Vee
Gripping the railing, I stopped and looked up the stairs leading up to the family’s Gulfstream. If I gave into my emotions, I would sit on the bottom step and cry. Even acknowledging my feelings was a slippery slope, one that I couldn’t afford to slide down.
The last five days seemed to go on and on forever. And yet it also seemed like our flight to Green Bay was only a few days ago—my last flight with Dad. He and Daphne arrived just before takeoff. I could picture their smiles and Dad’s sparkling green stare.
A black car pulled up onto the tarmac.
Turning, I waited to see who would emerge.
My mouth opened in surprise as Daphne and Grant appeared. “Daphne?”
The autumn breeze blew her long blond hair around her face as they both came toward me. Grant’s business casual was on point with well-tailored pants, a white button-up shirt, and a camel sports jacket. Daphne portrayed the mourning widow in tight black slacks, and a long amber sweater with a wide belt. Their driver carried their overnight bags to the cargo hold of the plane.
Daphne reached out to Grant for support as she maneuvered her four-inch-heeled boots and large purse across the tarmac. I watched in disbelief as they smiled at one another.
They came to a stop. The concoction of cologne and perfume withstood the cooling breeze. Daphne was the first to speak. “You look surprised to see me, Vee.”
“I didn’t know you were coming.”
“I almost didn’t make it,” she said. “Grant was sweet enough to let me know when the plane was leaving. I hadn’t heard from you.”
Clenching my teeth, I feigned a smile at my cousin. “You are so sweet, Grant.”
His lips quirked. “I do my best.”
“Let’s get on board,” I said. Inhaling, I made my way up the stairs. The wide legs of my brown slacks caught the breeze like sails. Thankfully, my boots only had two-inch heels, allowing me to steady myself as I stepped into the cabin.
“Are we all here?” I asked as I surveyed our passengers. Uncle Darin and Aunt Rachel were present, having decided to wait for the family plane. Leigh, Lip, and Hayden were seated in the aft at the four-person table. Greetings, albeit terse, were said all around as I made my way back to my cousins. “Mind if I join you?”
Leigh stood and wrapped me in a hug. My promise this morning to Fin and myself to stay unemotional was getting more difficult to keep. I quickly hugged her back.
“I’m glad you decided to join us.” I pulled away and waved to Hayden and Lip. “Gang’s all here.”
Lip scooted over, giving me access to the fourth seat. Leigh leaned across the table. “Shit, Vee, do you have a bruise on your cheek?”
I tenderly palpated the sore. “I thought I did a decent job of covering it with makeup. It really is much better.” With my cousins’ eyes wide, I continued. “Tuesday night after I left Daphne’s, I drove off the road. You know how deep those ravines are. The airbag deployed.” I’d told the story enough times to recite it in my sleep.
“Susan,” Daphne called to one of our hosts. “A rum and Diet Coke before takeoff, dear.”
Lip nudged my shoulder.
“Oh,” I whispered. “Did I eyeroll too loud?”
He smiled and kept his voice low. “I didn’t realize Aunt Daphne was coming.”
I lifted my eyebrows. “Yeah, I didn’t get that memo either. Apparently, Grant was sweet enough to let her know when we were leaving.”
“Sweet? That’s a new description of my brother.”
“Vee,” Leigh said, “I’m glad you waited until this morning. I can’t take off work as easily as all of you. I hate missing the away games.” She smiled at her husband. “And leaving on Saturday, Hayden could come too.”
“Your parents aren’t as appreciative.”
She shook her head. “Don’t worry about them.”
From my bag I removed the folder of papers that Bre had given me days ago. “I’m over my head.”
Lip took the folder. “What is this? More play calls?”
