Page 8 of Lily

6

Devin

The next couple of months fly by, and I decide it’s time to let Lily know that my family is covering our travel expenses. I had overheard her conversation with Riley, but I didn’t think it was polite to bring it up since she never brought it up to me. Of course, when I mentioned to my mum that I wasn’t sure Riley would be able to purchase a ticket, mum immediately insisted on paying for it and wouldn’t hear anything else about it. I just hope Lily will be okay with it. I tousle my hair with a bit of wax and grab my coat on my way out the door. We are having dinner at Vinnie’s tonight.

Lily looks lovely in black leggings and an oversized sweater. Her hair is arranged in a casual bun on top of her head, and it shows off the graceful sweep of her neck. Once we are seated and place our orders – eggplant parm for me and carbonara for her – I decide to take the plunge and let her know what’s happening with the holiday.

“I spoke with my mum the other day. She can’t wait for us to come to London.” I see Lily’s face pinch a bit. So sheisstressing about it. “She’s insisted on paying for our airfare.” Lily’s eyes spring wide.

“Oh, no. I couldn’t ask her to do that. It’s too much.”

“It’s fine, love, really. She wants to.”

“Devin. Do you have any idea how expensive those tickets are? I couldn’t accept something like that from your mother.”

“I know they’re a little pricey, darling. But mum’s put her foot down. And besides, my sister works for the airline and gets us discounts. Mum will feel far more put out if you refuse and can’t join me on holiday.”

She sucks her lower lip into her mouth and bites down on it. This is a nervous habit I’ve noticed over the last few months.

“I don’t want to upset her, babe, but I feel really uneasy accepting something so extravagant.”

“I want you there with me. And my family is dying to meet you. Please? For me?”

Lily sighs and folds her hands together on the tabletop, brow furrowed in thought.

“Alright,” she says slowly. “But I insist on helping out or something to make up for it.” I think about the family estate and what she could possibly help with; best not to overthink it now.

“I’m sure mum would love your help to prepare for Christmas.”

“Okay, then. It’s settled!” she chirps, looking much more cheerful.

“Everything is being arranged. All you’ll have to do is enter your passport and ID information when you get the airline’s email. You’ll also be able to choose your return date if you don’t want to stay for the entire break. I know that Abby is due to deliver her baby, and I wouldn’t dream of keeping you from your family for that.”

“We should be fine. The baby isn’t due until after the New Year, so as long as we are back before then, we are in the clear.” I was planning to come back a couple of days after Christmas, so that will work out well.

“That’s perfect. We can come back a couple of days after Christmas. Will your family be upset if you aren’t here for it?”

“No. Mom decided to treat herself to a vacation this year, and all of us are doing things with our boyfriend and husbands.”

With that settled and arrangements made, all that’s left is do pack, because in two weeks we will be in London.

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