Page 52 of Stay
“We love you…and we’re missing you. When are you coming to visit?” Dad asks.
“I’m not sure. It’s been busy so far, but hopefully I’ll get there soon.” I hug my mom next. “Where’s Olivia?”
“She had to leave. Early morning tomorrow. Big day at court,” Mom says proudly. “You’re still planning on going to the Super Bowl, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” I say, grinning at her.
Weston’s eyes meet mine across the field and he smiles, pounding his fist over his chest. I do it back and almost cry all over again.
“All right. I better go. Love you,” I say, squeezing my dad’s hand again.
“Love you, honey.” His brows pucker. “It’s really something seeing Judge Landmark at two of the games. I wouldn’t have thought he’d be out socializing so much.”
“He’s a normal guy, Dad.”
He nods. “You’re right. Is—are you riding back with him?” He’s looking at Sutton over my shoulder.
Sutton’s paranoia has me nervous and wanting to paint him in a good light, despite how much I disagree with him. So again, I evade the truth. I’m getting too good at this.
“I came with his brother and sister and their partners, so I better make sure I don’t get left behind.”
“All right, honey.” My dad puts his arm around my mom’s shoulders and watches as I walk toward Sutton.
Scarlett’s not far from him, so I’m hoping my parents will think we’re all leaving together.
“I’ve said all my goodbyes,” I tell Sutton.
He nods and lifts off of the wall he’s leaning against.
“Everyone want to head out together?” I ask hopefully.
“That’s a good idea,” Scarlett says. “You probably know your way around here much better than we do.”
So everything works as planned. I don’t have to talk to Sutton yet. My parents see us leave as a group.
Until we separate in the parking lot and I’m with Sutton and Owen, whose energy is quickly winding down. The tension amps up, and I don’t know how I’ll survive the hour and a half back to Landmark Mountain. When we reach the car, Sutton opens my door and Owen’s, waiting as we both get in. As he walks around the car, I put my seat belt on, hands trembling as I click it into place. I lean my head back against the seat and look out the window.
And then I hear someone talking and look out Sutton’s side to see who he’s talking to.
Olivia.
Dammit.
She bends down and peers into the window, giving me a knowing look.
Sutton opens his door and Olivia grins.
“Well, this is cozy,” she says under her breath.
I ignore her and look back at Owen. He’s looking at Olivia with curiosity.
“This is my sister Olivia,” I tell him. “Olivia, this is Owen, Sutton’s son.”
Her eyebrows rise when I say Sutton’s name and I realize my mistake too late.
“Nice to meet you, Owen,” she says.
“You too. Are you the oldest?” he asks.