Page 66 of When Love Is Unexpected

"I'm sorry, not sorry," she says, laughing. "I just wanted to let you know that Tricia has called several times asking for your number. She said you never responded to her emails and that it's important that you call her as soon as possible."

"Okay," I say. "Thanks. I'll give her a call."

When we hear Amanda's footsteps going down the stairs, Laila looks at me.

"Tricia," Laila says. "Isn't that the reunion organizer?"

"Yes," I say. "I'll email her. Now, where were we?"

***

When we go back downstairs, things have quieted down.

Almost everyone has left, including Amanda, her family, and my grandparents. My other grandparents, Mom and Dad, are in the kitchen drinking coffee.

"Where are Tiffany and Josh?" I ask.

"They went out with some friends," says Mom. "I think they went line dancing at the Renegade."

"The Renegade?" asks Laila.

"Yeah," I say. "It's a bar about forty minutes from here. I'll have to take you one night, maybe after the wedding."

"That sounds like fun," says Laila.

"Where are the girls?" I ask.

"Emma's in her room talking to Luke," Mom says. "Abby left a few minutes ago. She said to tell you both goodbye."

"I didn't realize it was so late," I say, looking at my watch.

"Tomorrow is the only free day we'll have until the wedding," says Mom. "Breakfast is at eight. We're all going to church afterward if you two want to join us. If not, you can sleep in. You're probably tired, and a little jet-lagged."

"We'll see you in the morning," I say, taking Laila's hand.

"Goodnight, everyone," says Laila, letting me lead her out the back door.

We walk across the lawn and up the stairs to the patio and studio apartment. The room is spacious, with a king-size bed, a dresser, two nightstands, and a closet on one side. At the end of the bed is a sofa, a coffee table, and a big-screen television on the wall. There’s also a full-size kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, a small table with two chairs, a full-size bathroom, and a small laundry room.

"Wow," Laila says, walking around the room. "Our home away from home."

"I'm going to shower," I say, opening my suitcase. "Do you want to go first?"

"No," she says. "You go ahead. I'll hang our clothes in the closet while I wait.

After I shower, she takes her turn. When she comes out of the bathroom, she's wearing flannel pajamas. Her hair is braided to the side.

"You look beautiful," I say.

"Thank you," she says.

I feel a nervous energy in the room.

"Is everything okay?" I ask.

"I'm just wondering about our sleeping arrangements," she says. "Sam, I—."

"Come here," I say, reaching for her and pulling her close.

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