Page 71 of Unexpected Adventures

Chapter Seventeen

“Shaun, are you ready?” I call from the kitchen, finishing my diet soda. Yeah, yeah, even those aren’t good for you, with the acid and all, but a girl’s gotta get her caffeine from time to time, and I’m really not a coffee person. I have, however, learned over the last few weeks that Shaun most certainly is a coffee person.

So I gave up my apartment. Made sense for me to give it up early, since most of my time was spent at Shaun’s place anyway. And the landlord had a waiting list for renters, so it wasn’t like I was leaving him in the lurch.

Denise made a surprise offer to bring Shaun’s car back for him once it was repaired, with Jim following in his vehicle. They made a quick turnaround, promising to revisit at the holidays.

She still had yet to inform our parents of their relationship, and I couldn’t get an answer from her as to why. I however, was ecstatic about them meeting my man.

We paid a visit to my Mom and Dad over a weekend, and although they were surprised at the intensity of our relationship, they quickly fell in love with him and were extremely happy for us. My parents live in Tiburon, just over the Golden Gate Bridge, in their home of nearly thirty-five years. The four of us enjoyed a day of hiking around Angel Island State Park, as well as checking out the local farmer’s market. We talked about upcoming holiday plans, because even though they seemed far away, they’d be here before we knew it.

Mom informed me Beckham and Claire were planning a trip home, and I was thrilled.They moved to New York four years ago and hadn’t been back since.

Later I would learn they had somedisputewith a big-time producer of a Broadway show, and he made it clear they’d be lucky to get work as theater janitors. Those two, I swear.

Shaun hustled into the kitchen, grabbing the cup of coffee I had waiting for him. Today was moving day for Sylvia and we were surprising her with that motorcycle ride. Millie had vacated her place a few days ago and was awaiting Sylvia’s arrival. After discussing our plans with her son, Richard, he was just as eager as we were to see her excitement.

At least we hope she’ll be excited.

“Thanks for the coffee, babe. I’m ready,” Shaun says.

We head outside, ready to go. I give Shaun a kiss and tell him I love him while he straddles the bike before I get into the Jeep. Oh, right, yeah, so Shaun sold his car and bought a Jeep Rubicon, saying it’d serve us better for our adventures.

And I know what you’re thinking—love him?It’s true. He actually said it to me first, the night he asked me to move in with him, and I knew it was right. Nothing feels as right as it does to be with Shaun. And I told him so. And although I wasn’tnearready to move to the next step of planning a wedding, here we are, living together, taking it day by day, week by week.

So, back to Sylvia. The plan was for me to arrive ahead of Shaun and get her and her last-minute items down to Richard’s car. And although her new home was only a few blocks away from her condo, Shaun planned a circuitous route, ensuring she’d get the most out of the ride.

I arrive at Sylvia’s and am greeted by Richard. Shaun was right about the real estate in the area. Richard’s agent already sold the condo and moving day for the buyers would be the middle of September. Richard had everything that needed taking care of wrapped up, so he was heading home to Sacramento this afternoon.

“Hello Abby, where’s Shaun?” Sylvia asks, making her way into the living room with the aid of a cane.

I walk to her, giving her a hug. “He’s downstairs,” is all I supply.

“I can get the last of your things, Mom,” Richard says, helping me with my plan.

“Oh, all right.” Sylvia takes a look around her nearly empty living room, sighing.

“No regrets?” I ask.

“None. On to the next stage,” she says with bravado. “And thank you again, Abby, for all you’ve done for me.”

“Pssh, whatever. You’re not through with me yet, young lady,” I tease.

“I should hope not,” she teases right back. “Okay, let’s go.”

With that, the three of us walk out of her condo for the last time. I am very proud of how well we ladies were holding it together, not getting all teary-eyed or mushy or anything. Because we have been known to do that from time to time.

Richard went ahead of us, placing his mom’s bag in his car. Just as she and I get to the Jeep, Shaun comes roaring up on the bike and parks it.

“What on earth?” Sylvia manages.

I can’t help but grin as we watch Shaun remove his helmet and call out a hello to Sylvia.

She walks up to him, clearly surprised and a little baffled. “What are you doing on that thing?” She eyes it up and down. “Is that yours?”

Shaun rises off the bike, sweeping his hand in front of it like a show girl on the Price is Right. “Your chariot, m’lady.” He proceeds to remove a helmet and goggles from the side car.

Sylvia looks at me, her son, then back to Shaun, unsure as to what she should do. “My chariot? What do you mean?”

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