Page 52 of Undeniable Love
A lie.
Travis, Declan, and the rest of the members of the Warriors who had come in to support them were all on their way to the airport for a flight back to Wichita. When they’d planned the trip, Jax thought he’d stay in town for a few extra days, but…that was because he thought he’d get to spend some time with Lucy. She bolted earlier and it would have been obvious if he’d chased her down. He had no idea where she lived and he had a feeling if he texted her, she wouldn’t tell him.
So now what do I do?
He shook hands with the construction foreman and then turned and found Tyler waiting for him. Smiling, he said, “What a day, huh?”
“It was definitely a high. It’s hard to believe things are coming together so smoothly.”
Jax had to agree. “Hopefully we’ll really break ground soon. I know today was just ceremonial, and I appreciate you being able to pull it all together so quickly. When Juliette called with the idea…”
“It’s not a problem,” Ty gently interrupted. “What are your plans? Are you flying out tonight too, or did I hear you say you were heading to Raleigh?”
Crap. It was on the tip of his tongue to come clean, but…he still had hopes of tracking Lucy down. “Yeah, Raleigh. I’ve got some interviews lined up and then I’ll fly home tomorrow night.” He paused and prayed he sounded casual. “So, uh…Lucy kind of took off without a word earlier. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, she had a patient or client or whatever the correct term is. Since this all was sort of last minute, I guess she couldn’t reschedule.”
That made sense, but it didn’t help him.
“Do you think she’s still there? I’d love to see what a pediatric physical therapy clinic looks like. You know, since I’ve never really seen one that’s fully geared that way.”
Ty looked at his watch and frowned. “Um…normally she’s there until five, so she should be. I wish I could take you, but I’ve got an appointment with the new property management company in town. Sorry.”
“No worries,” he said casually. “Do you have the address? I’ll probably pass it on my way out of town, so…”
His buddy rattled off the address before shaking his hand. “I’ll talk to you over the weekend. Safe travels!”
Jax stood where he was until Tyler was out of the pub before taking even one step. Was he really going to do this? Should he really do this? If she genuinely had appointments and that was the only reason she left, that was one thing. But if she left because she didn’t want to see him? He honestly had no idea what he’d do.
“And do I want to find out?” he murmured.
“We’re opening the place back up, Jax!” Craig Williams, the bartender and Jax’s old classmate, called out.
“That’s my cue to leave,” he said quietly. With a friendly wave, he said, “Thanks for everything, Craig! I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon!”
He stepped outside just as Tyler drove away and he walked right over to his rental car and climbed in. His luggage was in the back, and he couldn’t decide if it would be best to just head out of town or go and see the woman who was never far from his mind.
With a muttered curse, he punched the address into his phone and pulled away from the pub. If he didn’t at least try to see her, he knew he’d regret it. And as for the outcome, he’d never shied away from a challenge before, and he wasn’t about to start now. His arm in a sling was a bit of a hindrance to everything, but it couldn’t be helped. The doctors were a little more lenient about how long he needed to wear it each day, but he was playing it safe so he could get back to playing sooner.
The clinic was only a few minutes away and when he pulled into the parking lot, he had no idea if she was there because he didn’t have a clue about what kind of car she drove.
Great.
Parking, he let out a long breath and figured he needed to just go inside and see what would happen.
The clinic wasn’t overly large, but it was clean and bright—the perfect kind of inviting environment for kids. He approached the front desk and when the receptionist looked up, her eyes went wide.
“Oh my God! You’re Jax Wylder, the football player!”
Grinning, he nodded. “I am. And you are…?”
“I’m Trish. Trish Fanning! I can’t believe you’re here in our clinic!”
“Trish, I was wondering if Lucy Dawson was in. She’s a friend of mine and…”
“And she was at the groundbreaking with you this morning!” she gushed. “She took the whole day off.” Then she frowned. “Wait…she showed up for the groundbreaking, right?”
He nodded. “She did, but I didn’t get to say goodbye.” Casually leaning on the counter, he gave her a charming smile. “The last time I was in town and saw Lucy, she was just a kid living at home with her parents. I doubt that’s where she still lives, but…”