Davis leans toward us and keeps his voice low. “What happens when we land?”
“I don’t know.” And that’s the truth.
If my mother had sent for us, I could have predicted her moves. She’d try her best to separate us forever. But my father is a different equation entirely, one I haven’t ever been able to solve.
“I’m sorry, Davis. Whatever happens, I’ll make sure you’re protected.”
“I knew what I was getting into.” He pulls the Playbill from his back pocket and smooths out the creases. “Besides, I saw most ofHamilton. The trip wasn’t a total waste.”
“I’m indebted to you.”
“Not needed,” he says, grinning. “Was worth it.”
The engines roar louder as we taxi onto the runway. Minutes later, we’re lifting off, and the glittering lights of New York disappear beneath the clouds. It all fades into the Atlantic until there’s nothing but darkness outside the window.
The flight attendant dims the lights, and the cabin settles into a quiet hum of engine noise. Outside the window, there’s nothing but black—no moon, no stars, absolutely nothing. The leather seat creaks when I shift my weight, and the armrest is cold under my palm.
Addison rests her head on my shoulder, but her fingers keepmoving against my hand, tracing patterns that tell me she’s not sleeping.
An hour into the flight, my leg starts bouncing against the floor, and I can’t make it stop.
“Hey.” Addison lifts her head and looks at me. “Talk to me.”
I glance at Davis. His eyes are closed now, but his breathing isn’t quite deep enough to be real sleep.
“Not here.”
“Then come with me.”
She unbuckles her seat belt and stands, pulling me toward the back of the plane, where the bathroom and galley are tucked away. It’s not private, but it’s far enough from everyone that we can speak freely without being overheard.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” she says, keeping her voice low.
I lean against the wall. “My dad has been checked out and has let my mother run everything. This is stressing me out.”
“I understand. You know, I learned something a long time ago—that it’s best not to stress about the unknown because we tend to create situations that are a hundred times worse than reality. I know it’s not easy, but this might be a good thing.”
“Now who’s being optimistic?”
Addison is quiet for a moment. “Maybe he’s on your side? We never looked up what the palace statement was.”
“Maybe you’re right.” I force myself to say the thing I’ve been avoiding. “But I also think, what if he’s running out of time and …”
“Louis.” Her voice is soft.
“The last time we spoke, he told me to follow my heart, even if it cost me everything. He said he was proud of me. I feel guilty.” I look at her, and the fear I’ve been holding back starts to crack through.
“Your father loves you, and he wants the best for you. I could tell that in the first five minutes of chatting with him. Try to relax until you can’t. Okay?”
I lean forward and slide a kiss across her lips. It’s instant happiness.
“Better?” she whispers, placing a hand on my cheek.
“Yes.”
Davis shifts in his seat and coughs, pulling us both out of the moment.
“Be present with me,” Addison says, taking my hand and leading me back to our seats.
