“Really?” Tommy says. “You don’t want a fresh start?”
“Speaking of that,” Mom says delicately. “It was suggested that we have a psychiatrist come talk to you. With everything you've been through, you seem entirely too normal. And this morning you seem exceedingly happy. Is it all just an act?”
“No, Mom. I’m happy. I’m home. With my family. With B. And I’m going to call Vanessa and RiAnne today. I owe them an explanation. And a few apologies.”
“What about Aiden? Have you talked to him?” Tommy asks.
“I’ve texted him some. I let him know what happened. He knows we’re all back together. He’s back home healing up. He said his shoulder is feeling better.”
“You seemed really close in France,” Mom says, using her gentle voice again.
“We are really close.”
“Don't you think you owe him more than just a few texts?” Tommy asks.
“Of course, I do. But he understands that I just got my life back.”
“Yes, but does he know about you and Brook?”
“He knows I promised B another chance.” I study both Mom and Tommy’s faces then ask, “Do you think I'm being selfish taking a few days for myself?”
“No, but Aiden’s in love with you,” Mom says.
Tommy adds, “I just feel bad for him. I mean, the wait. The not knowing who you've chosen has got to be killing him.”
“I didn’t expect to know right away. When Aiden and I talked about it, he said he was okay with me dating them both when I got my life back, so he’s not expecting an answer.”
“Still . . .” Mom says.
“It's just not something I want to say in a text or over the phone. I need to tell him this in person. He deserves to hear it from me that way.”
“You're right. Your life,” Tommy says. “We’ll butt out.”
“You know, for the first time in my life, I actually feel like it is my life. And I can’t wait to live it. I’m so excited Knox and I are taking over the Trinity franchise roles.”
I get a grin somewhere in size between his I-think-I’m-having-a boy-smile and the one he gets when you offer him a good glass of scotch. “That’s still supposed to be a secret. Matt’s so freaking excited, he’s already hired a writer. He’s hoping to start filming next year in the fall. Have you thought about that? What you’ll do about high school?”
“I really haven’t thought that far ahead yet. All I know is that I’m going out for Chinese with B today. I can almost taste the egg rolls. Do you want to join us?”
“We’re supposed to tour the house before we put in an offer. But we thought we’d have a few people over for drinks and to watch the sunset. Millie, Deron, Matt and Marisa, Damian. Will you be back in time? I know they want to see you.”
“I’ll make sure we are. Speaking of food, I think I’ll make some waffles and then wake the girls up.”
AIDEN
Damian calls me.
“Hey, Crash Gordon,” he says.
“Very funny.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. Hate having my arm in a stupid sling, though.”
“So could you come to Malibu today?”
“I told her I’d give her time.” I let out a sigh. “With him.”
“When did you tell her that? And why?”
“When we were in St. Croix, after he called. She said she promised him another chance. I told her I was up for the challenge, but I thought I had until August with her. I wasn’t prepared for all this. How is she? She’s been texting me some. She sounds normal, but how could she be after everything she’s been through?”
“There are a lot of reporters dying to know those answers too. So far, she and Brooklyn have refused to talk to anyone other than the reporters Keatyn made the deal with at the dance. I just spoke to her. She’s really happy to be home with her family.”
“I know. That’s the other reason I don’t want to intrude. And . . . I really don’t want to know the answer to this, but what about her and Brooklyn?”
“They’re closer than ever because of what they went through.”
“Shit,” I say.
“Dude, do you love her?”
“You know I do.”
“Then come to Malibu and ask her that question yourself. Or are you the kind of guy who will go down without a fight?”
“I promised.”
“Fine, do what you want. But I’m just gonna say there's a plane sitting on the tarmac with your name on it. Like, you know, in case you wanna come. I’m texting you her address and approving you at the guard stand. We’re going to have drinks there tonight and watch the sun set.”
“The sunset?” I say, immediately remembering the first one we watched together. On the bench in front of the library. “Okay. I'll think about it.”
“Bring your sister with you. I miss her.”
“Is that what this is really about?”
“No, it’s not what this is really about. Keatyn is my best friend. I’ve seen how she is with you. I’ve seen how she is with him. I don’t think you should give up. But it’s up to you. Take me up on my offer or don’t.”