Chapter 24

24 WEEKEND GETAWAY

SEB

Days passed by like a blur. The fingerprinting result came out negative. It was frustrating. Two days ago, Foley and Mallory settled in an apartment next door. Thank god so far so good, and that was how I survived for the entire weekdays.

I kept in touch with Andrew. I had to threaten him that I could tell Abby about him working for Mike behind Abby’s back. He finally agreed.

I’m still stubborn like her, and I didn’t call and text her. If she can give me the cold shoulder, then I can give her silent treatment. I have to teach her lessons. But it hurts like hell, and it breaks my heart not to hear her voice. I still missed her like crazy—every fucking day. Her smell is still on my pillow. I changed my bedsheet by myself and hid the sheet with her thong in one of my closets. I know it’s creepy, but I like it.

I never thought I’m capable of loving someone this hard. Abby kept her words. My stubborn woman never called me once, even a single hello. No missed calls or e-mail. Andrew kept me updated that she zoned out a lot, and was silent most of the time, and that is what bothers me.

It’s okay if she’s thinking about me, but what if she’s thinking about the note? I told Andrew, and he was angry that Abby kept something from him. I guess he cares about Abby and is more than just doing his job.

My flight to Boston is leaving in an hour. I pack a suitcase well for three days. I can’t play with Abby anymore. I have to admit that she wins. I need her. I want her so bad, and it makes me crazy, distracted, and cranky all the time.

“What the fuck!?” I see the twin grinning at me like morons.

“What the fuck, huh? Do you think I didn’t notice how distracted you are and yelling at everyone? And you free your calendar for today. So I dug around and found out your jet was booked today for Boston. So here we are, happy to help you win back Abby, and you’re welcome,” Trixie says with pride while sipping her champagne.

“Yeah, cuz. Since you met Abby, you’ve been acting differently. In a good way though, but this week. Jesus, you were yelling every day, and that bothered me. So, I’m here to help too. Sorry, but I kinda checked your calendar on Elle’s computer,” Patrick tells me proudly just like Trixie.

“Go home, both of you. I don’t need your help. I don’t have to win her back. I have some important things to do there. This is not some romantic getaway. So, leave before I call security.” I gesture my hand to the way out.

“You can’t just throw us out. Our name is already listed in the manifest. Go ahead and check it yourself. I promise as soon as we land, we get to our hotel and enjoy ourselves like tourists. We won’t bother you.” Patrick tries convincing me, and these two won’t even move like they never hear anything.

“You can’t just invade my life like that. I’m fine. Both of you are breaking some company policies. If you won’t stop right now, I have to take some action against you two. You also touched the manifest.” They look alarmed because I’m serious as hell right now.

Patrick talks. “It’s all my fault, Seb. Really, man. You and Abby look good together. I just want you to be happy. I can see it clearly, the way you both looked at each other. I let Trix trick Elle, and go with her to the cafeteria while I opened her laptop.” I know they’re only just concerned for my well-being, but still, they crossed the line and not just once.

“I’m leaving. So you can continue explaining it to my office on Monday. Prepare written reports, both of you.” I check my watch, and it’s thirty minutes before my flight.

“I would do anything. I mean I can carry your luggage, take your dry clean, or do whatever you want,” Trixie says.

“Nope. Out now.” I press the button for FA. I start to have a headache because of these two.

“Seb, please, just once. For friends’ sake. As soon as we land, we go separate ways.”

“How did you both get an excuse without my permission? You and you.” I point at them. “Will report to me on Monday.”

I massage my temples and drink my scotch brought by the FA. ”You won’t budge until I agree, that’s it? I know, but I didn’t fight with Abby. I just have some security issues that I need to handle personally.”

“What happened? Did you receive a threat?” Patrick looks more concerned than ever.

“No. Not me. My wife did.” I have to tell them the truth to stop this nonsense. I trust them with my life. I want to loosen the tightness in my chest, and it feels good to share the greatest secret of my life with someone I trust the most. They even risk their job for me even if it’s a little bit stupid.

“Wait? What?” they yell in unison with their eyes as wide as saucers. Trixie looks at me to see if I’m insane.

My expressions are still the same.

“Seb, did you just say wife? Did I mishear it, or did I hear it right?”

I just look at her. I want to piss her off. I take a deep breath and buckle my seatbelt after hearing the pilot through overhead that we’re taking off. Patrick takes the seat in front of me while Trix chooses the right side row. They keep staring at me, and they might have forgotten how to blink.

“Seb, we’re waiting for your answer,” Patrick insists.

I show you my ring. “I’m married. Yeah. I have a wife, happy?” These twin exchange looks like I’m stupid.

“You get fucking married, and you didn’t tell us? What the fuck is wrong with you? It hurts, I’m your fucking best friend, Seb, I would be happy for you, whatever is your decision, whatever you do with your life for as long as you’re happy, but this? This is ridiculous! What the fuck, man? Did you ever consider me as your best friend? Where is the fucking promises not to keep secret from one another? I fucking hate you right now.” He narrows his eyes at me. “How did it even happen? Is it Abby? Is she pregnant? Did she trick you, blackmail you, drugged you?” Before he can continue, I unbuckle my seatbelt and punch him directly on the nose.

My rage is still all over my body. One punch isn’t enough. Trix yells in her seat in shock. I never hit him in my entire life, but I don’t like what he said about my wife. Lincoln comes rushing toward us. The blood is running down from Patrick’s nose, and I don’t give a fuck apologizing for what I did.

I sit down and buckle my belt. I motion Linc to go back, but he doesn’t move. I give him my intimidating look, and that’s the time he goes back to his seat.

“Listen to me, Patrick. You’re my best friend, my cousin, and I love you like a brother. I respect you, and I’ll die for both of you,”

I look at them. “But you are not allowed to talk about my wife. You don’t know anything about her, who she is, about her life, what she’s been through. You disrespect her, you disrespect me. She doesn’t have to blackmail me or drug me. She’s the smartest, beautiful, and strongest woman I’ve ever met. Just this short time I spent with her, I know she’s the right one I’ve been waiting for for so long. I fell hard for her that I don’t know I’m capable of, but there’s something I can’t tell both of you, to our parents regarding Abbygail. I’ll break every fucking bone in your body if you mistreat her. If you ever meet her, you have to respect her. And if you don’t like her, just stay away. You don’t have to pretend to like Abby in front of me. She’d been through a lot already, and I don’t want to add any more problems to her. Do you understand? Both of you?” They nod in unison.

“Good. Now go clean up, and I won’t apologize. I’m happy to do it again.”

He walks to the bathroom in silence.

“I’m sorry, Seb. I was shocked, too, you know. To find out that you’re married.” Trix squeezes my hand, and I give her a tight smile.

“You’re truly twin. Did you two develop telepathy as well?” I say in a sarcastic voice. She looks at me like she wants to say something.

“Ask away, Trix.”

“Why rush? Both of you can just date, like boyfriend/ girlfriend, get to know each other.”

“Do you see me a boyfriend material?” I ask, arching my eyebrow.

“I don’t see you a husband material either.” She’s right.

“I think people changed when they meet someone,” Patrick says when he emerges from the bathroom. He hugs me and taps my back.

“Congrats, I guess.”

I roll my eyes.

“Okay, fine. Apologize. Not to me, but Abby. You should be thanking me. If you say like that before the take-off, you wouldn’t be sitting right next to me right now.”

“Fine. I’ll apologize to her. So, you’re married.” His words are more like a question than a statement.

“I am. Why is it hard for you to believe?” I ask him.

“First, you lied to me about the ring. Second, you hid from me about the marriage. So, tell me, why did you get married? I can’t see you getting married ten years from now.” Patrick can’t just shut up, is he?

“The will. Her mom’s. She left every penny in my name. I have to marry Abby for three years so that she can have all her mom’s assets. But before I found out about the will, I know I’m gonna marry her one day. I know it sounds lame, but I just— I can’t explain it. It’s just like our souls are connected. Every time I see her, I can imagine my life with her would be perfect. I don’t know,” I explain while looking and playing with the ring on my finger.

“I understood you, Seb. I never met her, but if you fell in love with her. then she must be something. You’ve seen many beautiful women, but no one has ever caught your attention.” I can feel the sincerity in Trix’s voice.

“Thanks, Trix.”

“What about you said about some security issues?”

“Someone slipped a message on her car. This is maybe from her past coming back to finish what they started. I can’t share it right now.”

“Fine. I won’t insist. I’m happy for you, Seb.” Finally, he gives up.

“Thanks, asshole.”

“You’re a lucky dick. She’s hot.”

I glare at him. ”That’s my wife you’re talking about Patrick Brandt.” I kick his foot, and he just laughs at my annoyance.

“Jeez, you’re so possessive, overprotective, and a jealous husband.”

“Leave him alone, asswipe,” Trix cut in.

“So, how’s married life?”

I’m now annoyed at Patrick. He’s wiggling his eyebrows with his famous and most annoying grin ever.

“Jesus, aren’t you done yet? I’m not sharing with you, you idiot.”

“I’m not asking about your sexathon with your wife, asshole. All I’m asking is about your married life? How can you even stay far from your hot piece of a wife for long? Are you a one-woman now? Or still sleeping around?”

“Patrick? She’s my wife, and I’m not gonna cheat on her. I love her, you douche. I will see her every weekend.”

Trix applauds at my confession and kisses my cheek. “Oh, my God Seb. At last, someone made Sebastian Christopher Hughes III in love. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“You’re going to meet her soon, Trix.”