Chapter 24
Barcelona
To give Ryder and Fallon time to talk, I enter the kitchen intent on making all of us a huge breakfast. Finding some Italian sausage and Danish bacon in the refrigerator, I whip up a crustless quiche and then I squeeze a bag of oranges to make fresh orange juice.
Once those are done, I toast some bread, prepare small bowls of cut strawberries and melon, and a fresh carafe of coffee to complete the meal.
I find a rolling tray cart and pile everything on it.
Once outside on the patio, I listen for the sounds of yelling or fists hitting flesh, but all is quiet, thank goodness.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I plaster on a brilliant smile and push the cart forward
“Breakfast!” I call out.
Ryder and Fallon are where I left them, mirror images of each other as they sit back in their chairs, their legs splayed out in front of them, and grins on their faces.
Fallon turns his head my way and winks at me.
Ryder stands up and walks over to me, smacking Fallon on top of the head as he passes.
My breath goes all wispy watching Ryder come nearer, and my hands shake, causing the cart to rattle.
“Is everything okay?” I hesitantly ask.
“Couldn’t be better,” he assures me with a smile. He places his hands on mine to still my jittery nerves. “Baby, everything is good. Stop worrying.”
Yeah, that won’t happen anytime soon.
He kisses me lightly on the lips and peels my fingers from around the cart’s handle. “I heard we’re going to Venice.”
What? I shriek with happiness. “You’re coming?”
“Couldn’t keep me away,” he replies, those copper eyes of his crinkling at the corners as he sees the elation that explodes across my face.
I spin around, celebrating, and Ryder shakes his head with laughter.
“I love you! I love you! Thank you, Ryder!”
“Hop on,” he tells me, turning to give me a great view of his backside. I have to shake off the naughty thoughts that run through my mind when I realize he wants me to get on his back. I eagerly climb on and Ryder hoists me up while saying, “I’m starving, and this breakfast looks fantastic.”
He piggybacks me to the table and then I jump off and give Fallon and enthusiastic hug. “You’re the best,” I enthuse.
“Damn straight, kitten.”
Ryder goes back for the cart, and we all dig into our food but leave the carafe of coffee for Ryder. He needs it much more than we do
“I know I’ve said this about a million times, but I’m so happy you’re here,” I tell Ryder.
He slides his chair closer to mine and kisses my shoulder. “So, what was on our agenda today?” he asks, taking a bite of toast, then holding it out to me to take a bite.
Wiping breadcrumbs from my mouth, I look at Fallon to see what he wants to do, and he shrugs.
“We kind of play it by ear,” he tells Ryder. “I don’t know how tired you are or how badly you want to see Barcelona.”
“Consider me a tourist for the day.”
“Okay, then. Touristy stuff it is.
Ryder touches my hand. “Do you think you can maybe try and call Jay and Julien today?”
The smile that was on my face turns to a grim line of apprehension
“They need to hear from you, baby. We’ve all been going kind of crazy since you left.”
Part of growing up is knowing when to apologize and take responsibility for your actions, or in this case, your mistakes.
Fallon leans forward in his chair. “You don’t have to call them, kitten, if you’re not ready.”
I want to tell Fallon that I will never be ready. But avoidance was Old Elizabeth’s way, not mine.
“Ryder is right. Do you mind waiting a little while longer so I can call them?”
It’s a few minutes past five in the morning in Fallen Brook, so I know at least Julien will be up for his morning run.
I stand up and Ryder gives my hand a supportive squeeze. “Take all the time you need.
Just as I take my phone out of the front pocket of my hoodie, it rings, and I almost drop it. I’m not used to having my phone back after nearly three weeks of Fallon keeping it from me.
“Speak of the devil. Is it Jay?” Ryder asks.
I look down at the screen. “No, it’s Daniel.”
Walking over to the edge of the pool for some privacy, I press the green phone icon. “Hey, Daniel. I thought I was supposed to call you later tonight.”
“Lizzie?”
Oh. My. God! My vision tunnels for a second and I’m about knocked back on my butt when I hear her voice.
“Hailey?”