I’m not really sure what to say. I just stare at him because I realize that Mia was correct. Rafe is definitely suspicious of our relationship. I don’t know if he just disapproves of it because it has come from nowhere or if he has real doubts, but the looks he is giving me tell me that she and I are going to have to stay up late tonight and come up with several stories to satisfy both of our families.
“I think I should figure out where my grandparents are so I can get a key from them because I forgot to get it from them before I left.” I look down at Mia as I glance around.
“Everyone’s going to the hotel after this. They’re handing out theroom keys tonight,” Rafe grunts. “They want everyone at some special breakfast tomorrow.”
“I didn’t know. I guess I’ll be staying at the Grand Palm tonight then.”
“I didn’t know either. I haven’t even packed my bag.” Mia frowns.
“Well, I guess you can pack your bag tomorrow, sis. I just heard Mr. and Mrs. Haverbrook telling some of the other guests. They asked me if I was sure I didn’t want a hotel room as well, but I still have quite a lot to do at the veterinarian’s office. And even though Cherri has been helpful, I still have a lot of dogs and cats coming in tomorrow. Even a couple of bunny rabbits.”
“Aww, I love bunny rabbits,” Juniper says.
Mia gives her an odd look. “Since when have you loved bunny rabbits? Didn’t you say they have, like, a million babies?”
“I mean, I think they’re cute.” Juniper gives her a look, and Mia just shrugs.
“I wonder if they’re going to give us rooms next to each other or if that’s too close,” Mia says, laughing. “I wonder if they’re going to put us on completely different floors.”
“Yeah, I wonder.”
“There you are, Mia and Luke.”
I look up, and I see Lucille Bishop, Mia’s grandmother, standing there.
“Luke, so good to see you.”
She walks right over to me and gives me a big, warm hug. I hug her back and breathe in her familiar scent of jasmine.
“Good to see you as well, Lucille.”
“I was so happy when Mia told me that you two were together.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that you don’t disapprove.”
“Your grandmother and I have actually been talking about it, and we convinced your parents to get you one room.”
“What?” Mia says loudly and then lowers her voice. “Wait, what? Grandma, what are you saying?”
“Well, these are new times. You guys have been dating for a year, and you haven’t seen each other for who knows how long. I know you have something special, and you’ve probably been missing each other terribly. So, we’ve got you in the same room. I mean, you are boyfriend and girlfriend. Who are we to stop young lovers in love?”
“Really, Grandma?” Rafe looks shocked. “I cannot believe you’re going to let them?—”
“Let us what?” Mia turns to him with her hands on her hips.
“I’m just saying”—Rafe looks at me—“do you think this is a good idea, Luke? Is this really the way you want to present your relationship to my parents and your parents and the rest of the world?”
“It’s already done, Rafe.” Lucille looks at him with a stern glance. “And part of the reason was because there were no longer any hotel rooms left, and I suggested it would be okay if Mia and Luke stayed together. That’s not going to be a problem, is it?”
“Of course not,” I say, shaking my head. “Right, Mia?”
“Of course not,” she says, looking at me with panic in her eyes. “I mean, we’ve spent plenty of nights together.”
“Exactly. We have,” I say. “We’ve watched movies …” And I suddenly realize that I can’t talk about all the platonic nights we’ve spent together. “And other stuff.”
“I don’t want to hear this,” Rafe says, cutting me off. “In fact?—”
“Can I speak to you for a second, Luke?” Mia says, grabbing my hand. “We’ll be right back.”
