Bennett pushes through and wraps me in a hug, then pulls back and squares my shoulders, looking right into my eyes. “You light up our lives, Laney, now go light up your own. Have the most fun possible, every single second! Oh, and bring me something back!” She kisses each of my cheeks. “I love the necklace, it’s perfect.”
Ahhh, it clicks right then; I forgot the no necklace comment earlier, she knew what I was getting and knew my neck had to be bare. Little sneaks.
Next, Zach makes his move, pulling me into his big ole chest and kissing the top of my head. “He’s a good one, let him be good to you, girl.”
I still have no idea where I’m going and I’m slightly apprehensive. They’re talking like I’m leaving forever, to some island where they can’t communicate with me.
A panic attack is moving in fast; cue the comforting arms snaking around my waist from behind.
“Let’s go, Disney, I got you. Trust me?”
I instantly nod, because I do. I trust him completely, and secretly, I cannot wait to go wherever he’s taking me. I wave goodbye to as many people as I can as Dane pulls me out with one hand and my suitcase with the other. Outside the door is a different black stretch limo and a beefy man in a suit and hat opens the doors for us and takes the bag from Dane. Okay, now I’ve seen a lot of movies, but I guess I thought those were “prop limos,” I didn’t realize you could actually get a limo that looked like this on the inside. This is clearly how Dane does “limo,” no comparison to the one the rest of us rode over in.
There’s a TV, a small bar, wall-length bench seats that may be wider than my dorm bed, and a sound system. I know Dane lives in a big house, obviously his parents do well, but is he just allowed to spend it on whatever he wants?
And what about the rest of them? I feel sure the mob wouldn’t think Bennett’s flowery soul has what it takes, so I obviously haven’t fallen into a crime ring. I just can’t fathom having all this money to “play.” Dad used to take me for burgers and bowling almost every Friday when his job was good, that was our “special splurge time” together. It kicked this limo’s ass, but still...
Dane sits across from me and pours us both a glass of champagne. “Happy Birthday, Disney. I hope you had a great time and an even better time to come.”
I blush. “This may be the best day and night I’ve ever had. By far the most extraordinary birthday ever! I feel like a Princess!”
“And you have the crown, and now the necklace, to prove it.” He smiles. “You are a Princess. I’ll always see to that.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
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WHEN YOU WISH UPON A...
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Laney
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“So, where are we going?” I half fear the answer; I’ve been ready to faint all night. I don’t know how many more grand gestures I can take.
“Well, about that...” He’s making me skittish now and I think he can tell by my face. “It’s a surprise, and I really want it to stay that way, but imagine my challenge of hiding the geography outside the windows. So, I ran through my options and I’m still undecided,” he laughs. “I decided I just couldn’t secretly drug you to keep you asleep.”
Um, that’s refreshing news and he’s lucky I know he’s kidding or I’d jump out the moon roof right now.
“So I thought maybe I’d blindfold you, but it’s a long drive and you probably wouldn’t go for that. So, what do you suggest I do?” He rubs his chin and scrunches his eyebrows.
“Ok, just winging here, but how about if I just try not to look out the windows?”
“Excellent plan, Ms. Walker, you’re brilliant. So, to occupy your attention,” he says, reaching behind one of the seats and bringing out my pillow from my room and a blanket, “we offer you an in-drive movie service. So get comfy and choose.” He holds up the cases for several movies as I sort out my nest and remove my shoes and earrings.
I choose one and after he gets it ready, he removes his shoes, loosens his collar and joins me on my seat, sitting at the end of my pillow where I lay down. We aren’t even touching, but it feels intimate and oddly familiar. I shouldn’t feel this comfortable with him; it should take him as long as it’s always taken everyone else to get this close. For God’s sake, I’m heading off to who knows where with him in the middle of the night. I’ve gotten cozy in a hot tub with him. Who is this girl and why does she feel so content?
I wake to him gently stroking my hair. “Time to wake up, birthday girl.” It takes me a minute to sit up and take in my surroundings. I’m still in the limo and early daylight streams through the windows.
“How long was I asleep?”
“About five hours. You did perfect, doll, we’re here.”
“We’re where?”
“You’ll see, just close your eyes for me one more time and I’ll help you out, okay?”
Now how am I gonna get my shoes on and climb out of a limo with my eyes closed? I feel him slip on my shoes for me and somehow we maneuver our way out. Warm air hits me and it takes but a second for me to pick up the music. “It’s A Small World.” I remember him telling me that it really wasn’t. What’s he playing at?
“Open your eyes, Laney,” he whispers in my ear, taking his hands away from my eyes.