Page 36 of Prince Material
Floris
Thank god. Take care of yourself too, okay? Let me know if you need anything.
Me
I will. Thank you again. For everything.
Floris
Don’t mention it.
A warmth spread through me. I didn’t deserve this kindness, this friendship that asked nothing in return. But god, I was grateful for it.
“Your roommate?” Tia asked, noticing my expression.
“Yeah.” I squeezed her hand. “He’s… He’s a good friend.”
That felt like the biggest understatement ever, but it would have to do for now. I had more important things to focus on, like making sure history didn’t repeat itself, like keeping our family together, like being the person Dad would’ve wanted me to be.
Mom stirred slightly, her fingers twitching in mine, and I held on tight.
We’d get through this. We had to.
11
FLORIS
The New Orleans airport was smaller than I’d expected, though still bustling with pre-Thanksgiving travelers. Like me. I adjusted my backpack, scanning the crowd for Orson’s familiar, wild curls. He’d insisted on picking me up himself, despite my protests that I could easily get an Uber or a car service.
“Floris!”
I turned at his voice, and there he was, looking more relaxed than I had expected. The New Orleans humidity had turned his curls even wilder than usual, and his brown eyes were bright behind his glasses. Something inside me unfurled at the sight of him. The dorm room had been way too empty without him there.
“Hey.” I pulled him into a quick hug before I could overthink it. “Thanks for picking me up.”
“Of course.” He stepped back, adjusting his glasses in that endearing way he had when feeling slightly flustered. “Though I still can’t believe you flew commercial.”
I grinned. “I’m trying to blend in, remember? Nothing says ‘I’m actually a prince’ quite like showing up in a private jet.Besides, if the Dutch press ever found out I’d flown private, they would have my ass. We’re supposed to act normal, remember?”
“Right, because your designer luggage is so subtle.” He nodded at my Louis Vuitton carry-on.
“It’s practical!”
“It probably costs more than my laptop.”
“That’s…” I couldn’t actually argue with that. “Not the point. Besides, you’re the one who invited me for Thanksgiving. The least I could do is try to be somewhat normal about getting here.”
His expression softened. “You didn’t have to come. I know you had other options.”
“Hey.” I caught his arm, making him look at me. “I wanted to come. After everything you’ve been through lately…” I trailed off, remembering how worried he’d been about his mom. “How is she doing?”
“Better.” Relief filled his voice. “The doctors cleared her to host Thanksgiving, as long as she takes it easy. Which is why you’re here, actually. Mom insisted on having you over after I told her how you helped me get home that day.”
Warmth bloomed in my chest. “I didn’t do anything special.”
“You got me a private plane in less than an hour.”
“All I did was make good use of the privileges I have because of my background.” I shouldered my bag, following him toward the exit. “Anyone in my position would’ve done the same.”
