Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 76759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
And I love Dragonlock, and I love Emerald Phoenix.
So why would I not go?
Just because I have to watch the man I’ve been infatuated with for the last eight years of my life sing on stage with his sister, make beautiful music that speaks to my heart?
Not a problem, right?
The plane increases its speed, ready for takeoff.
I turn to Maddie and smile. “Here we go!”
“This is so exciting!”
A few moments later, we’re airborne, and about twenty minutes after that, one of the flight attendants announces that the seat belt signs have been turned off.
I’m scanning the menu when a flight attendant interrupts. “Can I get you anything to drink, ma’am?”
“Yes, I’ll have Buffalo Trace neat.”
“And for you, ma’am?” To Maddie.
“The winged sunset, please.”
Seeing Maddie so happy makes my heart sing. For a moment, I almost forget that her brother broke my heart.
Serves him right to be back there in economy with no legroom.
And with his long legs, that’s got to be torture.
Good.
Hey, Brock offered. Pride goeth before the fall, Jesse.
A few moments later, the flight attendant returns with our drinks.
I take a sip. Buffalo Trace is good stuff. Not Peach Street, for sure, but it has a subtle sweetness with notes of caramel and honey with a rich apple undertone. And I do love apples.
Maddie tentatively takes a sip of hers.
“What do you think?” I ask.
“It’s so good!” She lifts her glass. “Do you want to try it?”
“No thanks. You enjoy.”
“How’s yours?” she asks.
“It’s no Peach Street, but it does hit the spot.”
“I don’t know anything about bourbon,” Maddie says. “The only one I know is Jack Daniels.”
I take another sip. “Technically Jack Daniels isn’t bourbon. It’s Tennessee mash whiskey. But technically, Peach Street isn’t bourbon either, even though its label says otherwise. Real bourbon comes from Kentucky.”
Maddie takes another sip of her cocktail. “You Steels know a lot about alcohol.”
I shrug. “Not really. I know a little bit from my dad. The ones who really know about alcohol are Uncle Ryan and Dale, but that’s mostly limited to wine.”
Maddie nods. “You think Dale would’ve enjoyed this trip?”
“Are you kidding me?” I can’t help a laugh. “Dale would hate it. Being cooped up on a plane for eight hours? Then being in a foreign country that he doesn’t know? Dale is an outdoor homebody if there ever was one. Ashley, on the other hand, would probably love it. I’m sure she’ll drag Dale to Europe at some point.”
“At least you have Donny. It’s so amazing that all my siblings are here. We’re going to have the experience of a lifetime together, something Mom and Dad could never give us. Mom and Dad weren’t thrilled about me missing my last semester, but they realized this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us.”
Crap. Here comes the guilt.
The only reason I initially invited Maddie on this trip was to get Jesse to agree to let us come. I knew he wouldn’t be able to say no to his sister.
Now?
Jesse and I aren’t going to happen. He’s made that abundantly clear.
The only way I know how to assuage my guilt is to make sure Maddie has a wonderful time. Especially since she’s always felt so left out among the four of us. I’m going to make sure she gets a trip she’ll never forget.
“So,” she says, taking another drink, “when do you think these weddings are going to be? I can’t get anything out of Callie or Rory.”
“I haven’t really thought about it,” I say truthfully. “You think they’ll want a double wedding?”
“I don’t know. That would sure make it easier on Mom and Dad. Only paying for one wedding instead of two.”
“Oh, your parents don’t need to—” I stop. “Sorry.”
“Thank you,” Maddie says, smiling.
“No problem. Sometimes I forget to think, you know? I was born into this fortune. I didn’t ask to be, but I was, and I’m grateful. I want to spread it around, Mads. I’m glad you’re letting me help with this trip.”
“Actually…Rory and Callie talked me into that. Since they’re both engaged to Steels, and they can go first class, they wanted me to have the same experience. That’s why I took you up on the offer.”
“Whatever the reason, Maddie, I’m glad you did. I wish Jesse would have taken Brock’s offer.”
Maddie frowns. “Me too. It looks like Cage and Jake caved at the last minute.” Maddie steals a glance backward to the curtain dividing first class and coach. “Jesse’s going to be so tired when we land. There’s no way he’s going to be able to sleep in one of those uncomfortable seats with his long legs.”
“Well”—I take a drink of my bourbon—“he had his chance.”
“True. At least we’ll have two days before he has to sing. He’ll need to get over his jet lag.” She plays with the button on her seat. “I can’t believe these things actually lie flat. It won’t be like my own bed, but it’s going to be great.”