Page 116 of That Moment
Her eyes soften, that familiar warmth threading through her voice. “He was CEO then. And much like Scotty, he was stubborn as ever. He was completely married to the business, swore he’d never leave Colorado again, jaded from love.” She laughs to herself at the memory, making me smile, imagining the two of them at my age. “We fought constantly about it. I wanted him to come with me, to take the leap. But Drake doesn’t leap. He plants.”
I smile faintly. “So what changed?”
Celeste’s lips curve. “I told him I was leaving. I thought I meant it at the time. I also thought I wanted my old life back. But what I really wanted was for him torisk somethingfor me. To show me I wasn’t the only one willing to bend.” Her gaze meetsmine. “And he did. He chased me down. Told me I was the one thing he wasn’t willing to lose.”
My throat tightens. “That sounds like a movie.”
She laughs softly. “It was messy and unnecessarily complicated, but it was worth it. But my point is, that’s what love is sometimes, Adrienne, it’s a risk. Not because it’s easy, but because it matters.” She reaches across the counter, fingers brushing mine. “I’m not saying you should make Scotty chase you through an airport. But if he’s worth what you think he is, then he’ll risk something too. The question is whetheryouwill. You’ve said a lot to me about how unsure you are about next steps, whether that’s in your career or your relationship, the main thing you need to know is what you really want.”
The lump in my throat grows thick. “After Keegan, I promised myself I’d never say yes to the wrong man, or the wrong life. I’d rather face heartbreak than compromise who I am.”
Celeste nods. “Then that promise might be exactly what saves you this time. All you can do is be honest with yourself and with Scotty about what you want, what would make you happy. If that means him following you to L.A. to pursue this job, or it means long distance, or you staying here… just give him a chance to hear it all first. Don’t make a decision for him like I did with Drake.”
I sit there, quiet, her words sinking deep. It’s not about running or staying. It’s about choosing—reallychoosing.
Celeste glances at the clock and pushes off the counter. “You’d better get going if you’re still playing hostess tonight.”
I groan, standing. “Don’t remind me. If the caterer messes up the order again, I might actually take that job in L.A. just for the peace and quiet.”
She chuckles, pulling me into a much-needed, warm hug. “You’ll figure it out, sweetheart. You always do. And for what it’sworth, Scotty’s a good man. Stubborn, but good. Just make sure you’re not expecting him to be the only one doing the bending.”
I cling a little longer than I mean to. “Thanks, Aunt Celeste.”
She squeezes my shoulders and smiles. “I’ll see you tonight at the party.”
By the time I pull into my parents’ drive a little while later, there’s already a string of cars.
Inside, the house is in chaos, which is typical for any Slade event. Brooklyn’s in the kitchen trying to wrangle the dessert trays while Amelia hums happily, filling the coolers with ice.
“Adrienne!” Milly calls from the dining room, waving a dish towel. “Please tell me you brought the extra candles. Ranger forgot.”
“On it,” I call back, dropping my bag on the counter and pulling the small box from my purse. “Also, I’m pretty sure everyone forgot that mom said no open flames near the floral arrangements.”
“Your mom isn’t the one who said that, you did, five times already,” Decker mutters.
Milly grins. “Oh, come on. What’s a party without a little fire hazard?”
Before I can answer, a familiar voice booms from the doorway. “Look what the wind blew in!”
It’s Aiden. I freeze mid-step, then spin just in time to see him stroll in, sun-kissed and grinning like he knows he’s the surprise of the night. At least there will be one surprise. Because Axel can never keep his mouth shut, of course, he leaked it to our parents that we were planning this party. Mom quickly shut down anything big, insisting that she only wanted family, and then dad chimed in, making sure not to turn it into some big, fancy event where they serve weird food on trays.
“Are youkiddingme?” I squeal, launching myself at him. He catches me easily, lifting me off my feet in a bear hug.
“Miss me, sis?”
“Like hell I did,” I say against his shoulder, laughing as I pull back to swat him. “You liar. You said you weren’t coming.”
“Ended up working out,” he says, winking. “Wouldn’t miss mom and dad’s big night.”
Before I can respond, Mom spots him from across the room and lets out a shriek that could shatter glass before running towards him. “AIDEN SLADE!” She’s already crying, her arms still wrapped tight around Aiden’s neck as if she’s afraid he’ll disappear again.
My dad just stands there smiling, eyes misty, chin quivering.
“You’re too thin,” she scolds, pulling back to pinch his cheek.
“Mom, you say that every time,” he groans. I was home just six months ago.
Dad clears his throat, fighting the emotions I know are clogging his throat. “Glad you made it, son.”
