Page 43 of Infatuated
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The final night’s gathering is in full swing, and I’ve been trying to keep my distance from her. She’s sitting at a table with a book in her hands, but she keeps glancing at me from under her eyelashes. Her mom and dad are talking with mine, so this is my chance to steal a few moments with her.
“Lana,” I say, taking a seat next to her.
“Sorry I didn’t respond. The Wi-Fi dropped again, and my message wouldn’t go through. How’s Holden?”
I glance over at my friend, who’s busy keeping up with the needs of the guests. “He’s all right. It sucks, though. He really seemed to care for Molly.”
She closes her book and lays her hands on top of it. “Do you think he’s going to follow through with his threat and leave a bad review? It’s not your parents’ fault it happened.”
“I’m not sure. If it happens, it happens. Nothing we can do about it.”
She looks out toward her parents, and a flash of concern crosses her features. I follow her line of vision and see her dad standing next to mine with his arms crossed over his chest, watching us.
Shit.
“Lana, when can I see you again? Alone.”
She’s playing with the hair that's draped over her shoulder and bites her lip. “I don’t know. We're going to a few museums in town tomorrow. Dad wants to check them out. We’re going to be gone most of the day, or so I’ve heard. I begged them to let me stay behind and read by the pond, or draw in the field, but they don’t want to leave me alone with you.”
“Give it a day or two. I’m sure it will all blow over by then.”
I hope it does. I’m down to seven days left with this girl, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be the same after she leaves.
Chapter 21
Lana
Dad comes into my room early the next morning and sits on the edge of my bed. I’ve been awake for a while, trying to get the damn Wi-Fi to work so I can at least message Tristan. When I heard him approach, I tucked my phone under my pillow and turned my back to the door.
“Morning, sleeping beauty. Time to get up. We have a big day planned.”
“Can’t I just stay here? Please?” I turn, and the sheets twist around my body, trapping me in.
“No, pumpkin. We’ve hardly seen you this trip, and we still don’t have many pictures. It will be good to get away from the ranch for a bit.”
“Why? So I can’t see Tristan?” I deadpan.
He scoffs and shakes his head. “There’s more to life than some boy. You’re eighteen, and I’m giving you a chance to see and experience some of the world. I’m sure he’ll be here when we get back. You can have dinner with him. Get up. We’re leaving to get some breakfast soon, and then we’ll be on our way.”
He gets up and leaves without another word, closing the door softly behind him. I can hear him speaking with Mom in the living room, but the sounds through the wall are too muffled. I take a fast shower and put on a pair of shorts and a plain pink t-shirt, along with my Converse. I pile my hair on top of my head and emerge.
When we make it to the front of the house, most of the guests are there eating breakfast. A few people are missing; they either had early flights, or they’re still sleeping. Tristan is busy running around, and I don’t want to interrupt him. I smile and wave when he looks in my direction, and he pauses long enough to do the same.
The three of us sit and eat breakfast. Mom and Dad are socializing with some of the other families close by, but I open my book and try to tune everyone out.
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson.” Tristan looks at me. “Good morning, Lana.”
“Hi, Tristan.” I blush.
“You all are headed off to town today, right?”
“Yes. We are going to a few museums and getting a tour of the city,” my dad replies.
“That will be fun. Tonight, we’re doing a bonfire in the open field to watch the stars. It’s supposed to be a beautiful night. Are you going to come?”
My eyes light up. I want to go so bad, and I look at my parents, silently pleading with them.