Tomorrow we leave forour vacation and I can't contain my happiness. Three days after going to the doctor, Amberlee moved into her apartment. Since then, I've managed to be in the same room with her maybe three times and she always comes up with a reason she has to leave. It’s like she’s actively avoiding me.
But not this weekend. There is no way in hell she's running from me. We're going to have our moment together. I need to know why she's avoiding me and if she feels the same as I do.
Maddy and Ryan are going to take Angel for a bit here and there while we're on vacation, so Amberlee and I can go out and enjoy the single life. Ryan has me under firm orders to keep all the scumbags away from his sister and make sure she doesn't go home with any of them. I wonder if that includes me?
Did they tell Amberlee the plans? If not, she's in for a surprise. Saturday night she is all mine and I plan to make the most of it. If I'm lucky, I'll be having a serious conversation with my best friend after this weekend.
Pulling out my suitcase, I pack my clothes then head to Angel’s room and grab the outfits we picked out earlier. Walking back to my room, I put them in the suitcase. I take one final look around, checking to make sure I have everything before zipping it up.
Our toiletries and toothbrushes will go in a separate bag in the morning. The last thing I get is Angel's EpiPen. She's allergic to shellfish and since we'll be at the beach, I really don't want to take any risks. I have one in the car, but this is one I'll make sure to have on me at all times.
Once everything is packed, I strip down to my boxers, turn off the lights, and climb into bed. My dreams are filled with Amberlee. This weekend she will know how I feel about her—how I’ve always felt.
The night passes restlessly, but when my alarm goes off, I jump right out of bed. It takes no time to dress, and then wake Angel. Surprisingly, she gets up easily, just as excited about this trip as me.
“Can RJ ride with us, Daddy?” We decided for the sake of emergency and comfort to take two vehicles—mine and Ryan’s.
“If his mom and dad are okay with it, yes, he can.” She jumps up and down in excitement. “Okay, you need to get dressed, eat and brush your teeth so we can get ready to go.”
“Okay!” she shouts, and I leave her room and head downstairs to the kitchen. I know she's excited, so I'm going with a light breakfast.
I made a pit stop at the bakery yesterday and picked up some croissants and muffins, some for this morning and then the rest were put in a sealed container for this weekend. That way, the kids would always have a snack. I know Angel is always hungry within an hour of eating.
I've just placed her muffin on the table when she comes running into the kitchen, skidding to a halt, barely missing slamming into the table.
All I have to do is cock my eyebrow at her and give a stern glare and she's immediately apologizing. No running in the house is the number one rule, no matter how excited she may be.
“Sorry, Daddy.” She sticks out her bottom lip, batting her lashes as her baby blue eyes look up at me. In this moment, she looks so much like her mother. She would do the same thing to get what she wanted, even after I found out how much of a bitch she truly was. I hate to think of her mother that way, but then again, Sylvia gave her up long ago. My biggest fear is one day she's going to pop back into our lives and hurt Angel. Or worse, Angel will want to find her.
I can't let those thoughts poison my mood. This is the weekend I find out if my feelings are reciprocated by Amberlee. I’ll be damned if I let thoughts of my regrets sour the occasion. All of that is in the past, and I’m only concerned with my future. The one I’m going to make sure Amberlee is included in.
“Hurry and eat. We still need to put our bags and beach stuff in the truck so we can head over to Uncle Ryan's.”
She picks up the muffin and takes a large bite. Without waiting until she's swallowed, she speaks, pieces of muffin spewing from her mouth. “Don't forget to see if RJ can ride with us.”
“And don't you forget your manners, missy. We don't talk with our mouths full. Eat and then clean up your mess.”
She opens her mouth like she’s about say something, but quickly shuts it and finishes chewing her food. Once she's swallowed everything, she opens her mouth again. “Yes, sir.”
Pouring a cup of coffee, I pick up a muffin and take a seat beside her. My nerves are a little frazzled right now and I'm hoping the food helps.
It doesn't.
“I'm all done.” Angel beams as she picks up her glass of milk and drinks it all down.
“Okay, glass in the sink and put your napkin in the trash. Then go make sure you turned off the light in your room. You can grab no more than three of your toys to take with you.”
She does as I say, then starts to run to her room. I clear my throat loudly and she immediately stops, walking the rest of the way. I don’t doubt I'll have to remind her again about only three toys.
Popping the last bite of muffin in my mouth, I stand and toss my napkin in the trash, then pull out the bag, tying it up. I pick up the coffee mug from the table, wash it and the glass Angel used and place them in the dish strainer. One cup of coffee simply isn't enough, so I pull down my travel mug, and fill it. I've just popped the lid on it when Angel reappears. Much to my surprise, she has exactly three toys.
“Alright, sweet pea. I'm going to put this trash outside in the bin, then we'll be ready to go.”
She begins jumping up and down, laughing, and my heart melts. Seeing her happy is all I ever want in life. I quickly take the bag outside, then double check to make sure I've locked the back door when I step inside. Picking up my mug, we head to the living room, where the suitcase waits by the front door.
“Vacation here we come,” I call out and she yells in excitement. Picking up our luggage, I juggle it and my coffee as we step outside the house, locking the front door behind us. Angel beats me to the truck and stands by the door, patiently waiting for me to open it.
Here we go. This is the weekend that will determine the future.
