Page 54 of Pieces of Us

‘Maybe I need a break. Please, pretty please, let me come and see you.’ His puppy dog eyes get me. ‘I need to go down under again,’ he winks, insinuating we release a little tension when he’s here.

Ignoring how delectable that sounds, I give in. ‘Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.’ Relenting, I throw myself back on the bed.

‘This should be fun,’ Rome chuckles.

‘I’ll get my agent to set some charity appearances up and do some appearances for my new Nike apparel coming out.’

I don’t want to burst his bubble, but the NFL isn’t a big deal here, and he won’t be as recognised as he is in other parts of the world.

‘I’m sure you can squeeze a few things in.’ Having all of my people in the same city should be wild. ‘Oh, can you make it for Dad’s birthday?’ I pop my head back on the camera.

‘When is it?’ He takes his phone out to look at setting up plans. His fingers are typing rapidly.

‘A week from today. Plans are to be determined, but depending on how long you plan to stay here for, I’ll take you to Infinity. And let’s do a quick trip to Hamilton or Haymen.’

‘Pfft.’ Lily kicks my leg.

‘What?’

‘“Let’s just spend tens of thousands of dollars on a weekend away.” You both really do live the lifestyles of the rich and famous,’ Rome snorts.

I forget how abnormal it is to suggest something so spontaneous. The truth is, Jagger and I do fun shit like this all the time. He has this marble globe that we spin when we’re drunk, and that’s how we decide on our next impromptu destination. A few months ago, we ended up in Andorra, a tiny country between Spain and France, which took two whole days to get to. We took to the slopes during the day and warmed ourselves with vodka at night while we partied the night away. Jag always has a way of making me feel invincible, like every moment is meant to be lived to the fullest.

‘You bet your sweet ass we do. And you’re both coming with. Rome, my bro, I need a wingman.’ Jag’s infectious hooting and hollering is getting us all pumped up.

‘Fuck yeah.’ Rome slaps his hands on his thighs.

‘I’m in.’ Lily smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. ‘If I can get off work. I’ve been doing extra to accommodate your dad and his recovery.’ Lily reminds me of what a godsend she’s been with Dad’s leg.

Hearing the commotion coming from inside these walls, a knock bangs on the door. It can only be one person.

‘Come in, Dad,’ I shout.

‘What’s all the racket?’ He limps on crutches towards us.’ Lily gets up and goes to help him sit on the edge of the bed.

‘Jagger is coming to visit next week, and then we’re going to go away for a few days.’ I fill him in on our plans.

‘All of you?’ Dad queries, looking at each of us, his eyes stopping on Lily.

‘Um, well, yeah, if I can get time off…and you don’t need me?’

Dad doesn’t say anything. I’m bothered by how tense and terse he’s being. He’s never stopped me from doing anything in my life before. Why now?

‘It’s fine. Go. Be young. Have fun. Do whatever you kids do these days,’ he brushes off his attitude.

Excited, I quickly run through the logistics, wondering what else we could get up to while Jagger is here.

‘Are you staying in a hotel?’ Dad asks him.

‘Haven’t even thought about it. I literally just decided, sir.’ Fuck, I love how American-preppy he is. He just called Dad, sir, which has Rome bent over in a fit of laughter.

‘It’s Mark, son.’ Dad grins. ‘And if you don’t stay at the most expensive penthouse, you’re welcome to stay here with us. Plenty of room,’ he offers.

‘I’d like that, Mark. I want to spend as much time with Amity as I can before we both head into pretty gruelling routines.’

‘Then it’s done.’ I clap. ‘Dad, can you let me know what you want to do for your birthday?’

‘Will do, princess.’ He grimaces as he shifts on the bed. ‘Lily, would you help me with some stretches and my pain meds?’ he asks. She shoots up off the bed and springs into action.

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