Page 191 of The Vacation Mix-Up
Once I clear customs, I hail a cab and settle into my seat, the Manhattan skyline a comforting yet disappointing sight—no rainbow clouds or rippling ocean. No mountains or trees.
Not once in my life has NYC made me frown… until now.
My cell beeps again, so I quickly retrieve it.
Did you put your shampoo in my bag?
Laughter bursts from my throat.
I did.
What else did you sneak in? Jesus! I told customs I packed my own bags. Lucky I wasn’t detained.
Just the shampoo.
Thanks, but it’s empty.
And whose fault is that?
You need to bring some with you when you visit.
I bite my nail, excited at the prospect.
Maybe.
As I’m about to type another message, he beats me to it.
Gotta go. Mom, Roni, and Poppy just arrived.
My chest pangs, knowing no one will greet me when I arrive home.
Say hi to them for me.
I will, but you can do it in person when you meet them.
Heart delightfully pounding with nerves, I can’t type fast enough.
Okay. Does this weekend work?
It can’t come soon enough
chapter twenty-eight
RILEY
Sliding my cell into my pocket, I open my front door and lower to one knee, arms wide as Poppy comes barreling toward me.
“Uncle Riley!”
She slams into my chest, so I scoop her into my arms and stand, bear-hugging her as I breathe in her innocent scent of candy and playdough. “I’ve missed you, popsicle. Did you miss me?”
She clasps my face, her eyes giant blue saucers. “Did you buy me a present?”
“Did you miss me?” I repeat.
“Of course I did, silly.”
“Then yes, I bought you a present.”
