Page 90 of Shine For Me

June

Istop arguing about Fox sneaking into my room our last night in Napa. Realistically, I know there’s no reason to sneak around. I’m a grown adult, and my mom doesn’t care if I have a boy in my room. It’s only my own awkwardness that kept me from parading him through the house from our first night here. And the fact that I’ve wanted to spend some time with just my mom.

But on our last night, when the vans stop at the villa to drop off the Ransomes before bringing me up to the cottage, I whisper in his ear before he can climb out of the vehicle. “My bedroom window is the second one on the right of the patio doors.”

His face lights up like Christmas just came early and I stifle a giggle so I can say goodnight to the others. We don’t have plans for the morning—our flight isn’t until noon, and after days of sightseeing and copious wine drinking, I think everyone plans on sleeping in and relaxing at the villa.

When I get back to the cottage, my mom and I curl up on the couch in the living room with a glass of wine. Our conversation has been easy since the tension of the first day, which I’m grateful for. I don’t see her enough to spend any part of our time arguing. Tonight we don’t talk about movies or Adam or anything that might cause strain. Instead I tell her about the time Fox and I spent off-set in North Carolina, going to the bookstore, making dinner at the beach house, and our experience with deep sea fishing. She tells me about a trip she’s planning to Italy next year, ostensibly to research new bottling techniques, though in reality I’m sure she’ll spend most of the time eating and drinking with her girlfriends.

When she kisses my cheek before calling it a night, I feel better about things with her than I have in a long time. She’s happy in this life. She has good friends, a beautiful place to live. She loves her work here on the vineyard. And though three of her children might have turned out to be major disappointments, I’m glad that Jude is so close.

I’m only in my room for about three seconds when a pebble pings off the window. I laugh out loud and walk over to peer into the darkness. Fox’s face is peering right back, a big, mischievous smile lighting up the night. He moves back so I can open the window. “I thought you were never going to go to bed.”

“How long have you been out there, creepy stalker?”

“Let’s just say it’s a good thing it’s a nice night, or my ass would be numb right now.”

I grab his arm to help pull him into the room, unable to stop myself from laughing when he struggles to get his leg over the windowsill. “Quiet,” he hisses. “Your mom is going to hear us.”

“My mom doesn’t care. You should just go around and come in the front door.”

“No way! This is kind of fun. I’m actually disappointed that you’re not on the second floor. When I fantasized about this I was definitely climbing up a downspout to get to you.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

He finally heaves himself up onto the window ledge then swings his legs into my room. He ends up crashing into me when he jumps from the window and we both tumble to the floor, all tangled up together. “Smooth, Ransome.”

He grins down at me where I’m sprawled underneath him. “You’re assuming this wasn’t my plan all along.”

“June?” My mother’s voice calls from the hallway, and we both freeze.

“Yeah?” I manage to croak out.

“You okay? I heard a thump.”

I try to bite back the snort of laughter that’s begging to escape and end up making a choking sound instead. Fox gives me a disapproving look. “I’m fine, Momma.”

She’s quiet in the hall for a moment. When she speaks, there’s unmistakable amusement in her voice. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” A slight pause. “Good night, Fox.”

His eyes widen and I have to slap a hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

“Uh, good night, Bethany.”

“Next time use the door, dear.” And then her footsteps move down the hallway and I burst into laughter.

“So not funny, June,” Fox mutters.

“You should have seen your face,” I gasp out. “You looked like your life was flashing before your eyes.”

“Yeah, cause the point was to not get caught by your mother!”

“Did you think she was going to come after you with a shotgun or something?”

“I don’t know, I was freaked out!” He pushes me. “Stop laughing.”

“I can’t! You were so afraid. And my mother…” I gasp, trying to catch my breath. “You’re like, twice her size. What did you think she was going to…” I’m laughing too hard to continue. “Your face!”

“Okay, that’s enough out of you.” In one smooth—and rather impressive move—he lifts me from our tangled heap on the ground and stands, carrying me over to my bed. He drops me unceremoniously, laughing when I squeal, then joins me on the mattress, stretching his body out over mine.