“Thank you for offering, but Jade and I have already watched plenty of movies this week. Maybe we could play some cards.”
“Sounds good to me,” Garret says. “The chili’s ready, so whenever Jade’s cornbread is done we can eat.”
I get up from the table. “It just needs a few more minutes in the oven. I’ll get the drinks ready.”
Frank starts wheeling himself back down the hall. “When you’re done, Jade, could you help me get a sweater from the closet?”
Garret jumps up. “I can help you. Just tell me what you need.”
I watch him follow Frank to his room. He’s so eager to help. How did I end up with this guy? He’s too good to be true. Seeing him act all nice like that to Frank makes me want to take him up on his offer to get an apartment. I should just do it. I love Garret more than anything. I want to be with him all the time. So I don’t know what’s stopping me.
CHAPTERELEVEN
The week goesby quickly and in that short time Garret manages to totally win over Frank and Ryan. He’d already won over Frank the last time he was here, but I never thought Ryan would come around. He’s way too protective of his little sister. But after watching Garret help take care of Frank, Ryan got to see the kind, generous, selfless side of Garret that I love so much. And that was all that was needed for Ryan to finally accept that Garret was worthy of dating me.
On Saturday morning, Garret checks out of his hotel and comes to the house. We still have a few hours before the flight leaves, so Ryan makes everyone breakfast.
“Are you two ready to go back to class?” Frank asks.
Before either of us can answer, the doorbell rings. Ryan gets up to answer it.
“Dad, Dr. Cunningham is here with your new medication,” Ryan says as he walks to the table with the doctor.
“Garret, what a surprise.” Dr. Cunningham doesn’t act at all surprised to see Garret, despite what he said. “What are you doing all the way out here in Iowa?”
“I’m here to see Jade, my girlfriend,” he says, playing along. “She goes to Moorhurst with me.” Even though I told Garret about the doctor, he seems a little shocked actually seeing him here.
Frank looks at Garret, then back at the doctor. “You two know each other?”
“Yes, I know Garret’s father.” Cunningham turns to Garret. “I heard you suffered an injury recently. Would you like me to take a look at it?”
“No, that’s okay,” he says. “It’s fine.”
“Well, be sure to tell your father hello for me. Frank, let’s go to the other room and I’ll tell you about this new medication. I have to catch a flight back to New York in a couple hours.”
Cunningham leaves about ten minutes later. It’s time for Garret and me to leave, too.
I give Frank and Ryan each a long hug. Since Garret entered my life, I’ve become a real pro at this hugging thing. A year ago I never would’ve given them a hug. I couldn’t stand to be that close to someone.
“We’ll see you in May, honey,” Frank says.
Garret looks at me. “Maybe she can make it back for spring break.”
Frank shakes his head. “Jade, don’t feel like you have to. You should do something with Garret or some of your other friends. May will come soon enough and then we’ll have you for the whole summer.”
I don’t say anything, but I’m kind of thinking of not coming back here for the summer. I’d rather get a job in Connecticut and spend the summer with Garret. Then again, I don’t even know what Garret’s doing this summer. Maybe he won’t even be in Connecticut.
We say a final goodbye before heading out.
“I told you it was the same doctor,” I say to Garret on the ride to the airport.
“Yeah. My dad must’ve paid him to come out here. But I’m not going to ask him about it. And don’t you ask him either. He has his reasons for not telling us.”
Never ask questions. I understand why that rule applies to me, but why Garret? Why does his dad need to keep secrets from his own son? And why does Garret just accept it instead of demanding answers? It’s strange, but I guess it’s just how their family works.
As we’re walking in the airport Garret’s phone rings. “Hey, Dad.” He listens. “Yeah, I’m fine. We’re at the airport now. I’ll call you when we get there.” He puts the phone in his pocket.
“What was that about?” I ask him as we stand in line with our luggage.
