Page 96 of Loved Out Loud
“Incredible. It was the best flight I’ve ever taken,” Beverly says as she slides across the seat.
“The only flight you’ve ever taken,” Barbara says with a smile. “Have you set everything up with the owner of the bookstore?”
“Yes, Carley, the owner, has been absolutely incredible. The signing is in a separate event space down the street, so we’ll just put you in the front row of the audience while I distract her with a private shopping spree.”
“Oh, I like you.” Beverly pats me on the knee. “Spoiling our girl the way she deserves.”
“You mentioned she’s been down lately?” Barbara asks softly.
I nod. “Chicago was rough for her. Greg flew out to surprise her, I guess.” I don’t know whether or not to mention her going to see Elliot. “When she wasn’t over the moon to see him, he said some nasty things. She hasn’t opened up about it to me.”
“That little twat is such an insecure piece of shit.” Beverly looks at Barbara and points. “I always knew he was bad news for her.”
“Mom,” Barbara says with exasperation.
“No, I’m serious. I’d like to see him come around when I’m there.” She lifts her cane menacingly. “I’d shove this so far up his ass he’d be choking on it.”
I couldn’t stop the grin from forming on my face if I tried. “She’s equal parts both of you.” I look back and forth betweenthe two women who had the most influential hands in raising Hazel. “No wonder I’m so obsessed with her.”
“As you should be.”
We pull up to the hotel and wait until I get the all clear from Jade that she’s got Hazel distracted in our suite. I’d hate for the surprise to be ruined because Hazel walked out of the room for something. Adam and I handle their luggage as we escort them up to the suite I booked. It’s on the same floor as us but down a different hall and luckily there are two separate banks of elevators.
The two women are shocked speechless by the room when I usher them inside. There’s a gorgeous view of the Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts and the grounds around the incredible piece of architecture as well as a view of the World War One monument and museum.
“I didn’t realize Kansas City was this pretty,” Barbara says as she joins me at the window.
“It definitely feels like a hidden gem. I’ve heard the acoustics in the performing arts center are incredible. I’d love to get my violin out on that stage.”
“You play the violin?” She pulls her eyes from the view and up to me.
“I do. Xander, one of my bandmates, and I went to Juilliard. We each play multiple instruments.”
“What else do you play?”
“Piano, saxophone, and I’m decent with a banjo and mandolin.”
“Impressive.”
“Don’t give me too much credit. I dropped out to start a rock band.”
“Be that as it may, it doesn’t take away from your talent. Or your other impressive qualities.”
I’m not sure what she means by that. My confusion must be obvious because she continues after a beat.
“You seem to understand Hazel better than most ever have. I appreciate how much you obviously care for her.”
“It’s impossible not to. She’s an amazing person.”
“That she is.”
“Speaking of her, I should probably head back to our room. Jade will come get you when it’s time to leave for the signing. I have reservations for dinner afterwards, too.”
“That sounds great, thank you.”
As I walk down the corridor, I can’t stop thinking about how kind they were. Her grandmother’s words about Greg bring a smile to my face, too. I’m glad to know we’re on the same page about him. Not that I’m too worried.
Hazel is sitting facing the windows with her headphones on as I walk into our room. Jade looks over at me, her eyebrows raised, silently questioning if everything went well. I give her a reassuring smile and put my finger to my lips. She returns the smile and grabs her laptop, silently exiting the room.
