Grounded for Love: A Reunion Romance Novella (5 page)

“Thank you for finally telling me,” he said, gazing off into the distance.

Serena said nothing. What could she say that could possibly counter what she’d done to him?

“Good luck with your life. I hope it’s a good one.”

She nodded, pursing her trembling lips.

Serena watched Graham turn and walk away, her heart thudding against her ribs. Everything she’d believed about Graham for the last three years wasn’t true. A hollow place, deep within her, began to grow.

Where did that leave her?

Graham yanked the pillow from his bed and threw it against the wall on the other side of his hotel room. He wasn’t sure if he was more angry or disappointed with Serena. How could she have believed he’d been cheating on her? How could she have had so little trust in him?

He pushed out an exasperated sigh then kicked the bed. Serena infuriated him. Her lack of trust had destroyed the best relationship he’d ever had. He’d loved her. Wanted to marry her.

Pacing the room, he thought about how they first met, their first date, their first kiss under the moonlight to a country song, the first time she told him she loved him. It had been good. No, it had been great. Serena made him feel the way no other woman had. Until she freaked out for no reason and left him high and dry.

At least he knew now why she left—except that didn’t make him feel any better. In fact, it made him feel worse. Why hadn’t he gone to her? He should’ve done something besides wait. In all honesty, he had to take some responsibility for the loss of their relationship. He didn’t have to be a victim.

Graham got up and walked toward the door.
I’m going to talk to her. Tell her… what? What am I going to tell her?

His phone vibrated. For a second he hoped it was Serena, but he knew better. It was Dana.

“Did you make it home?” she asked.

“Oh. No. I … I didn’t.”

“What’s wrong? You sound strange. Like you’re upset.”

“Upset? No. I’m not upset.” He cleared his throat. “I’m tired. That’s all.”

“If you didn’t make it to Grand Junction then where are you?” She sounded concerned.

“Stranded in Denver.”

“Why?”

“A big storm.”

“Oh, that’s awful. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sure I’ll get a flight out in the morning.”

“But you missed your brother’s bachelor party.”

Graham hadn’t even thought about that. Seeing Serena had made him forget about everything else. He should probably call Chad and apologize. “Yeah, I did.”

“So you’re all alone hanging out at the airport?”

“No, I’m at a hotel for the night. I didn’t want to sleep in the airport.”

“Okay. Please don’t forget me again.”

What does Dana mean by that?
“Huh?”

“You said you’d call and let me know when you got there. I’ve been worried.”

“I’m sorry. I promise to call you tomorrow.”

They ended the call and Graham tossed his phone on the bed, thoughts of Serena still swirling around his head.

He was one big idiot. Dana was the perfect package, and she obviously cared about him. He thought he cared about her too. But seeing Serena made him forget all about Dana.

Graham decided to get some room service and find something to watch on TV. Not that he’d pay much attention—he guessed he’d spend most of the night going over and over and over what might have been.

Serena lay in bed, wide awake. The one man she’d loved, she’d lost. And now she knew it was for no reason, except her overactive imagination. He hadn’t been with another woman that night. Or any night. Why had she overreacted? If only she’d gone back to him. Talked to him. Something.

What if there was still a chance? What if he still had some flicker of emotion left for her? She rolled to her side. No, she’d ruined that. And now that he knew she thought the worst of him, he’d never give her another chance.
I can’t blame him. I wouldn’t give me another chance either. I’m the biggest idiot. Ever.

She moved to her back. But what if he would? What if he could forgive her for being so irrational? Maybe they could pick up the pieces and… what? She didn’t even know where he lived or what he was doing.

Who was she kidding? It was over and she was the one to blame. It was time to own what she’d done and move on. At least she could let go of her anger now, even though it was replaced with deep regret—the kind of aching regret that leaves nothing but a bottomless void.

Serena spent the rest of the night in a fitful sleep, trying to convince herself she was better off.

Fate, if there was such a thing, certainly had a sense of humor. Or a sense of something.

The early morning sunlight seeped through the split between the drapes, casting a line across the carpet. Serena sat up in bed, feeling like she’d run a marathon carrying a backpack filled with rocks. She checked her phone for information on her flight, hoping the new one hadn’t been cancelled. Thankfully, everything was on schedule. She needed to eat some breakfast and get back to the airport for her eleven o’clock departure.

She went into the bathroom and groaned. Black lines of mascara streaked her cheeks, and she had no way to brush her hair. Fortunately, the hotel included a disposable toothbrush—at least she wouldn’t have zombie breath. The only bright spot was that she’d see her mom and dad later, and, hopefully, her dad would be doing even better. Serena laser-focused on that thought.

After a vain attempt to look presentable, she texted her mom. A quick text back let her know that her dad was now stable. Relief permeated through her—at least her dad was going to be okay even if her own life was one big, hot mess. How Serena wished she could go back in time and change what happened with Graham. But she couldn’t.

Or could she? Was it too late? Perhaps this was her second chance. Her heartbeat raced as she considered the notion.

Maybe Graham was still in his room next door. Maybe he’d be willing to talk to her. Maybe…

Without taking time to analyze things, she rapped on his door and waited, trying to calm her ragged breathing.

No answer.

She knocked again, sending her stomach into spasms. Leaning against his unopened door, she finally admitted to herself that the reason she hadn’t dated or moved on was because she still loved Graham.
There I said it. I still love Graham
.
As much as I ever did.

“Please open,” she whispered against the cool surface. When no one answered, her hand slowly slid down the door.

Defeated, she trudged over to the elevator. She’d lost her chance. He was probably already at the airport. The elevator doors opened, and she stepped inside. Her stomach growled, but she didn’t feel like eating anything. The trip had been far more emotional than she’d expected. It was better for her to go straight to the airport, get on the next available flight, and forget about this whole incident.

Outside the hotel, the glistening snow looked fresh and clean as it hugged tree branches. Across the ground, ice crystals shimmered in the sunlight. The temperature had to be close to zero. Hopefully, they’d be able to de-ice the planes and start flying people out soon.

As she stood in front of the hotel trying to deal with all the feelings that churned inside, a figure caught Serena’s eye, sending her heart plummeting to her stomach.
Could it be?
She squinted against the bright light.
It is
.

Graham was on his phone with his back to her.
What should I do?

A taxi pulled up, and the driver motioned for Serena to open the door. Standing there, she considered her options. She could get inside the cab and leave Graham in her past. Or she could put herself on the line and ask for his forgiveness, hoping there might be a chance to rekindle their relationship. Her chest heaved in and out.

“Are you going to get in?” the taxi driver asked through the now open passenger window.

Serena glanced between the car and Graham. If she got in, she’d essentially close the door to any possible reconciliation forever. If she approached Graham, she’d risk her heart, but there was also the very slim possibility that she could reclaim the only romantic relationship she’d ever valued. Wasn’t that worth the risk?

Drawing in a deep breath she said, “I’m not quite ready to go yet. Thanks.”

Summoning all the courage and strength she had, Serena walked toward Graham.
One foot in front of the other
.
I can do this
. She had no idea what she’d say to him, but she couldn’t leave without saying something and at least trying to clean up the mess she’d made.

With each step, her anxiety level rose until she felt like she’d pop from the pressure.

Graham’s back was still toward her. She didn’t want to eavesdrop on his conversation, so she stayed far enough away until he ended the call. He turned toward her and began walking.

When his eyes met hers, he stopped and studied her, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Good morning.” A smile played at the corners of his mouth as if he was unsure how to react to her.

They stood there, awkwardly, while a siren sounded in the distance.

Graham broke the silence. “How are you?”

“Okay. You?” She tried to sound casual even though her nerves were playing tug of war in her stomach.

“Same.”

Still not sure how to broach the subject of their failed relationship, she asked, “Did you get a flight?”

“Yeah. Leaves at ten-fifteen.” He smiled. “Good thing, or my mom would have a nervous breakdown.” He laughed then gave her a playful glance.

“What?”

“Remember when she had a meltdown—”

“That weekend we came to visit.” Serena nodded. “Hard to forget. But she was justified. I mean, you did almost burn the house down.”

“Me?” He pointed to himself. “I took the fall for you as I recall.”

“How was I supposed to know that making hamburger patties on that flat pizza pan would let all the grease run down inside the oven?”

“And when my mom turned it on to preheat it…”

“The flames started coming out the door.” Serena shook her head at the memory.

“And Mom ran through the house screaming and my dad came rushing in with a fire extinguisher and sprayed the whole oven. Except he’d been in the bathroom so he ran out without his pants.”

They both started laughing.

“Your dad’s face was classic when he realized he was standing there in his underwear.”

“My mom still brings that up.”

“Thank goodness the oven wasn’t damaged.” The guilt from causing the oven fire rose up. “I feel bad—“

“It’s a great story. And no real damage was done.”

“I’m not sure your dad would agree.”

They laughed again. It felt good to laugh with Graham. She’d missed that. Serena rocked back and forth, trying to find the courage to say what she really wanted to. Instead she asked, “When is Chad’s wedding?”

“Friday.”

“At least you’ll make it, right?”

He nodded, his dark blond hair falling onto his forehead. He did a quick head jerk to send his hair back in place—a habit he had back in college. “I was supposed to be there last night for his bachelor’s party.”