I woke the next morning and in my groggy state wondered if the previous night had all been just a dream, I'd forgot to pinch myself on the way back. But when Ethan's name showed up on my phone I knew it wasn't and I hadn't had to inflict pain upon myself to make sure that is definitely a bonus. I'm sure I was smiling like a lovesick fool as I showered and got ready for the day. I had managed to calm my excitement by the time I went in for breakfast.
"Good morning sweetie. Last day before our trip." Mom said.
"Mom, I'm sorry that it's not just going to be us like we'd planned." Okay so I'm not that sorry but I did need to apologize to her.
"It will be fine, it's not like he's going to want to tag along with us all the time." Mom shrugged.
"I just hope you're not too disappointed." I said.
"I'm not, I'm happy we're still going because I thought they were going to try to force us to not go." Mom sighed. "You don't have to pursue a relationship with him if you don't want to honey. Follow your heart, but remember you're not getting any younger and I want grand kids."
"Mom, first comes love, then comes marriage then we can discuss a baby and carriages and all that."
"I'm glad you're remembering love comes first. Don't let the glamour get to you."
"Mom, I won't. But now I've got to leave so I'm not late. Love you. See you tonight."
"Love you too Sera. Have a good day."
"You too Mom. Try to relax today."
While I was at work Ethan messaged me the details of out private flight out. He said he'd come pick us up at my father's house so we didn't have to worry about driving and finding where to go. That was a relief, I've only flown one before so airports stress me out, and I had no clue how to even go about the private jet thing.
ME: Why not my apartment?
ETHAN: I fear that if I show up there, news will leak and we're not ready for that. We will be taking a limo with darkened windows from the Gastrell mansion to the jet so no one will know who is in it. The jet is on a private air strip, so with a few hats and sunglasses no one knows who is getting in unless the press are allowed into the area.
ME: Will I have to worry about my privacy in the future?
ETHAN: Only if it gets out you're his daughter.
ME: Not because I'm going to be dating you?
ETHAN: Maybe a little because of that, but most of the publicity of my engagement to Charlotte was because of her family.
I doubted that most of it was because of that, after all Ethan was a known heart throb. My lunch break came to an end and I had to stop daydreaming of Ethan. That afternoon a child came in whose eye had accidentally met a fingernail. It's definitely painful but with the right medicine no permanent damage would result. The rest of the appointments were routine.
I finished up my notes and went home. Mom was busy in the kitchen again.
"Mom, I thought we agreed to get takeout tonight."
"No, you agreed. I wanted one more home cooked meal before we were eating all our meals elsewhere for two weeks."
"You're the best Mom. It smells delicious, I just didn't want you to be too tired for our flight tomorrow. I thought I told you to relax today."
"I'll be fine and I have the next two weeks to relax. I'm all packed, so I'm just getting rid of nervous energy."
"It's definitely a tasty way to get rid of nervous energy. I'll finish packing after dinner. What can I do to help?"
We ate dinner, I helped with dishes. Usually I insist on doing them all but Mom said she'd help since I still needed to pack. After dishes were done, I went to finish packing. First, I showered, I wouldn't do it in the morning since all my toiletries would be packed.
CHARLES: Seth and Adam will be there to pick you and your mother up at 9:00 tomorrow to bring you here. We'll have a brunch before you head out.
ME: Sounds good, thanks!
I went to let Mom know of the plan and then went to sleep early. I didn't want to start my vacation tired.