Page 34 of Consumed By Fire

"Blaire, I have to pick up my parents at the airport. Can you manage the guests' arrival?"

"Yes, don't worry. Only two couples are arriving this afternoon. It’s no problem,” she says and I hug her.

I grab my cell phone and car keys, then send a message to Dylan.

Me: I'm on my way to pick up Dad and Annais at the airport. I miss you.

I know that he can reply only during his break time. I hope he misses me as much as I miss him.

I’m taking the exit toward the airport when my cell phone rings. Dylan's father is calling.

"Good evening, Mr. Cooper."

"You make me feel old, Charlotte. I told you to call me David,” he says.

In the background, I hear Dylan’s mother saying, "And me, Grace!"

“I'm sorry, David. How are you?"

"We're fine. Grace packed her bags as if we were going to be away for a month and not a week," he complains while I park the car.

"I think that’s normal. You might need something."

"Lord, not you too," he complains, triggering Grace's laugh and mine. "Wait. I'll put you on speakerphone. Grace would like to talk to you, too."

"No worries," I say, putting on my headset as I go into the airport.

"Hello, honey. Tomorrow at five pm we leave. We should land by 6.30 pm."

"Perfect, I'll be waiting for you at the airport," I confirm.

“We didn't say anything to Dylan and I can already imagine his surprised face. We don't usually travel, but this is an opportunity we didn't want to miss,” Grace says.

"I'm glad you accepted the invitation. Dylan will be happy to see you.”

"Well, then, see you tomorrow at the airport," David tells me. "I can't wait to meet you, Charlotte. Dylan hasn’t stopped talking about you. " Grace squeals in the background.

"I can't wait to meet you, too. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say. My cheeks are on fire and I'm sure I'm blushing.

I look for my father and Annais among the passengers and can spot them immediately. I go to hug them and help them with their suitcases.

"Hello, baby. How nice to see you again!"

"Hi, Dad. We saw each other just a few days ago."

"Yes, I know. It seems a lot longer, though."

"Really? How was the flight?"

"They were all kind. It lasted only a few hours but it seemed interminable."

"You'll have to get used to it if you want to visit us."

"I thought Dylan was coming with you,” he says, looking around.

"Dylan’s back at work, Dad, but tomorrow night his shift ends and he'll be home for a couple of days."

"What's his job now? I didn't ask you. Henry told me he's a Marine.”