“Thank you,” I whisper to Micah, finally loosening my grip on his hand.
He doesn’t let go. “That’s what I’m here for.”
I look at our joined hands then up at his face and feel something warm unfurl in my chest. Not just gratitude but something deeper. Something that has nothing to do with flying and everything to do with the way he knew exactly what I needed to hear, the way he stayed calm when I was falling apart.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I say softly.
Micah’s smile is soft, and for a moment, it’s like River isn’t sitting right across from us, like the rest of the family isn’t chattering around us. It’s just him and me and the steady hum of the engines carrying us toward Vegas.
“Lucky for you,” he says, echoing words I said to him once before, “you’ll never have to find out.”
I smile back at him, my heart full of gratitude. Outside the window, the world spreads out below us like a patchwork quilt, and for the first time since we took off, flying doesn’t seem so scary after all. Not with Micah sitting next to me.
CHAPTER 25
MicahBarrett
Friday, December 4
We landin Las Vegas around three o’clock. As we get off the plane, there’s a limousine waiting for us. Cricket’s eyes about pop out of her head. I just chuckle because it’s so Levi. A few days ago, Tobias pulled me aside and told me how much each of us will inherit. I’m actually surprised Levi didn’t rent out half of Vegas for our trip.
By the time we get checked into our hotel rooms—River and I sharing a suite—it’s time to eat dinner. We decide to eat at a French restaurant across from the Bellagio. They seat us outside so we can see the fountain across the street.
They have those outdoor heaters that make you feel warm on one side while the December Vegas air chills the other. Our whole family is scattered across several tables, the conversation a low and comfortable hum. I’m sitting with Cricket and River, picking at my crème brûlée while watching the Bellagio fountains dance across the street. I should behaving fun, but all I can think about is how romantic this is and how Cricket is sitting there making eyes at another man.
River turns to me, setting down his water glass. “Micah, I love your music. Have you ever performed live?”
“No.” I take another bite of dessert, hoping he’ll change the subject. I don’t want to talk about my anxiety over performing in front of a crowd.
River nods, then his expression shifts slightly. “Have you read any of Cricket’s book yet?”
Cricket starts coughing, nearly choking on her water. I reach over and pound on her back.
“You okay?” I ask, still patting her back as she tries to catch her breath.
She waves me off, her face red. “Fine, just… went down the wrong way.”
River’s watching this exchange with an amused expression, like he finds Cricket’s reaction entertaining for some reason. “So, have you?”
“Have I what?” I’m still worried about Cricket, who’s now taking careful sips of water.
“Read her book?”
I nod my head. “I’ve read all that she’s written. It’s really good. I can’t wait to read more. The poor main character is completely oblivious to the fact that his best friend is in love with him.”
Cricket makes a small squeaking sound.
“You sure you’re okay?” I ask her again.
“Perfectly fine,” she says, though her voice comes out slightly strangled.
River grins. “I bet the guy figures it out eventually.”
“I hope so,” I say, stealing another glance at Cricket. “She deserves better than pining away for someone who can’t see what’s right in front of him.”
Cricket wipes at her face with her napkin.
An hour later, the family has split to go in several different directions. River and Cricket and I are standing on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, trying to decide what to do next. The fountains have just finished another show, and tourists are wandering around with their cameras and shopping bags.
