Page 114 of The Love Syllabus

I open my eyes and take a deep breath to meet Gabe and Izzy’s eyes as they hover over their keyboard.

With no hesitation or second-guessing, I nod, and with a single click, they hit publish.

My truth isn’t buried anymore. My pain is no longer caged. It’s out there for the entire world to hear, to listen, to feel. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll set someone else free, too.

Chapter 30

Family Vacation – Kerry

Two Months Later

We needed to get away. The interviews, Cory’s arrest, the tabloids, the paparazzi hounding me about the recordings—it was all too much. Every time I stepped outside, there was another camera in my face, another headline, and another person asking me if I wasokay. Andby the fourth interview, I was done. It was like the whole damn world had a front row seat to my pain, and I never even handed out tickets.

Sure, I opened the door by leaking the recordings, but Vic, the girls, and I deserve to close it now. We deserve our peace back.

So, we left. No warnings. No explanations. We just packed our bags and ran straight to the happiest place on Earth.

Disney World.

Now, we’re standing in front of Cinderella’s Castle, with the sun shining bright and the scent of sugary churros filling the air.

“Alright, Grimes Family! Let’s get going!” I clap my hands together, holding up the digital itineraries like I’m about to brief everyone on a team mission. “We have a carefully curated schedule. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at 10 a.m. sharp, then Astro Orbiter thirty minutes later, and oh, don’t forget! We have lunch atBe Our Guestat noon.”

Syd, already halfway through her Dole Whip, groans. “Dad, I don’t think you should’ve let Kerry plan the vacation. She has way too much energy.”

Vic chuckles, draping an arm over my shoulder. “Tell me about it. I’m just glad she doesn’t have color-coded spreadsheets.”

“Who says I don’t?” I tease, flashing a mischievous grin.

Ari, the only one truly on my side, claps her hands together. “I wanna get on every ride I possibly can!”

“That’s my girl!” I beam.

Vic shakes his head. “You’re a bad influence.”

“And yet you can’t keep your hands off me.” I quip, tossing him a wink.

He leans down, biting his lip. “That’s because you’re impossible to resist.”

I feel the heat creep up my neck, but before I can respond, Ari grabs my hand and pulls me toward our first ride.

We hit everything, starting withSpace Mountain, and even though Vic tries to act all cool and unbothered, I definitely hear him yelling behind me.Big Thunder Mountain Railroadis next. Ari is officially hooked on rollercoasters. Syd is hesitant at first, but by the time we hitSeven Dwarfs Mine Train, she’s squealing and raising her hands like a mini thrill-seeker.

“That wasn’t so bad after all.” She admits as we step off.

I raise my eyebrow. “Not so bad? We got photo evidence of youandyour dad screaming at the top of your lungs.”

By mid-afternoon, we enjoy a relaxing sit-down meal at the Beast’s castle. Disney truly is the happiest place on Earth because Vic is wearing the biggest smile.

“So, what’s it gonna take for me to convince you to let me carry you through this park like a Disney princess?”

I take a slow, deliberate bite of my bread. “Try it, and I’ll wear you out! You’ll be limping into Epcot tomorrow.”

The man actually has the nerve to look turned on. “Oh, really? Elaborate.” He smirks.

Ari groans but playfully adds, “Please, for the love of all things holy, stop flirting.”

The highlight of our day, however, is our princesses meeting their favorite Princess, Tiana. It’s like a dream come true, and I swear I even notice Mr. Grumpy himself shed a little tear. He’ll deny it forever, but I know what I saw.

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