Page 26 of Just a Holiday Hangout

“Paulo,” Francisca called after him.

Turning toward Arlo, she grabbed his hand. Her eyes were filled with tears. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Then, pivoted on her heel. A moment later, the door clicked shut.

Ada looked at Arlo and shook her head. Then she strode to her room.

“Ada wait,” he called, but she kept going.

Chapter 11

Ada - 4 Days Until New Year’s Eve

ThenextmorningAdaand Brooklyn sat out on the balcony overlooking the ocean. They were sipping homemade Shirley Temples and staring at the gorgeous view.

“Hey bestie,” Ada said, looking over at Brooklyn with a smirk. “How come you didn’t tell me your family is royalty?”

“I just found out about all this a couple days ago. Arlo swore me to secrecy.”

“Wait, you didn’t know?”

Brooklyn shook her head. “Arlo and I FaceTimed my parents the day you agreed to come with us to Brazil. They said they hadn’t told me yet because they wanted me to have anormal childhoodor something like that. That’s why my mom and Arlo left when they turned eighteen. They wanted to benormal.”

“So, why now? Why did they decide to tell you now?”

Brooklyn shrugged. “My mom said she didn’t really know how. They thought this trip could be a good opportunity… I mean, my grandparents come to visit once a year, but we’ve never come here. I guess my mom made them promise that they’d never speak about their titles. She said, ‘royalty comes with a price.’”

Ada pulled her knees to her chest. As a grown woman she was in shock and it wasn’t even her family. She couldn’t imagine having the “Oh, your grandma and grandpa are actually a king and queen of an island” bombshell dropped on you as a nine-year-old. “That’s a lot to process. How are you doing?”

Brooklyn shrugged. “It’s pretty cool, but it doesn’t really change much. To me, they’re just my grandparents.”

Ada wondered how the monarch worked.If Arlo is a prince… that makes Brooklyn a princess in line too, right? But, maybe her parents haven’t explained all that yet.Ada wasn’t about to be the one to wade into those waters.

“Yeah, that’s a good way to look at it. But if you do want to talk about it more, I’m here, okay?”

Brooklyn shook her head and stood. “Okay. I’m gonna FaceTime my friend Layla. She got a new cat. She’s convinced that he’s actually a rabbit stuck in a cat’s body.”

“Oh… that’s… interesting. Have fun!” Ada smiled to herself.I didn’t realize that kids are so random, but also… they see life in such a simple, uncluttered way. I envy that.Ada gazed out at the waves gently moving back and forth upon the sand.I have no idea what to think… about anything. After all, I’m supposedly engaged to a prince?A giggle escaped and she cupped her hand over her mouth to stifle it.Mom and grandma would never believe it.

Maggie’s voice chimed in her head,“This is so exciting! You’re basically living out a Cinderella story!”

Ada smiled thinking about Maggie. She really needed to call her. She’d sent a few pictures and basic texts, but not a full update because she didn’t know how to even begin to explain the trip so far.

A knock on the sliding glass door leading to her balcony startled her. She turned to find Arlo opening it. He leaned against the door frame.

“Hi,” he said softly.

“Hi back.”

“Can I… sit for a second?”

“Wait.” Ada sat up straight. “Do I need to stand and bow, or what is the appropriate greeting for royalty?”

“It’s actually a curtsy and a dance.” Arlo winked.

“Yeah, that’s not happening.” Ada motioned for Arlo to take the empty chair next to her.

He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees looking out at the seascape. “I’m sure you have a lot of questions. And, rightly so. I actually have to get going right now though. I have meetings with Luiz most of the day to discuss the New Year’s Eve set up. I was thinking you might want to take Brooklyn to the beach today?”

“Yeah, that sounds fun. I’m excited to get in the water.” Ada was mesmerized by the teal sea in front of her.

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