Page 167 of Sin City Dark
Weird.
Jannie didn’t have time to dwell on it because applause and cheers erupted from the crowd now gathered outside around the 2024.
Grandma’s gaze shifted to Adam, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Dad, however, still focused on Jannie. “Why didn’t you—”
“Oh! I think he’s about to speak again,” Grandma exclaimed, cutting Dad off and giving him a nudge and stern look for good measure.
Thank God. Jannie’s shoulders relaxed. Not the first time Grandmahad gotten her out of a situation with her father.
They all headed out of the hangar, and Jannie felt Nick’s hand, warm and reassuring on her lower back.
Adam stood in front of the 2024’s stairs, his gaze moving from Dad to Grandma, a slow smile spreading across his face as they drew near.
“Everyone, please meet my grandmother, Solveig Larssen. Her name means ‘strong house’ in Norwegian, which suits her perfectly, as she is the strength and stability of the Larssen family.”
He waited until Bestemor closed the distance to affectionately place a hand on his forearm. “My grandmother has always wanted to visit London. A long time ago, she scheduled a trip for herself and my grandfather, Sven, but those plans were canceled when he suddenly fell ill. She spent a year selflessly caring for him. After we lost him, she lost interest in the trip and only traveled to attend family gatherings.”
A look passed between Adam and Grandma, and Jannie wondered what was up.
“Until today,” Adam continued. “You see, today, she will be the first passenger to board the LarsAir 2024 for its inaugural nonstop flight to London.” He bent down to kiss her wrinkled cheek. “Happy birthday, Bestemor.”
No way.
Jannie’s jaw dropped. Her grandmother was flying in a supersonic plane to London? Apparently, this was no surprise to her because she grinned, looking girlish for a moment as she blew a kiss to the enthusiastic crowd. She hugged a stunned Dad and Erik and said something to Adam, making him nod and laugh. Then she carefully took the stairs, taking her time to climb to the top where Jonathan stood, looking cool as all get out in his blue flight suit and mirrored Ray-Bans, his hand outstretched to help her up.
Like a celebrity, she waved to the crowd, then to her wide-eyed family before disappearing inside.
Still reeling, Jannie looked at Adam. “No one knew about this.”
A sly smile. “I did.”
“How did you manage to convince her?”
“I didn’t. She asked to go. It’s what she wanted for her birthday.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“I’m serious.”
“Who else is going?”
“Why? Do you want to go? I can put you on the passenger manifest right now. I have one empty seat.”
“I wish. I can’t, but I want to know who to envy.”
Adam slanted her anOh, come on,look. “You don’t have an envious bone in your body. All the team leaders are going. And I am, of course. I’m hosting.” His gaze moved from the handlers busy loading luggage to scan the family members’ faces. “Any takers?”
Jannie slanted a glance at Nick. He would have gone up in a heartbeat, she knew, were it not for her.
“Loading complete, sir!” a handler called.
Adam straightened. “Well, this is it. Wish me luck.”
Dad gave him a one-armed slap-hug. “Good luck happens to people who work hard for it.”
His favorite saying had proved true again.
