“Yeah. Another semester.”
And there’s another thing I might have to finish in Boston this fall—if they don’t make me take their core curriculum just to get their money’s worth out of me. Then it could take another year or two.
“Well, I won’t hold you up anymore. I know you want to get to studying. I just wanted to welcome you back, and,” he lowered his voice to a whisper, “let you know that unless you really fuck up the test, you’re a shoo-in for my position.”
She forced a smile.
* * *
Four days later, Kristine took the train to Boston. She both welcomed and dreaded the visit with Jayce’s family…and Jayce.
She stopped by the B and B to drop off her stuff, but her mom wasn’t there. Amber said she was probably off with Conlan exploring the city, especially since they were considering making Boston their home.
She tried to think of what to say to Jayce on her way to his parents’ house. It was an unusually cool summer day, giving her the chance to walk to the South End without being all sweaty when she got there. By the time she arrived, her thoughts were completely jumbled. Should she bother opening the conversation about where to live? Was it fair when he couldn’t communicate his thoughts on the subject?
Regardless, she needed to do this. If for no other reason than to show him she still cared. That she wouldn’t desert him in his time of need. Ever.
Upon her arrival, Mr. Fierro opened the door wide and greeted her with a strong hug and surprising kiss on the cheek. “Please come in. Jayce has been eagerly anticipating your visit.”
Kristine almost asked, “How would you know?” Fortunately, he told her before she had to ask. Antonio pointed to a Ouija board on the living room floor. There was no pointer, just the board.
“Look. We found a way to communicate.”
Just then, Jayce flew out of the adjoining dining room and landed on her shoulder. He leaned into her cheek, and she leaned into him. Just feeling the soft feathers and warmth cheered her. He was alive and well, and that’s what really counted.
“Hi, Jayce.”
He squawked and then flew to the Ouija board and pecked theHand theI.
Kristine chuckled. “That’s brilliant.”
Gabriella Fierro entered the room, saying, “Thank you. It was my idea.” She strode over to Kristine and gave her the same warm welcome that she had received from Antonio. “Please have a seat. Can I get you some coffee or tea?”
“Just some ice water would be marvelous.” She took a seat on the couch. “I walked here from Back Bay.”
“That’s quite a hike,” Gabriella said. “I used to walk all over the city, but now I have arthritis in my knees. I’d be aching before I made it to Kenmore Square.”
Kristine almost forgot Gabriella was human. She’d borne seven sons, and they were all grown. It was hard to place her age, but Kristine would guess the matriarch to be in her sixties.
“I’ll be back in just a few minutes with your water. Antonio, come and help me in the kitchen.”
Mr. Fierro’s eyebrows rose. “You need help pouring a glass of water?”
Mrs. Fierro tipped her head toward Jayce.
“Oh! I see. You want to give them some alone time.”
Gabriella shook her head and sighed. “Men.”
Antonio chuckled as he followed her out of the room.
Kristine smiled at Jayce. “How have you been?”
Jayce picked out the lettersL-O-N-E-L-Y.
Kristine gave him what she hoped was a sympathetic look. “I’ve missed you too.” What she really meant was she missed therealhim. The tall, broad-shouldered man she fell in love with. “I wish I could give you a hug and a kiss. But I guess that will have to wait.”
He walked to the upper corner and pecked the wordYES.
