Page 35 of Promising You
I glance back at the long line forming at the check-in counter. “I should probably go. Hey, you didn’t get me another first class ticket, did you?”
He kisses me. “Guess you’ll have to check in to find out.”
“Garret!”
“You’re scared to death to fly. And first class is a much calmer environment. I had no choice.”
“It’s too much money. But thank you.” I kiss him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. Call me as soon as you get there.”
* * *
When I landin Des Moines, Ryan’s waiting for me right outside security. He looks better than when I saw him last. The dark circles under his eyes are gone and he has some color back in his face.
I run up and hug him as soon as I see him.
“Hi, Jade. How was the flight?”
“It was fine. I’m getting better at flying. As long as I can sleep, I’m good.”
“Let’s get your bag. Then we need to pick up Dad at the hospital.”
He hangs his arm around my shoulder as we walk to baggage. His dad must be doing well because Ryan seems happy and not so serious. It’s good to see him that way again.
Frank is ready to go when we arrive at the hospital. He’s dressed in a flannel shirt and jeans, sitting in a wheelchair. His suitcase is packed and next to the door. I race over and give him a light hug, not sure if he’s hurting anywhere.
“Jade, it’s so good to have you back. And for two whole weeks. We’ll have to find something to do.”
“We’ll have plenty to do,” I tell him. “I know how to play poker now.”
“Poker?” Ryan gets that concerned older brother look on his face. “What kind of poker?”
“Regular poker, Ryan. No stripping involved.” I turn back to Frank. “You look a lot better, Frank.”
It’s true. The last time I saw him he looked like he was on death’s door. He was weak and pale and so skinny. He’s still thin but his face has life to it again.
“I feel better than I have in a long time. But let’s talk later. I need to get out of this place.”
We take Frank back to the house and as soon as we get there I feel like we’re a family again. It’s nice to have just the three of us there together and nobody else. I’m glad Garret suggested I spend this week with just the two of them.
Garret! Crap! I forgot to turn my phone on after I got off the plane. I turn it on and find two voicemails and three text messages from him. I don’t bother checking them. I just call him.
“Hey, Garret. I made it to Des Moines,” I say when he answers.
“Jade, I told you to call me when you got there. That was hours ago.”
“Sorry. I kind of forgot.”
He laughs. “You forgot about me already?”
“No. I was just busy. We had to pick up Frank at the hospital and then stop at the drugstore and now we’re finally home.”
“You sound okay, so the flight must’ve gone well.”
“Yeah. First class was a good idea. It was really quiet, so I slept the whole time.”
“How’s Frank feeling?”
