After ✔

16

We all knew she didn't get along with her parents. Not since she started dating Nate.

Wait is this the reason she's been so distracted lately?

"It's time I make things right with them." she replies determinately. "And it's time Mason meets his grandparents."

Mason, who had been innocently licking the frosting off his spoon, looks up. "But daddy and I had special plans for Christmas."

"Is Nate coming?" Asks Dani.

Her shoulders slump. Now that I really look at her, I discover she's paler, more worn-out than she usually is.

"That's his choice." She says. "I don't think he will though."

"Well." I say, raising my voice a little. "If you want someone to travel with you..."

Everybody's eyes snap to me. "You're thinking of travelling to New York too?" Dani asks.

The atmospher shifts completely.
"Not only thinking." I squeak.

Claire and Eli's phonecalls and texts had finally persuaded me.

Everyone's quiet before Dani speaks up. His voice is cold, although I can't fathom why. Shouldn't he be glad?

"You won't get a flight before Christmas."

"That's why I'm leaving after." I say. "I'll probably spend the rest of the holidays there, and..."

"And?" Gabriella leans forward. She recognises the dejected look on my face.

"Please tell me you're not thinking of  completing your semester in Montrose." Her voice is quiet, like she's expecting the worst.

"They have a great business program." I say. "And my dad's hotels are--"

"No." Gabriella is shaking her head. "You're a part of our family, Valencia." She says. "How can you even--"

"I came here for only one purpose."

I'm tired of people cutting me off. I have a right to say or do what I want to, and I'm tired of being an emotional wreck.

"And since that purpose is complete, it's time I head back."

Gabriella lets out a long breath. All around us, people are talking and laughing, but the only noise from our table comes in the form of Mason's clanking spoon.

When I look at Dani, his expression is emotionless.

"You're saying you won't miss us?" Asks Gabriella.

"Seriously?" I chuckle nervously. "Your parents live in Ithaca now, you can come visit whenever. And me moving there permanently is just a possibility."

Dani sits up a little straighter."So not moving there is also a possibility?"

"I guess." I say. "But I have to, eventually."

Soon, the waiter comes to pick up our plates.

"Anything else?" He asks Gabriella.

"Just the bill, please."