Page 9 of Lily

7

Lily

The day is finally here!

We board the plane to London, and I am beyond excited. We are directed to the second floor of the aircraft – I’veneverseen a two-story plane before! The upper level has six seats that are more like private pods. We have televisions and plugs for our laptops, a bag of toiletries, and a chair that folds flat into a bed. It’s totally not what I was expecting at all.

“This is insane.” I reach into the complimentary toiletry bag and start pulling things out. “Babe, they gave me fuzzy socksandslippersandan eye mask. How did I not know this kind of service existed?” Devin chuckles and leans over the divider to plant a kiss on my lips.

“At the bottom of the staircase is a little snack nook where you can drop in for a drink or something to eat anytime during the flight. You should have a menu over there for meals too. Since we are doing an overnight, we’ll get dinner and then breakfast in the morn. Probably a mid-morning snack as well, though that only happens occasionally.”

“Do you always fly like this? I was looking at coach seats, Devin. I didn’t even know what the hell business class was until now.”

“For this long of a flight, coach is miserable. It’s worth the extra money to show up refreshed and with your back intact.”

I roll my eyes at his dramatics. Coach can’t be all that bad, but I’m certainly not complaining that I get to be here. We settle in, and I recline in my seat-bed and scroll through the available movies. They have everything, even some that are still in theaters. I’m so distracted that I don’t even notice take off.

The rest of the flight goes smoothly. We have delicious free meals, and I sneak down to the snack cart a couple of times before we nod off. I end up sleeping through most of the flight, and I wake to the sun’s amber glow as far as I can see. I glance over to Devin, and he’s sat up with his nose in a book. I wonder how long he’s been up. I’ll ask him, but first I need the bathroom. I grab my toiletry bag and walk around my pod, dropping a kiss on the top of Devin’s head on my way, and head back to perform a simplified version of my usual morning ritual.

We have a hearty breakfast for airplane food, complete with scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, a scone, and some yogurt, and before I know it, we are landing. I can’t help but bounce in my seat as the city comes into view, and when the wheels touch down, I clap my hands once and grin over at Devin. He grins back, and when we are able, we grab our carry-on bags and head off the plane.

I’m more than a little confused when a private chauffeur picks us up instead of his parents. Once we clear the busy roads around the airport, Devin turns to me with a serious look on his face.

“I have to be honest with you about something,” he begins and takes my hand. I feel my stomach knot with nerves. What could he possibly have to tell me? And right before I meet his family.

“My family is quite… Well off. I just don’t want you to be surprised or nervous when we get to the estate.”

“Estate?” I squeak. Considering his apartment and the kind of car he drives, I knew he had money, but an estate in an expensive city like London? I mean, I suppose I’m not as surprised as I could be, but I’m not prepared for just how wealthy the family is.

“Yeah, it’s been in the family for generations. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. It’s not something I like to bring up.”

“No, it’s okay. Thanks for the heads up, though, babe.” I squeeze his hand and watch the scenery for the rest of the drive.

When we arrive at Devin’s family home, I can’t help but stare up at it in awe. It’s a beautiful two-story home set on sprawling grounds with lush green grass and hedges bordering the property. I would have never expected to see such a large house in London. I always thought it was filled with townhomes and apartments for such a populated place, like New York or San Francisco. The car pulls up to the house, and the driver opens the door for us, then moves to grab our luggage. But then he follows us inside the house, and I’m confused. Isn’t he a hired car? Like a taxi?

Sir, your parents will be with you shortly. Tea is being served in the lounge. Please go and rest while I put your things away.”

“Thank you, Sebastian.” Once he leaves to take our things upstairs, I turn on Devin.

“Is that man on staff in the house?”

“Ah, yes. Sebastian has been around since I was a child. We have a couple more people on staff here as well.”

I follow Devin into the lounge, and we help ourselves to the teas and snacks that have been laid out. There’s a beautiful Christmas tree set up, and all around the room are plush leather couches and chairs and beautiful artwork. But what draws my eye the most is the enormous fireplace. It’s almost tall enough that I could walk inside of it without stooping down. It reminds me of the giant hearths in theHarry Potterfilms, and it’s decorated in garland and baubles and just radiates Christmas joy.

When Devin’s parents come in, I’m immediately scooped up into his mother’s arms. She’s a woman of average height, with a slim build and shiny blonde hair twisted on top of her head. His father is also towheaded, and while he’s quite tall, he is also on the burlier side. He’s thick with muscle, but he also has a rounded middle.

“Hello, my dear. It’s such a pleasure to meet you! Oh, Devin, she’s absolutely radiant!” his mother gushes. “My name is Evelyn, and this is my husband, John.” She waves a hand in his direction. “Devin! My darling, how are you?” She pulls Devin into a tight hug and then kisses his cheek before holding him at arm’s length.

“Have you been taking care of yourself?” she continues. “You look thin. Have you been eating properly?”

“Yes, mum.” Devin laughs. His father holds out his hand, and Devin shakes it before the older man pulls him into a hug.

“Good to see you, lad. We’ve missed you.” John then turns to me. “And what an honor to meet your lovely young lady.” He takes my hand and gives it a gentle shake. “Welcome to our home, Lily.”

“Thank you, sir. It’s lovely to meet you both.”

“She’s an angel, darling,” gushes his mother. “Don’t you let her get away.”

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