Page 84 of Always Us

“Is she okay?”

I shrug. “You can never tell with her. She hides her emotions. But she seemed okay.”

“Did she say I could come? Because I don’t want to cause any arguing or—”

“Jade, you’re my wife. You’re going. And yes, she said you’re invited.”

It’s not really true, but whatever. She didn’t say no.

“Who else will be there?”

“Friends of the family. Grace and William are coming. And Victoria. Have you heard anything from Grace?”

“She left me a voicemail but I haven’t called her back. She said she called you but didn’t leave a message because she wants to give you her condolences directly. You know how she is. She’s all about proper etiquette. She said she sent you a card.”

Our lunch arrives and as I’m eating, I notice Jade hasn’t touched her food.

“Jade, are you gonna eat?”

She glances at her plate. “Yeah. I was spacing out for a minute.”

I place my hand over hers. “You’re nervous aren’t you?”

“A little. Your grandmother doesn’t like me. And I know she didn’t invite me. She doesn’t want me there.”

“She doesn’t have to like you. But at least she accepts you and that’s good enough.”

“How long are we staying?”

“We can fly home Friday night.”

“I think we should stay for the weekend.”

“Jade, you don’t have to do that for me. We’ll just leave after it’s over.”

“No, I think you should spend time with your dad. And I’d like to spend some time with Lilly. Unless Katherine won’t let me.”

“My dad will take care of Katherine. If you’re willing to stay the weekend, that’s what we’ll do. I know Lilly would like that. She’s not doing so well right now. But what about finals? Don’t you need to study this weekend?”

“I don’t have to. I’ve been studying for weeks. What about you?”

“I can study on the plane.”

“Do you want me to get the tickets?”

“No, I’ll get them.” I lean over and kiss her cheek. “Thank you. I know you don’t want to do this.”

“I’ll do whatever you need me to do.” She hugs my side.

Damn, I love her. She’s completely selfless. If I were her, there’s no freaking way I’d go to that memorial service. But she’s not thinking about herself. She’s doing what’s best for Lilly and she wants to be there for my dad.

After lunch, I buy our plane tickets, then go to my afternoon class. I can’t concentrate. My mind keeps wandering to my future with Jade, because I finally feel like we have a future. With my grandfather gone, I feel like we’re finally safe. Maybe it’s too soon to believe that, but I need to. These past few weeks I’ve been so damn stressed and I can’t take it anymore. I just need to get through this week and then I can relax. The memorial service will be closure. The final end to this nightmare I’ve been living. My final goodbye to my grandfather.

CHAPTER TWENTY

20

JADE

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