“No.”
“I’m so very, very sorry.”
“For what? They’re your parents. Do you still want me to come?”
She breathed long, soft, and replied, “More than you can ever imagine.”
“Oh, I can imagine a lot. Believe me. More than a lot.”
“What are we going to do?”
“Nothing’s changed. I’m still coming.”
“Tomorrow? Really?”
“If I can get a ticket. What’s the nicest hotel close to you?”
A pause, then, “The Kahala. But it’s super expensive.”
“You just said it yourself. I’m about to become super rich. Will you call them and book me a room?”
She laughed, a sound like silver bells. “For how long?”
“Tell them … through the new year.”
“Colin … that’s six weeks!”
“Call them now, okay?” He fished in his pocket. “Here’s my card number. Do you have a pen?”
Another chiming of those silver bells. “You’re serious!”
“You were the one who said we needed to celebrate. I’ll call you as soon as I’ve booked a ticket.” Now he was the one to laugh. “I hope I don’t freak out or something. I’ve never flown before.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No, Tiana. This is a season of firsts.”
“I can’t believe you’ve never been on a plane!”
“I’ve never been anywhere.”
Until now.