Page 56 of The Kiss Countdown

Brianna smiles but remains silent, while Mrs. Rogers places a hand over her heart. “I love seeing him so smitten with you.”

I can’t argue with that. Not that I think Vincent is smitten with me. Obviously, we’re both playing the part while his mom is right here. Sure, he’s got this thing going on where safety is really important to him, and he’s probably mad I ventured out of the bed. But his look and touch, while convincing, were fake.

Fake. Fake. Fake.

I can’t let myself forget, or my mind will get the same mixed signals my body obviously has.

“That’s a beautiful necklace, Amerie,” Mrs. Rogers says, snapping me out of my haze.

I raise my hand to the necklace again. It’s been a staple in my wardrobe for years. It’s gold, with a short chain so the diamond pendant rests at my clavicle. “Thank you. It actually used to be my mom’s. My dad gave it to her before I was born, and I loved it so much as a girl, I’d always ask to wear it. She gifted it to me when I graduated high school.”

My mom doesn’t have a lot of jewelry, so it meant the world to me when she entrusted me with her necklace. It’s also a constant reminder of how much my parents love me and are willing to give up for me.

“It’s an heirloom?” Mrs. Rogers says. “You’ve done a beautiful job caring for it. And it sounds like you and your mom are close.”

“We are, very. I’m an only child, so my parents were all I had growing up.”

Soon enough, the other family members come outside. Camille joins us while Lance and Mr. Rogers go inspect Vincent’s handiwork.

“It’s official,” Camille announces. “Amerie’s going to plan the ceremony.”

I breathe easier when Mrs. Rogers smiles and Brianna appears relieved. Part of me was worried they might feellike I was stepping on their toes, even though Camille came to me. Plans are made to form a group chat so everyone can keep up to date, then Camille begins asking me questions about the process and other past events I’ve done.

“I think it would be really cool to have the ceremony on a yacht,” Brianna says. “Have you done one of those before?”

Gina and I tried one of those restaurants on a boat before, and I threw up twice before appetizers had been served. Me and moving water are not friends.

“I have not,” I say, trying not to grimace at the memory. “If we don’t do the ceremony on a yacht, there are so many stunning places around Houston. I’ll find you all the perfect spot.” I flash my most reassuring smile.

“You and Vincent both seem very passionate about your jobs,” Mrs. Rogers says. “No wonder you two get along so well.”

“I do love what I do, and I know Vincent does as well.”

She nods and smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. My nerves ratchet up. Did I do something wrong by agreeing with her?

Mrs. Rogers then looks at Vincent, who is once again chopping what seems to be a never-ending supply of wood. “I don’t know how you do it, Amerie.”

“Excuse me?”

“How do you deal with the fact Vincent is about to launch off into deep space, with no assurances he’ll be back?”

Oh boy.

I bite my lip and carefully consider my next words. “I’m worried, of course, but this is the life Vincent wants.”

When I think of our trip to the Space Center, I don’t think about how scared I was in the virtual space walk.Well, mostly not, anyway. I think of how excited Vincent was to walk me through the shuttle and the Mars exhibit. And how alive he looked while talking about his time on the International Space Station.

“I just wish he would find a different job. He could be anything he wants. An accountant, an engineer, a doctor. He was brilliant as a professor. Why an astronaut?”

It’s plain to see how distressed Mrs. Rogers is, and I feel for her, but my heart goes out to Vincent. He’s got his high-profile career and a good head on his shoulders, but he doesn’t have support at home. I don’t count, since my position in his life is only temporary. How amazing would it be for him if his mom could show her support of his choices?

“I haven’t known Vincent very long,” I say, but immediately realize my blunder. “I mean, as long as you. Obviously.” I cough into my hand. “But he loves what he does. He’s so excited for this opportunity to go into space and help advance science, even knowing the risks.”

Mrs. Rogers shakes her head. “He’s going to end up just like his brother, and he doesn’t care what that will do to us.”

“Momma, you’re getting yourself too worked up,” Brianna says. “Vincent is not going to end up like Tay.” But Mrs. Rogers doesn’t look convinced.

Is everyone in this family convinced something bad will happen to Vincent on his mission? I want to shake them all and tell them to have faith.

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