I tighten my arms around her. “Jesus, Ellie. I’m so sorry. So, Josie’s going to be staying with you until she comes back?”
“It’s fine. Or at least it will be. “
Knowing there’s not much I can say, or do, I simply squeeze her tighter into my chest and tell her all the things I love about her. Her caring heart, her strength, her willingness to always help people, her ability to have a snarky response to anything stupid I ever say, and most of all, her. “I love you, Eliana. I love you so much, and I want you to know how much I see you and everything that you do.”
She places a kiss on my chest and finally looks up at me, eyes still shiny. “I love you too, Jake. Thanks for being here today. It really means a lot.”
“Always. Whenever you need me, I’ll be here.”
We stay in each other’s embrace until we hear the sound of footsteps.
“Don’t let me break up your love fest.” Josie announces with slight disgust in her voice. Glad to know preteens still spoke in sarcasm.
I open my mouth for a snarky older brother response when I notice Josie’s sleep shirt. “Do you listen to ITZY?”
“Youlisten to IZTY?” Josie asks in a state of disbelief and horror. Like a teenager who found out they have something in common with their parents.
“I don’t, but my sister does. She has tickets to their concert this Saturday.”
“Wait what? Those sold out immediately!” Josie’s jaw falls open.
“My sister had some friends who bailed last minute so maybe?—”
“OH MY GOD. THIS IS FATE. MEANT TO BE. WE HAVE TO GO,” Josie screams, jumping up and down before she contains herself. “Ellie can we go, pleaaaase.”
“Maybe…How much are the tickets?” Eliana looks at me, concerned.
“Don’t worry about it. Sienna was just going to give them away anyway. Also I’m driving, so you don’t have to worry about getting there.”
“Can we Eliana? Please, please, please, please, pleeeease?” Josie begs, throwing her arms around Eliana.
“You’re sure Sienna won’t mind?”.
“Nope. In fact, I’m sure she’s dying to talk to someone who’s as big of a fan as she is.”
“Alright, then let’s do it.”
Josie lets out a scream that rivals the one prior and will probably get a few noise complaints from the neighbors.
“This is so exciting. I can’t wait to tell all my friends. Thank you, Ellie!” Josie runs back to Eliana’s room before stopping and turning around for a second. “And thanks Jake. You made my day.”
“You hear that? I made her day.” I beam at Eliana.
“From interrogation subject to best friends in a couple of hours. That’s impressive Keeley.”
“What can I say? I’m just irresistible.”
“I think you mean incorrigible,” Eliana teases.
“Same difference.”
“Thank you, Jake. For the tickets. For everything.”
“You’re welcome, but you don’t need to thank me. I meant what I said to you earlier. I’ll always be here for you, whenever you need me.”
Chapter 37
Eliana
