Page 70 of Unraveled

“Helen definitely brought change into our lives, eh, brother?” Dad sounded more upbeat. “Can you imagine ifwe’d stayed after things came out? Raising our children here under the scrutiny and the aftermath? Moving was best.”

“Yes,” Grandpa Christos agreed. “For all the hardships you had to suffer while here, moving was best for you both, and I will never begrudge you or your wife for my daughter moving away. Now, enough of this talk. There’s enough depressing things happening during your visit to stay focused on this.”

I stared at my book, my eyes not seeing any of the words on the pages as I worked to filter through that conversation, but then my grandmum’s voice carried out from the kitchen.

“Helen, what is it?”

“Nothing. Please, don’t worry about me.”

I glanced over, seeing Aunt Helen wipe away a tear with her sleeve as she kneaded bread, and my grandmum touched her arm in concern. “You’re crying. Do not ask me not to worry.”

Aunt Helen gave a hard swallow, and again, I went on alert when her words suddenly switched to Greek. “I just feel so bad. Stef and Dimitris missed so many years here with their mom, and Sophie with you…” She shook her head, trying not to cry. “All because of my–”

“Your nothing. The consequences of what happened were hard in many ways, but I believe everything happened just as it was supposed to. Even Nic. He was such a blessing to my Sophie and to us. If Dimitris had not had to move you all to London after the backlash, my girl may not have been blessed with all those years as his mother. Let the past go, Helen. You, Stefano, and Dimitris have made wonderful lives for yourselves after everything. Appreciate that…”

“Nic?” I jumped with the touch on my shoulder, and my eyes flew wide when I looked up.

“Dad.” I immediately stood and engulfed him in a hug. “I didn’t see you.”

“You did seem lost in thought. It’s so good to see you.” He clapped my back and then held me out, his proud gaze looking me over, but I could see the concern in his dark eyes.

Again, I would have to disappoint. Because I wasn’t certain I was much better. If at all.

“It’s good to see you, too. I missed you.” I hadn’t realized how much until now, seeing my father’s familiar steady smile.

“I’ve missed you, too. Now, should we go grab my bags?”

“What all did you pack?” I was asking a few minutes later, looking over the five large suitcases my dad and I had lugged out to the car park. I pressed the button on the fob to Aunt Helen’s keys and kicked my foot underneath to open the back hatch of the van. “You’re only staying a couple of weeks.” I grunted as I heaved the first one inside.

“True.” Dad grabbed the next one. “Butyou’renot. I figured if you’re planning on staying, I might as well take the opportunity to bring some of your things.”

I gaped. Most of this was mine? “Maybe you should wait to bring anymore until I’ve actually found my own place.”

I’d been looking, especially since Jet had been advocating for privacy with Annie some nights, but I hadn’t quitefound what I wanted yet. Not to mention I could only stay a couple more weeks, tops, while I waited on my student VISA.

I’d considered asking Jet and Tucker if they’d like to get a placetogethernext year, but I wasn’t sure if there were requirements for their housing with their scholarships. If not and they agreed, it would mean more time with Izzy as I knew she’d visit Tucker, which was a perk. I hadn’t spent enough time with her lately. With anyone, really, tucking myself away as everyone became busy. But living with Jet also guaranteed more time I’d have to spend around Annie, and she had a way of getting under my skin. Something I was already tired of dealing with now.

But just theideaof me living with Jet next year would grate on her.A slow grin formed with the thought.

“That’s good to see.”

“What?”

“You’re smiling. I’ve missed it.”

I was smiling? I supposed. If being a sardonic ass counted. “I think I may ask Jet and Tucker if they’d like to get a place together.”

Dad beamed. “I think that’s a great idea. I’m glad you’re getting to know your cousin more. It’s good that you’re opening yourself up again.”

I held back a scoff at that one. If I was opening myself up, it was only a tiny crack in a metal-shuttered window. I grunted as I lifted the next suitcase. “I’m still surprised that you’re so okay with this move. You wanted me to come visit, not to leave Europe permanently.”

“Not permanently. I’ll have you back this summer.” Dad’s face turned serious when I frowned. “Itwillbe permanent after that, though. Won’t it, son?”

“Yes,” I answered, not needing to give it a moment’s thought, though I hated the disappointment it brought my dad.

He placed a strong hand on my shoulder. “I’m okay with whatever is going to make you okay again. If this is what you need to do, then I’ll support you, but I need to know… Are you sure this is what you want? Are you sure America is worth leaving your home for?”

“I’ve given it loads of thought, Dad. I promise. Thisiswhat I want. It’s what Ineed. It’s different here, but overall, I like it, and I think it’s been good for me.”

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