Page 45 of Still Here Without You

“Thanks, Dad,” I say, wiping the lone tear that falls down my cheek. When I look at Mom, she’s full-on bawling, and I can’t help but laugh again.

“It’s only six months, Mom.”

“A lot can happen in six months.”

She’s right. It’s why I haven’t been able to commit to Joel. I don’t want to hold him back from anything over the next six months, and I don’t want to make any decisions based on him while I’m over there. Is that selfish? Absolutely. But my future could be riding on this opportunity, and I don’t want to waste it.

The doorbell rings while I’m still half in my father’s arms. Welcoming the distraction, I quickly pull myself free to get it, knowing it’s Joel arriving to pick me up.

Joel’s entire face lights up with a smile when I open the door, causing me to blush. “There she is,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “I’ve missed you.”

Pushing him away, I giggle as I shake my head. “You saw me yesterday.”

He reaches out and squeezes my hip, pulling me close once more. “It will never be enough.”

I laugh out loud, then lift up on my toes to whisper in his ear, “Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you? Are you trying to impress my parents?”

“Actually, I’m trying to impress you,” he says, then moves his lips close to my cheek. “Is it working?”

Oh, my heart.Why did I have to meet him before this trip? Why couldn’t I have met him when I got back?

My dad clears his throat as he and my mom walk into the room. Mom’s eyes widen, and she does an extremely embarrassing happy dance. “Gah, he’s beautiful.”

“Mom…” I cringe.

“What? He’s just dreamy. Joel, I’m Whitney,” Mom says, stepping forward and holding out her hand.

Ever the charmer, Joel ignores her hand and, instead, engulfs her in a hug. “It’s lovely to meet you.” He then turns to my father. “And it’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

Dad shakes his head at the word sir. “Call me Phil. Do I get a hug too?”

Joel laughs, stepping forward to call my dad’s bluff. “I’m not selfish when it comes to hugs; bring it in,” he says with his arms held wide open.

I wait for my dad to laugh, but he shocks the hell out of me by shrugging his shoulders and complying. “What the hell; why not?”

Mom laughs out loud as I groan in mock embarrassment. “Well then, that’s my cue to leave,” I say, shaking my head.

“I don’t mind staying—” Joel begins, but I cut him off.

“Thank you, but I really do have a lot to do.”

His brow furrows, and I can see he wants to argue, but he says, “You’re the boss,” and smiles.

“And don’t ever forget that.” I wink.

My dad laughs as his eyes move between us. He pats Joel on the shoulder before glancing at me curiously. “Treat my daughter like a princess and you’re all right in my eyes.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that, sir…Phil. But really, she wouldn’t keep me around if I didn’t.”

“Ha, you’re not wrong there. She’s a strong one.” Once again, Dad’s words shock me.

“I kind of had to be,” I whisper under my breath, but Joel hears, his brows pulling together once more.

After an emotional goodbye, we make our way outside to find Joel’s pride and joy waiting for us.

“Milady,” he says, waving his arm toward his bike. Two helmets sit on the back, along with Lucy’s leather jacket. I will never admit it, but I’m going to miss this too.

“Let’s go!”

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