Page 3 of In Doubt

“It’s only two weeks! And you know it’s what I’ve been dreaming of since I was little.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m happy for you, Cucciola, and proud.”

My stomach warms at his compliment and I flop back against the leather seat of his sports car, grinning to myself in disbelief, and shaking my head a little. Ten days working on the archaeological site and then a mini tour of Egypt. I’m going to see the Pyramids. I could almost weep tears of joy.

Ric pulls off the motorway and weaves through the maze of roads that lead to the glass structure of the airport. Jets thunder over our heads, making the car vibrate, and I tip my head back and watch them soar up into the clouds.

Goodbye rain and hello sunshine.

My smile widens.

“Could you grin any harder?” Ric says, observing me with affection as he slides into a drop-off space outside Departures.

“Nope! My cheeks already ache.”

I hop out of the car and grab my bag from the boot, swinging my rucksack on my shoulder, and hurrying to Ric’s door before he’s climbs out of his seat.

“Bye then.” I reach up onto my toes to kiss his cheek as he stands up. “I’ll call you when I arrive.”

Ric grabs my arm.

“Slow down, Cucciola.” He glances at his watch. “We’re fifteen minutes early. I’ll walk you to the meeting point. Make sure everything’s in order. You remembered your passport?”

“Yes.” I laugh.

“Shame,” he mutters with mischief, and I elbow him in the ribs. Together, we walk through the sliding doors and into the busy terminal. I scan the cluster of check-in desks and coffee shops until we find the book store we’d been instructed to meet outside of.

We’re the first here.

“I told you we didn’t need to leave this early,” Ric says as we order a coffee each from a kiosk and go to stand outside the shop.

“I didn’t expect you to drive quite so fast.”

He winks at me and sips his coffee.

“You will call me,” I say, leaning my head against his arm. “If there're any signs of Connie going into labour. I don’t want to miss the arrival of the new baby.”

“It’s a month until her due date. You’ll be back in plenty of time. You’re not going to miss the birth.”

“Right.” I let out a huff of air.

“Are you nervous?” my brother asks.

I cringe. I hate to admit it. “Yes, this is a big deal. Our last assignment. If I blow it, I’ll blow my shot at the place on the professor’s research team.”

“You won’t blow it, Giorgie. You’re awesome at this stuff.”

I take a sip of my coffee, the aroma stirring my stomach in a pleasant way. I wish I could smuggle my brother with his reassuring words into my suitcase.

“You’re right,” I say. “There’s no need to be nervous.”

“You’ll smash it.”

“Giorgie!” someone screams and I look up to see my friend Sia racing towards me, her long jet braid bouncing against her shoulder as she races towards me.

“And that’s my cue to leave.” Ric downs the last of his coffee, crushing the cup in his giant paw. “You know I can’t stand the squealing.”

I elbow him again. “We don’t squeal.”