Page 94 of Kaine

Chapter Thirty-Five

HIM

The ride from the airport is almost as fun as the plane ride to Harrisonburg, albeit less private in nature.

Henry had organised for a car service to pick us up; it is waiting for us when we land. We have no plans until midday, so Jade asks the driver to take us on a tour of the city.

“A great way to kill two minutes,” she giggles, as she swings her legs into my lap and stretches out in the back of the limo. “Don’t blink or you’ll miss it!” she cries out every few minutes as she points out special landmarks on our ride.

“Stop it!” I tease her, tickling her bare feet. “Harrisonburg’s not that small. I think it’s actually quite picturesque.”

A loud roar catches our attention and we look out the window to see a young guy being carried by a large group in basketball jerseys into a nearby bar.

“What do you think is going on?” Jade wonders.

“James Madison University just made the national basketball tournament, miss. It’s been a big celebration all week,” our driver, Robert, tells us.

“Oh, that’s great!” Jade says enthusiastically.

“My son, he’s on the team.”

“Well, congratulations. You must be proud as punch.”

“And then some, miss, he looks good enough to be selected in the NBA draft.”

“Really! Well, remember us when we come hit you up for some courtside tickets some time.” Jade’s words make Robert beam and I’m suddenly the one proud, proud to be with such a sweet warm soul, spreading joy to everyone she’s around.

“You will be more than welcome, miss.”

We watch as the rest of the crowd crams into the bar and the door closes behind them.

Jade turns to me, her face open and excited. “Where to now?”

I check my watch, it’s time.

***

It’s not until shereaches over and takes my hand in hers, squeezing it as she whispers gently, “Don’t worry, they’re going to adore you,” that I realize I’m nervous.

I can’t remember the last time I was nervous.

No, that’s not true.

The last time was when I came home to find a fiery siren sleeping in my bed.

But the time before that, I can’t conjure for the life of me.

“I’m not nervous,” I say, for no reason other than to try to convince myself of the lie.

“It’s okay if you are. They’re really nice. Just don’t mention sex or politics.”

“Why would I do that?” I frown.

“Because you might not know better, but let’s just leave that to the second meeting of the grandparents, okay?”

The car stops in front of a small sky blue painted house. It’s small, but the front yard is tidy, with a lawn and some fruit trees. Bird feeders swing on the low branches and lace curtains frame the window inside. There’s a rocking chair on the porch and I can’t help but let out a little laugh.

It’s everything I never had.