Bert
I looked over the picture of rings and chewed on my lip. I was so happy for Jess, but also sad that I wouldn’t be there to listen to her squealing. I looked over the choices carefully, trying to pick out what Jess would and wouldn’t like. I debated for a minute over a couple of settings before responding.
From: Sam Rousseau
To: "BERT"
Subject: RE: Important Question!!
Bert,
It has to be the round-cut; they have the most facets so sparkle the most. And we know how much Jess loves to sparkle!
Congrats! Really happy for you guys.
Sam
I hit the send button and sat there staring at my computer monitor. I wasn’t there, but I had still been able to help Bert. I sent a quick e-mail to Dad with pictures I had snapped with my phone. Looking through the snapshots made me realize how much of the city I had seen. Cathy was right. I needed to stop focusing on the parts that made me miserable and enjoy the good things that came with this new life.
I decided to relax the rest of the night. Chadwick was so busy he hadn’t scheduled me anything after lunch. It was like coming home and having no homework. I made use of the big tub and finished the book I had started on the plane. In fact, I was so engrossed in the book that the water chilled and I had to get out. It was the most peaceful night I had spent in Lilaria and I was grateful for it. I had needed to recharge my batteries. I felt like I had been handing out little pieces of myself to everyone I met and took pictures with. After a while I had begun to feel like a shell of the person I was and having the night off was working wonders.
I fell asleep with the e-reader on my chest and didn’t move the entire night.
Chapter Twenty-Four
America’s Duchess Finally Goes Home
—California Travel Agents’ Association
The next morning was a blur of activity. For the first time since I met Chadwick, he looked flustered. I dutifully wore the dress he had left in my closet and checked the guest room for anything I might have accidently left behind. I packed up my laptop and stuck my e-reader in my bag to carry in the car. It would be a two-hour drive—nothing too long, but not a trip around the corner.
I finished up my breakfast while looking through the local papers. Thankfully some of them were in English. Unfortunately, my picture was on the front page of most of them.
“How can they do this? They just publish whatever they want without checking facts.” I held up the one I was reading. “I’m not pining away for some lover back home.” I set that paper down and picked up the next one. “I’m also not suffering from an eating disorder. Look at this! This one says I refuse to eat and the queen is worried. This other paper has a picture of me stuffing a burger in my mouth and calls me an American slob. Which is it? Am I anorexic or a fatty?”
“Best advice you will ever receive is to not read the papers.” Chadwick opened my closet.
“This is crazy! They just post whatever will sell.” I growled and threw the papers in the trash can next to the desk. “What are you doing?”
“Making sure we haven’t left anything.” He opened the drawers of the nightstand.
“I already checked.” I shook my head. “Are you okay? You seem flustered.”
“I’m fine.” His snappy tone made my eyebrows rise. “No. I’m not. I had a fight last night with my… friend. I apologize. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“We don’t have time.” He sighed. “Are you ready? I believe I saw Alex leaving his mother’s sitting room.”
“Sure.” I pulled my coat on and grabbed my bag. “Chadwick, would you be interested in making this a permanent job? Work for me? I know you’ve been living here, so if you have a life out here and aren’t interested in moving, I get that.” I wrapped my scarf around my neck. “I really would understand, but I’ve gotten used to your brand of nagging.”
“You’re so darling. How could I resist?” Chadwick said.
“So, that’s a yes?”
“I’ve already packed.” He opened the door for me and we made our way to the main entrance.
“What if I hadn’t asked you?”
“It’s my job to be prepared for everything.” He looked down at his clipboard and a terrible thought came to me.
“That’s not why you fought with your friend is it?” He didn’t look up from his notes. “Chadwick, don’t move out there for me. I mean, I want you to move out there for me, but I don’t want you to leave something good behind.”
“I’m happy with my decision, but thank you.” He smiled at me. “Besides, I think we make a good team.”
“I think so, too.” I frowned as we walked a ways. “Maybe… maybe your friend could come with you. I wouldn’t mind, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“That’s incredibly kind of you, but that’s not an option.”
“Oh.” I hated to see my peppy assistant so despondent. “Well, if that changes, the option is open.”
“I appreciate that.” He smiled at me but still looked sad.
“So long as I don’t find you in your underwear drinking milk out of the carton in the middle of the night.”
“What if I pour it in a cup first?” Chadwick was starting to loosen up and I was relieved.
“That’s mildly better. How about we agree on at least pajama pants or a robe with the glass of milk?”