Page 70 of Protect My Heart
‘Yes, but it was supposed to be tomorrow, the 16th.’
‘Honey, today is the 16th.’
‘It is?’ I quickly check the calendar on my phone. ‘Shit. I mean, I guess I got the days mixed up. So where are you right now?’
‘On our way to Haydon Falls. After we left the airport in Madison, we went to your apartment but you weren’t there. That nice neighbor lady of yours heard us knocking and came out and told us you were in Haydon Falls this weekend. It’s so sweet of you to surprise us like this! Your father and I are thrilled you decided to join us on our little getaway! It’s been so long since we had a family vacation.’
‘Wait. Mom, I wasn’t planning to—’
‘Are you staying at the same hotel as us? That cute little historic one near the downtown?’
‘Um, Mom, could we talk later? I just got up and really have to use the bathroom.’
‘Of course! So should we meet somewhere, or what would you like to do?’
‘We’ll meet somewhere. A restaurant. I’ll text you the name.’
‘Sounds good! Can’t wait to see you!’ She ends the call.
What am I going to do? They’re on their way here. They think I’m spending the week with them. In Haydon Falls!
‘Mia?’ Jason knocks on the door. ‘Are you up?’
‘Yes! Just a minute.’ I race to the door and open it.
‘Good morning.’ He smiles. ‘I assumed you were up. I heard you talking.’
‘I was on the phone.’ I race over to my suitcase and pull out some clothes.
‘What’s going on?’ Jason asks, coming into the room. ‘You’re leaving already? I thought we’d go to breakfast.’
‘I can’t. I mean, not with you.’
‘What do you mean?’
I toss the clothes I was holding on the bed. ‘Where’s my phone? I just had it.’
‘You just threw it on the bed.’
I look down and see it on top of my clothes. ‘Oh.’ I pick it up, along with the clothes. ‘I need to go shower.’ I walk past him, then stop. ‘Hey, how much is that historic hotel you told me about? The one near downtown?’
‘I don’t know. A couple hundred a night?’
‘Wow, that’s a lot.’
‘Why are you asking about the hotel?’
‘No reason.’ I leave his room.
‘Mia, wait.’ Jason catches me before I go into the bathroom. ‘What’s going on?’
‘My parents are coming.’
‘Yeah, you told me. But why are you in such a hurry?’
‘Because they’re coming here now. They’re on their way. They’ll be here in less than an hour.’
‘You said they were coming tomorrow.’
