Read Online Ties that Bind (Sunshine & Shadow Book 3) by Alie Williamson - Free Book Online Page B

“Can’t you wait an hour? Your dad and Kip will be
home soon.”
         Trying to stop her eyes from filling with tears
at the mention of his name, April shook her head. “I have to go now. There’s a bus
leaving in one hour and I can’t miss it. I’ll barely make my flight as it is.”
         She grabbed her cell phone off of the dining
table and rushed past Adam, hurrying him along with a stern look. She jumped
into the passenger seat of Adam’s truck after heaving her suitcase into the
back and slammed the door.
         As they pulled out of the driveway, the truck was
silent. April’s mind was spinning, her cell phone clutched in her hand. She
didn’t know what she could say to Kip to make it all okay. He would think she
was leaving to be with Lex. He would feel betrayed.
         She shoved the phone in her pocket and listened
to the radio as they drove to town. Watching the trees rush past, she tried to
memorize the sights of the fields and forests. She didn’t know when she would
be back.
         As they pulled into the Greyhound station in 100
Mile House, April thanked Adam.
         He looked defeated.
         “What?” April asked.
         “What do I say to your mom and dad?”
         “I left them a note. You don’t need to say
anything.”
         Adam raised his eyebrow.
         “I’ll call them when I get there, okay?”
         “What about…Kip?”
         April’s stomach lurched. “I’ll call him…when I’m
on the bus.”
         “He’s gonna kick my ass for helping you leave…Bye,
April.”
         “He’ll be fine. Bye.” She slammed the truck door
and hurried inside the bus station, settling into one of the plastic chairs for
a short wait until the bus arrived. Her phone vibrated.
         “Hello?” she answered after a moment.
         “Hey, baby.”
         “Kip…”
         April’s heart broke in two at the sound of his
voice. Tears welled in her eyes.
         “I just wanted to let you know we’re running
late. We’ll probably just grab something to eat here. I’ll see you when we get
home tonight.” Kips voice was crackly; bad reception.
         The tears in her eyes overflowed, and ran down
her face, sliding over her lips and tainting them with salt.
         “Kip, I…I won’t be there.” Her voice was shaky.
         “Why not?”
         April bit her lip.
         “April?”
         She inhaled, her breath shaking too. “I’m on my way
to L.A.”
         “You’re…what? Why?”
         “I’m on my way to L.A,” she repeated.
         “Why? What are you doing?”
         “I have to. Campbell called. If I don’t go, he’s
gonna get lawyers involved because I’ve breached the contract.” Her lower lip
trembled so hard she had to bite into it to keep it still, feeling the blood
hit her tongue as her teeth punctured the soft flesh. Her entire body felt
cold.
         “You’re leaving me?” His voice was quiet,
distant. “Again?”
         April began to cry.
         “What’s the real reason, April? Why are you
going?”
         “I just told you. Campbell’s making me.”
         “Bullshit. April, that’s bullshit! I know it’s
for him! I know you love him; I’m not an idiot. But…I could have…changed your
mind. You can’t leave like this! We need to talk! I need you…”
         “I already at the Greyhound station, Kip. I’m not
going back.” Her voice was thick with sudden exhaustion and pain.
         “You ... you didn’t even give me the chance to
say goodbye?” Kip’s voice was angry.
         “Kip. I’m so sorry. Please, believe me; I’m not
doing this because of Lex. But I have to go now. I wish I didn’t.”
         “Don’t do this, April! Don’t do this to me…”
         “…I’m so sorry…” April choked out, her throat
closing around each word, struggling to force each syllable past the sobs.