Page 28 of The Perils of Pretending
“If you need to talk, call me. Otherwise, I’ll see you when you get back.”
Sadie’s hands linger on my sides like she doesn’t want to let go. Did our hug affect her too?
Sadie clears her throat, taking a step back. She runs her palms down the front of her shirt. “Thank you, I will. Good luck with your family. I hope you’re able to do a few fun things while you’re here. And in case I forget, happy early birthday.”
“Thank you.”
We head back to the group.
I clap my hand on Brody’s shoulder. “Have fun, man. I’ll see you later.” I turn to Michelle. “For Daphne’s sake, remind him he’s a husband and father?” When Brody turned twenty-one, we went to Jackson Hole. I planned a few hikes and river rafting. That wasn’t good enough for Brody. He made us skydive (an experience I don’t care to repeat ever again), whitewater raft, and hike the Paintbrush Divide trail. It took an entire day. I’ve never been so exhausted as I was at the end of that trip. I like adventures, but Brody takes it to the extreme.
Michelle laughs, pulling me in for a hug. “I will. Have a safe visit.”
I love her hugs. She’s Brody’s mom, but it feels like I’m getting a hug from mine. Peace seeps into my muscles, making me relax. “You too.”
I step away from Michelle and face Alice. “I hope your family time is enjoyable. Watch out for my girl, please.” That’s what a concerned boyfriend would say, right?
Alice raises one wrinkly brow. “If you’re so worried about her, why not join us when you’re done here in Anchorage?”
“Unfortunately, I have to get back to work.” Teachers and staff get the summer off, but the custodian, assistant principals, and I work all summer. I’m already using two days of vacation time.
Alice huffs. “How convenient of an excuse.”
“Come on, Alice,” Mom chides. “Max is a great man. If he could be there for Sadie, he would. Let’s leave them to say a final goodbye.”
Alice points to the ground. “They can kiss right here. I’m not stopping them.”
Kiss? My heart thumps against my chest like it’s trying to break free. No one ever said anything about a kiss. I glance at Brody, seeing his reaction. He glares at me. Message received. I minutely shake my head, reassuring Brody it won’t happen.
The white of Sadie’s eyes are as big as her irises.
Good to know us kissing freaks her out.
I look directly at Sadie as I say, “I’m not into public displays of affection.” It’s not true. I’m not too shy to hold hands, hug, or kiss in front of other people, but not while being forced to and with an actual audience.
“We already said goodbye a minute ago,” Sadie chimes in.
Alice waves our excuses away. “Posh. When you care for someone, you never part without telling them exactly how you feel and showing them through actions.”
Brody puts his arm around Alice’s shoulders. “They haven’t said I love you yet. Let’s not push them.”
I let out a relieved sigh and shoot Brody a grateful smile.
He nods in acknowledgement.
“Kids these days.” Alice shakes her head, her lips turned down. “You don’t know how to do anything properly.”
“I drank a lot of water,” Sadie says. “I’m going to hit the restroom one more time before we board. Max, will you walk with me?”
“Absolutely.” I wave goodbye to the rest of the group then pick up my backpack and follow Sadie toward the bathrooms. “Thanks for getting us out of there. I was worried your grandma wouldn’t let the kiss thing go.”
“Me too!” Sadie laughs nervously. “I had no idea she had such a strong opinion about saying goodbye to loved ones. She never makes a fuss when we leave. Then again, we never were her favorites.”
“We can make it look like we’re kissing if you want to appease her, but I like the idea of us standing our ground here. I’ll do whatever you feel is best.”
“We for sure are not kissing in a crowded airport right outside the stinky toilets.”
Phew. Not that kissing Sadie wouldn’t be welcome, because if circumstances were different, I would, but I’m grateful she agrees. I don’t need Brody punching me in the gut for taking advantage of his sister. “I don’t know why. It’s the most romantic place in the world,” I tease.
