Grant shook his head and gestured toward the front. “I can sit over there.”
“We can make room,” Lip said.
“Vee, are you going to stand on the sidelines Sunday?” Grant asked.
My neck straightened. “Yes.”
His head shook almost imperceptibly. If it weren’t for the way his light hair moved, I might have missed it.
I lifted my tote and scooted to the side. “Grant, you’re welcome to sit here, and I’ll explain what I’ve learned.”
“Jesus, Vee. I understand play calls. You’d think you’d just secured a million-dollar grant. It’s not rocket science.”
Inhaling, I turned my attention to my other cousin.
Lip reached across the table and took both my hands in his. Turning to Grant, he said, “Go suck up to Uncle Reid. I see him and Daphne on the tarmac.”
Without another word, Grant walked away. He settled on a chair facing forward. My chair was the same direction. We were separated by a partial wall.
“Mr. Phillip and Ms. Maeve,” Susan, one of our regular hosts said. “We have roughly four hours until landing. Mr. Hubbard asked for a light salad. I believe he and Mrs. Hubbard have dinner plans once we arrive.”
While our flight was four hours, with the time difference, we’d only be two hours ahead when we landed.
“I’m good with a light salad,” I said. “I’d love some coffee with cream.”
Susan smiled. “Mr. Phillip.”
“Salad is fine.” He pressed his lips together. “I’ll take a Woodford and ice.”
“Right away.”
My gaze met Lip’s. “Trouble in paradise? Isn’t it early for bourbon?”
“We’re from Kentucky. It’s never too early for bourbon.”He lowered his voice. “I spoke with Leigh this morning, and it seems my favorite cousin hasn’t been very forthcoming.”
Inhaling, I pretended to be organizing my notes.
Lip’s hand again reached for mine. “Is silence the way you want to answer? If you do that, you know my imagination will run wild.”
A smile curled my lips. “You’ve always had a vivid imagination.” I spoke softer. “I’d rather other parties don’t overhear.”
Lip scrunched his nose. “We’ll wait until we take off. Grant will have his headphones on. I’m sure Aunt Daphne will be keeping Uncle Reid occupied.”
“Oh God.” I rolled my eyes. “That’s why I sat back here. She never shuts up.”
“Hello,” Daphne called to the entire plane as she and Dad boarded. “Oh good. It looks like we’re all here.” She waved her hand. “Susan, dear. I’d like a rum and Diet Coke before we take off.”
“Right away, Mrs. Hubbard.”
Lip’s and my eyes met and we both began to laugh.
It felt good to laugh. I hadn’t done much of that since Fin’s visit. Last night, I’d broken down and called Leigh. She was one of the few who knew Fin’s and my past. Or I thought she did. I thought I did. Last night we met at the Vine Club, and I filled her in on his side of the story.
She listened without judging—part of what I lovedabout my cousin. It was when I recounted what Fin said about my picture in his locker that I felt the gut punch. He’d asked me if I’d listened to every word. I had. I was able to repeat them.
At the same time, I hadn’t—listened, not really.
It was Leigh who commented.“He told you he loved you.”
