Page 37 of Staging Love
“Not at all,” Jade said. “It will be intimate and informal. Just close family and friends, so there’s no pressure."
"Ah, that sounds perfect," Uncle Robert nodded approvingly. "Seeing you two together reminds me so much of Weston and your mother, Camilla. They had that same spark, that connection that's rare and precious."
Aunt Lara nodded. "It's true. And if there's one thing we've learned in our years together, it's that that spark is worth fighting for, even when things get tough."
"What's your secret?" Jade asked,her hand finding Camilla's. "To staying so happy together after all these years?"
“For one, we don’t have children,” Uncle Robert joked. He chuckled, sharing a fond look with his wife. "Just kidding. No, I’d say communication is core. Never go to bed angry. And remember to laugh together, especially when things are hard."
"And compromise," Aunt Lara added. "But never compromise on the big things, the values that make you who you are."
"Most importantly," Uncle Robert said, his gaze moving between Camilla and Jade, "always be each other's biggest supporter. The world out there can be tough, but if you have each other's backs, you can face anything." He glanced over his shoulder as a black SUV pulled up the drive. “That will be your ride to the airport, so I guess this is goodbye. Jade, it was truly wonderful meeting you. And Camilla, don’t be a stranger. You know I’m here for you, kiddo, and you and Jade are always welcome at our home.”
“Thank you.” Camilla said sincerely, squeezing his arm as she met his eyes. “You both mean the world to me.” She and Jade hugged him and Aunt Lara goodbye, then stepped outside as one of the staff members approached, gathering their luggage and taking it to the taxi.
Just then, Aunt Vivian emerged from the house, her designer coat perfectly draped over her shoulders.
"Vivian," Camilla said, "I wanted to remind you that the offer to fly back with us on the jet is still open if you'd like."
Aunt Vivian waved a manicured hand. "Oh, no need for that, dear. Robert and I have already made our arrangements but thank you." She cleared her throat. "Well then, it was lovely to meet you, Jade, and great to catch up, Camilla." Her gaze flicked between Camilla andJade, assessing. "We'll be seeing you at the wedding, of course. Do keep us informed of the details."
"We will," Camilla said, plastering on what she hoped would be the last manufactured smile of the day. She turned to Jade. "Ready to go?"
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The Gulfstream G650 cut through the sky, leaving behind the snow-capped peaks of Aspen and carrying Camilla and Jade back to Los Angeles.
On their outbound flight, they had been virtual strangers, separated by the professional arrangement that had brought them together. Now, they sat side by side, Jade's head resting comfortably on Camilla's shoulder, their fingers intertwined. The change was palpable, not just in their physical proximity, but in the easy comfort that flowed between them.
Camilla gazed out the window, watching the landscape below shift from snow-dusted mountains to sprawling plains. Her mind drifted back over the whirlwind of the past week - the laughter, the revelations, the moments of tension and sweetness. It felt surreal, like a beautiful dream she was afraid might dissipate once they touched down in LA.
"What are you thinking about?" Jade's soft voice broke through her reverie.
Camilla turned, meeting her curious blue eyes. "Just...everything," she admitted with a small laugh. "It's been quite a week, hasn't it?"
"That's an understatement. I don't think either of us saw this coming."
"Definitely not." Camilla paused. "Jade... when can I see you again?"
The question hung in the air between them, laden with hope and a touch of uncertainty. They were leaving behind the cocoon of the Parkes family estate, where their relationship had blossomed in isolation. Now, they faced the reality of integrating their burgeoning romance into their everyday lives.
"Whenever you want. I'm the one without a job at the moment, so apart from my rehearsals, I've got plenty of time while I look for another barista or waitressing gig."
“Rehearsals?”
Jade smiled. "Yeah. I actually have a role in a play next week so I’m going straight into final rehearsals tomorrow. It's at a small theater, but it's a lead role. Who knows? It might lead to something bigger."
Camilla's eyes lit up with excitement. "Jade, that's wonderful! I'd love to come see you on stage. Would that be okay?"
"Of course." Jade beamed, clearly touched by Camilla's enthusiasm. "It's only a small production, but..." She trailed off, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her voice.
"But it's theater,” Camilla finished for her, understanding the unspoken weight of the opportunity. "And you love theater, right? I can't wait to see you perform."
"Thank you. That means a lot to me. You can stay with me after, if you like. The venue’s not far from where I live."
“I’ll pack a bag.” Camilla said, gratefully accepting her second coffee from the flight attendant. “I want to seewhere you live, your neighborhood, I want to go where you hang out.”
"Even the dive bar where I play piano on open mic nights?" Jade asked humorously.
