Page 142 of Keep Me Never
I tip my head at him, not really following but excited that he’s excited. “You always have to take a simple moment and turn it into something bigger, don’t you? A life lesson of sorts.”
His chuckle is light as he drops his gaze to his lap. “Yeah, I’m guilty of that. I didn’t know your dad, and I just want to make sure we appreciate the importance of having the people who were there when it counts, the people who stand by you, do what’s best for you even when that’s hard.”
For a moment, I wonder if he’s been hurt before, if that’s where this is coming from, but I guess that answer is simple enough. My mother wasn’t exactly a loyal daughter, all things considered.
I think of my friends, my new family. Of Chase.
I think he can see my thoughts in my smile, as he moves to take in my expression fully.
The flight attendant—if that’s what you call them on a fancy private jet—steps up with an already-opened bottle of champagne and offers me a glass. For a moment, I almost decline, but I decide against it. This might be a little fancier, a lot fancier, than my life, but I’m going to enjoy every moment of this vacation and everything that it offers. So I reach out and wrap my hands around the stem with a soft thanks.
I take a small drink, letting the bubbles tickle along my tongue, and sigh to myself.
“You seem to be in quite high spirits,” my grandfather says, his voice light but observant.
When I look over, I grin. “Of course I am. Look where we are!” I chuckle, stretching my hands out toward the windows exaggeratedly.
He nods slightly, a softness in this expression, but there’s also an undertone I can’t quite read. His eyes stay on me a moment longer than I expect, and I almost start to worry, but then his lips curve up. “Good. Because we’re going to have a great time, you and me. No matter what.”
The bit of tension that started to slip in leaves me instantly and I settle back in my seat.
I cannot wait!
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Paige
Three Weeks Later
The minute the car stops, I’m bolting out the door, not bothering to wait for the driver to open it for me, something my grandfather continues to laugh about. The second I’m out, I look up at my dorm and then the sky, sighing with a smile. It feels so good to be home.
Someone squeals, and I’d recognize the sound anywhere, my head snapping to the left and there they are. Payton, Ari, and Cameron are all running toward me, arms wide, and before I can even react, they’re tackling me into a group hug. We all spill into the grass, falling over and laughing hard.
“Hey, hey, watch out for the precious cargo!” Cam teases, as she pushes herself off me.
I pull back onto my knees, my eyes instantly going to Ari. “Holy crap!”
Ari beams, turning to the side to give a little pose.
I’m scooting forward instantly, my eyes snapping up to her. “Can I?”
She nods, her eyes a little watery.
“This is crazy! I can’t believe you’re showing. There was nothing here when I left!”
Ari gives a little scoff, laughing as her hand falls to her round belly. “Ohh, there was something there. But it was finally gettingcold, and the hoodies were doing their job, so it was easier to hide.”
I laugh, wiping my eyes, realizing I might cry if I keep looking at her. “I wish I was there at Christmas, so I could have seen your mom’s and dad’s faces when you told them. God, I can’t even imagine Noah’s reaction when you guys first found out.”
“Yeah it was…” She breaks off, blinks rapidly, fanning her face with her hands as she tries to keep from tearing up, and choked laughs ring through all of us.
“I still need to call and congratulate him. I wanted to as soon as you texted the video of the cute little jerseys you made your parents, but the time zones are so messed up.”
“He’ll be happy to hear from you, but enough about me. You just got back from the vacation of all vacations!”
“Oh my god, yes!” Payton grabs my arm shaking me with excitement. “You have to tell us everything!”
“So many details. So many cool things, you guys. We have to go back at least once in our lives.”
