life was over, but here I am with someone that means much more to me. Still, the questions that have flooded my mind for so long still linger there. Could it have worked? Would we have still been together?
The plane dips and Jessa stirs slightly, draping her arm over my stomach. Staring down at the blonde that I love more than I could ever express, I want to bottle up this feeling and keep it forever. My heart tells me that, it’ll always be there, but my mind says bottle it up fast because it’ll be over soon and you’ll only remember how much pain you’re in.
Keeping Jessa as comfortable as I can, I pull out the letter in my backpack. I’ve been hanging onto it for a while, not knowing when I should open it. Unceremoniously I rip the letter labeled Love open because it’s time I hear what my mom has to say. With Lizzy, I almost opened it plenty of times, but something always held me back. With Jessa, on the other hand, I know I’m supposed to open it.
Dear Grant,
Finally! As a mother, this is the best letter I get to write you. It means you found someone worth opening this letter for. Believe me, I’m smiling down on you now. I’m sure I realized you loved her before you realized it yourself.
You opened this letter for my advice, right? Here are the simple things, which if I raised you right, you already do. Treat her right, open doors for her, always follow her into a room, and tell her how beautiful she is every moment you think it. Make her feel as special as she is to you. Respect her, value her opinion, and listen to her suggestions. Kiss her goodnight every night and again when you wake up. Never take her for granted and cherish every second you have with her. If you do these small things, she’ll never look to another to fulfill her needs.
Don’t worry about the future, concentrate on the present. If you live in the future or the past, you’ll be unable to enjoy what’s going on right now. Treasure your moments together, making the most of every situation. Enjoy the ride, Grant, because if you do it right, the lows are worth all the highs.
Love her with everything inside you. Never hold back. Congratulations, sweetheart, love is the most precious gift you can give someone and that you can receive.
Love,
Mom
XOXO
I stuff it in my backpack and wrap my arms around Jessa. She sighs softly, nudging her head in the crook of my neck. Resting my head on hers, I fall asleep until the pilot announces our descent into Denver. I bend my head over Jessa’s and kiss her lips.
“That’s a nice way to wake up,” she says groggily. “I’m sorry I slept the whole way, I’ve been so tired.” She yawns, stretching her arms up and pushing her breasts out.
“Well, we haven’t been sleeping much the last week. I have to say though, I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t join the mile-high club.” I reach over, discreetly grab her breast, and she gives me a look that is supposed to appear reproachful, but the smirk she can’t hide shows me she enjoys it.
“I promise, on the way home.” She turns into me, kissing me firmly on the lips and ensuring that my hands remain hidden to freely grope her. “This is nice though,” she murmurs.
When we finally separate from one another, I notice the middle-aged man next to Jessa admiring the show we’re putting on. Narrowing my eyes at him, I quickly put my arm around her to signify she’s mine.
We all depart the plane and make our way to baggage claim, where Trey and Dex are still talking the girl’s ear off. I have to admit, it appears she’s more into Trey. She must like the bad boy image. Although most of his tattoos are covered with clothes right now, the ones on his neck are visible, as well as the piercings and plugs in his ears, so I’m sure it doesn’t take too much imagination as to what the rest of him must look like.
“Hey guys, this is Kailey. She goes to Western, but is here visiting her family,” Trey says by way of introduction. She’s a cute brunette, not Trey’s usual type.
“Hi, Kailey, where’s your family from?” Jessa eagerly asks.
“It’s my aunt and uncle, and they live in Breckenridge.” Her voice is quiet and shy.
“That’s where we’re going,” Jessa exclaims. “Do you want to hitch a ride with us?” she asks.
“Yeah, it’s no problem. We’re getting a van,” Trey chimes in. I notice Dex has given up pursuing Kailey and is standing by the conveyer belt waiting for his luggage. I guess he realized that it was a lost cause too.
“Um…” Kailey hesitates, “I was going to rent a car, but okay.”
“Great, let’s get your luggage,” Trey says and grabs her hand, leading her to the baggage claim.
“This seems like trouble,” I whisper to Jessa.