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How did this even happen?
How will I explain this to Eliana?
I think back to what Jett said—that he didn’t want to take me, but he had no other option. His words keep replaying in my mind, over and over, along with the other bombshell. He and Alicia split up. I was so convinced they were celebrating together in Sacramento. I imagined everything, but I was wrong. He was on a business trip, and now he’s single again.
And I’m going to Bermuda with him, for three whole weeks.
I freeze when I open the door to my apartment and hear laughter from the kitchen. That voice—it belongs to my aunt.
She’s here!
A surge of happiness swells in my chest. “Aunt Scarlett!” I rush into the kitchen, my heart light with excitement. And I can smell chicken and dumplings. Something wholesome and hearty—just what I need.
Eliana is chopping vegetables at the counter, and Aunt Scarlett is stirring a pot on the stove. It smells so delicious.
My mood has made a one-eighty flip at seeing two of my favorite people. My aunt grins as she turns to me, enveloping me with a hug so tight that we hold it and stand like that for a few moments. I breathe her in and smell my mom. Reminders of her come flooding back—comfort, love, home. A bittersweet wave of happiness and grief washes over me. There are similarities in their faces and mannerisms that make me yearn for my mom. I feel happy and sad all at once.
“Cari, my sweet girl, I’ve missed you.” Aunt Scarlett squeezes me tighter.
“I’ve missed you, too,” I murmur into her shoulder. I’ve always loved Aunt Scarlett. She was there for us, for me and Mom, through everything. She finally releases me, and I step back, my heart feeling fuller. Aunt Scarlett is the adventurous one, always off on her latest journey, but she’s never far away when I need her. “How are you doing, hon?”
“I’m good,” I reply. “How about you? How was your trip?”
She smiles, her eyes twinkling. “Finished the Appalachian Trail. I’m heading out again soon, but I wanted to see you first.”
“We’re making dinner,” Eliana announces proudly, shooting me a playful look. “I told her you resigned.”
My aunt throws an arm around me, grinning. “Well done! I’m so proud of you for doing what’s best foryou.”
Guilt creeps up my spine. She doesn’t know about the crush I have on Jett. Sure, she overheard me once, after Mom passed. I told Eliana about how Jett had shown a different side to him that day—how he was gentle, kind. Ever since then, my feelings for him have shifted to something deeper. But that’s not something I can talk about. Not in front of Aunt Scarlett.
“And about time, too.” Eliana steps forward, beaming. “I bought some more wine when I heard Aunt Scarlett was coming, so we’re going to celebrate some more tonight!”
I chew my lower lip, wondering how to tell them. “Something happened.”
Eliana tilts her head as if she’s bracing for the news. My gaze ping pongs between her and my aunt, who goes back to stirring the pot. “What happened, hon?” she prompts gently.
“I … I ...” I can't get the words out.
Eliana’s eyes narrow at me. “Tell me you resigned. Don’t tell me you lied to me.”
“I did resign, of course I did!” My heart pounds in my chest. “But now … now I’m going to Bermuda with Jett for three weeks to take care of Brooke. Anna quit, and he doesn’t have anyone else to look after her so I have to go.” The words rush out of me.
Eliana’s jaw drops. She stares at me, her expression one of disbelief. “You don’t have to go. You’re a PA, not a nanny.”
“Who’s Brooke? And Anna?” Aunt Scarlett asks, clearly confused but still stirring the pot like everything’s fine.
“Why am I not surprised?” Eliana mutters, her voice thick with disapproval. She sets the knife down on the counter, her expression hardening.
“Let’s eat. Dinner’s ready,” Aunt Scarlett says, sensing the tension.
“We can't eat, Aunt Scarlett!” Eliana cries. “Didn't you hear? Cari's going to Bermuda with herboss.”
“She's still working for him, and she still has to work out her notice period,” my aunt says, ever the diplomat. She sets the pot on the table.
“She's in love with him! She has been for months, possibly years. He breaks her heart every day she goes into that office. This is bad, Aunt Scarlett.”
My mouth falls open. Eliana looks guilty, as she should, ratting on me like that. I know she did this out of love and concern, but I didn't want her to burden my aunt with that news. Also, I wanted to keep it between me, Eliana, and Bianca. Now my aunt will worry even more.