Page 103 of On the Slopes of Tahoe
“Keep my brother in line, and keep an eye on these two for me,” I say back to her.
“I’ll do my best,” she says with a wry grin.
“I love you both. Gah—I’m going to miss you. Thank you for this trip. Thank you for everything.” I’m nearly crying now and I really wanted to hold it together.
“Love you too, sis,” Wes says. He and Joss step back to give me a moment with Breck and Willow.
Breck holds my face between his hands, his forehead pressing against mine. “I love you. Thank you for being brave and coming for us.”
I choke on the sob that wants to break free at his words. “I-I love you too. Both of you.”
“We’ll see you in two months. It’ll fly by, and you have your shoot forSacramento Weddingsnext week. You’ll barely notice our absence.”
“Are you saying that for me and Willow or for yourself?” I chide him with a watery chuckle.
He nudges me playfully, and I absorb his light, his smile, his positivity. “Fly safe, and let me know when you land in Los Angeles and when you get home. You’ve checked with Jamie about picking you up?”
I nod. “Everything will be fine.”
“I know it will.” He kisses me then, sliding one hand into my hair while the other wipes away a tear on my cheek. I step back and Breck has to peel Willow’s lanky arms from around my waist.
I drop down to my haunches and take a deep breath. “I’ll see you soon, okay?” She nods, and the look in her eyes breaks my heart. “Will you take good care of your dad for me?” She nods again. “I knew you would.” I lean forward and kiss her forehead.
She leans in to whisper in my ear, the same words from when we said goodbye in Reno. “We love you, Rory.”
And I whisper back into hers the same words I said last time: “I love you both too.”
An hour later, I’m sitting at the gate waiting for my flight when my phone rings. Jamie’s name flashes on the screen. Shoot, I forgot to call him.
“Hey you. I’m sitting at my gate. Still good to pick me up in about a day?” I chuckle, but he doesn’t immediately respond. “Jamie?”
“I’m here.” His voice sounds strained, distant.
“Okay, good… I thought I lost you. So, are we good for tomorrow?”
“That’s actually why I’m calling. I’m at the airport.”
“A little early there, Jameson?” I hike my bag up my shoulder and press the phone closer to my ear.
“I’m at the airport because I’m getting on a plane.” I can imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose under his glasses, and I pause my movements.Something’s wrong.
“What? Why? To where?” I ask in quick succession.
“Scotland. My grandfather is sick.”
“Oh my gosh, Jamie. I’m so sorry. I—is he going to be okay?”
“It doesn’t sound like it. I can’t not go. It’s been too long since I was there.” There’s guilt in his voice. He blows out a breath. “I can’t pick you up tomorrow.”
“I’ll figure something out.” That’s the last thing on my mind.
“I’ve got you covered. I parked my car in the garage at the airport. I’ll text you the location. The keys are in the center console. You know the code to get in so you should be all set to drive it home.” He’s all business now, and without being able to see him, I can’t pick up on his emotions.
“Are you alright?”
“I don’t know. I just… I need to be there. I coordinated with Patrick and he can cover all the elopements I was supposed to do for the next month. I don’t really know how long I’ll be gone yet. I’m sorry I’m going to miss the one for the magazine.”
“It’s okay, Jamie. We’ll figure it out.”
