After collecting myself and putting my pants back on, I opened the door and walked back to my seat. Simon was sitting in a chair on the right, holding a glass of bourbon while he stared out the window. I took a seat on the left and buckled up, for it was almost time to land. I wouldn’t look at him because I couldn’t. All he had to do was say one word to me after he fucked me senseless. Even a thank you would have made all the difference in the world.

The plane landed, and Simon exited the plane before I did. All I could think was “wow.” I grabbed my luggage, stepped off the plane, and headed in the opposite direction of the limousine that was waiting for us on the runway.

“Where are you going?” Simon yelled.

“Anywhere you aren’t!” I yelled back. I wasn’t playing this clusterfuck of a game with him. Now I was pissed as hell.

“Get back here!”

I heard his footsteps approaching me as I tried to walk as fast as I could. I was almost to the airport door. It wasn’t much further. He caught up with me and stood in front of me. I halted.

“The limo is the other way. I don’t have time for this. Turn around and please get in the limo.”

I looked him straight in the eyes as I said deadpan, “NO! I’m going to take a cab.”

“I’m sorry, Gabrielle. Please,” he begged.

There was a sincerity in his voice. I looked down and then all around.

“Please.”

I didn’t say anything. I turned around and he took my bag from me as we headed to the limo. The ride to my apartment was silent. He didn’t try to talk to me again and I didn’t try to talk to him. Patrick pulled up to the curb and got out and opened my door and then took my bag from the back. I couldn’t leave without saying something to Simon and, obviously, he wasn’t going to say a word by the way he looked at me.

“Thanks,” was the word that I could barely mutter.

As I got out of the limo, he grabbed my hand. I turned my head and saw the sadness that consumed his eyes. A moment, a split second passed, but it seemed like forever. He didn’t speak. He let go of my hand and I walked away.

****

I inserted the key into the door and, as soon as I opened it, G came running from the kitchen.

“Yay. You’re home! I can’t wait to hear all about Simon Young. Oh my God, was he fucking amazing? Did he spoil you? Tell me!” she squealed as she grabbed my hand.

“He was something, all right.” I gave a small, non-convincing smile.