“I don’t think I can go on this trip,” I blurted. “I’m sorry.” My voice cracked.
Her lips parted, disbelief shimmering in the lamplight. I closed my eyes and took a shuddering breath. I’d promised her, and I was supposed to be a grown-up. This rivalry between him and I happened years ago, after all.
“Wait—no. I’ll go. I just need a minute.” I opened my eyes and forced a smile.
Sabrina’s relief was a warm breeze; she pulled me into a hug. “Thank you, Amelia. Really. Take your time.”
She stepped back and left the door ajar. I watched her disappear inside the yellow glow.
In the threshold stood Caiden, framed by lamplight, his face inscrutable. My pulse thundered. I forced myself to look away, focusing on the cool night air brushing my cheeks, on drawing slow, steady breaths.
Summoning every ounce of courage, I stepped forward. The threshold felt like the edge of a cliff, but I crossed it.
“Amelia? Are you feeling better?” Sabrina’s voice rang through the foyer, crisp with worry.
I nodded, swallowing hard, and gave her a shaky smile. “Yes. I just needed air.”
From the corner, Shane emerged, warmth in his grin. “Hey, Amelia. So glad you’re here, for Sabrina, especially.”
He laughed lightly at his own joke, and I offered a courteous nod, heart pounding as I braced myself for the days ahead.
“I was honored to be invited. I’m so happy for you both,” I said, my voice smooth as glass, hiding the quake beneath. My smile feltbrittle, stretched too thin. Every nerve in my body buzzed with the knowledge that Caiden would be here.
Shane’s expression lit up. “Now that you’re feeling better, I can finally introduce you to my half-brother.” He waved theatrically. “Caiden, this is Amelia.”
Caiden stood like a marble statue in the doorway, silence clinging to him. I offered my hand, determined to seem composed. “Hi! Nice to meet you.”
He blinked down at my outstretched hand as if trying to remember its purpose. My pulse spiked.
Inside, that gawky teenager I once was clawed at my nerves, begging me to bolt. I shoved her back, forcing calm as I maintained my smile.
Sabrina, ever the instigator, nudged him. “Go on, Caiden! Amelia won’t bite, unless you ask nicely.”
At last, he took my hand. His grip was unexpectedly warm and firm, a spark crackling through me. I swallowed, heart pounding.
“Nice to meet you, Amelia,” he murmured in a low, velvety tone. “This will be an interesting trip.”
Polite enough on the surface, but I caught the flicker of something colder in his voice. Hardness edged with disdain. We held each other’s gaze, locked in a silent, unspoken challenge.
I forced my jaw to unclench.
Sabrina clapped her hands. “Okay! Introductions done, let’s hit the road!” She darted around us, gathering duffels and suitcases with the fervor of a child on the brink of vacation.
“Caiden, help me with these bags before Sabrina pulls a muscle,” Shane laughed. Caiden nodded and hoisted a heavy pack. I stood to the side, heart still racing from our brief contact.
I grabbed my suitcase, its cool handle grounding me, and slung my backpack over my shoulder.
Outside, the air carried the crisp scent of pine. The Toyota Sequoia gleamed in the late afternoon sun, its black exterior polished to a mirror shine. Inside, charcoal leather seats and warm wood accents beckoned, scenting the air with new-car freshness.
“So, seating arrangement?” I asked, handing off my bags to Sabrina.
“I was thinking you and I take the back row,boys up front,” she said, stowing my things neatly. “We might switch so Shane isn’t stuck driving.”
I nodded, gripping my hands together to still their tremor. The thought of sitting beside Caiden ignited my nerves.
“Alright, let’s hit the road!” Shane called from the driver’s seat. Caiden slid into the passenger side, and Sabrina whisked to the rear, claiming the seat behind Shane. That left me nestled closest to Caiden.
The engine roared, and the Sequoia rolled forward.
