Page 104 of Into the Woods

“Anything else, miss?” the driver, an older gentleman with kind eyes and white hair, asked.

I shook my head. “No, thank you.”

“Goodnight, miss.”

“Goodnight.” I started up the stairs, pulling out my keys as I went. Exhaustion settled into my bones. I didn’t have long to get myself together before Eric would be picking me up for dinner. Hopefully I’d have enough time to call Court and check in.

Huh. I was a girl with a boyfriend to check in with.

For some reason, that put a soft grin on my face as I pushed open the front door.

I heard voices, and my smile grew as I heard my grandfather’s deep baritone laugh. I wheeled my suitcase into the foyer coat closet to grab later. Right now, I wanted to see the two people who always made me feel cherished and loved.

“Mémé? Papa?” I called, heading for the parlor room that they tended to use when entertaining guests. I rounded the corner… and froze in the stained-glass archway to the room.

Eric was sitting on the settee across from Mémé while Papa was at the wet bar, pouring himself a bourbon.

“Can I get you one, Eric?” he offered, holding up a crystal decanter.

“No, thank you, sir,” Eric refused, the epitome of politeness. He turned and spotted me, his eyes lighting up as he stood. “Welcome home, Bex.”

Mémé turned to me, her eyes bright. “Darling, why didn’t you tell us that you were dating such a fine young man?”

“Indeed,” Papa added with a smile that reminded me of Mom. “Did you get everything sorted back at your school?”

I managed a nod, my throat dry. Panic made my stomach clench and my palms sweat.

Mémé made a soft sound of annoyance. “Absolutely absurd that you had to traipse halfway around the world in this day and age. I’ve half a mind to call your headmaster and remind him of just who provided the grant for the new science lab last year.”

“Not a bad idea, my love,” Papa told her with a serious nod.

“No,” I blurted out. “It was my mistake. I, uh, was so preoccupied with leaving school and Mom’s heart attack that I missed the form. It was my fault.”

Mémé frowned but sat back in her seat. “Very well. Eric tells us that the two of you have big plans.”

“It’s just dinner,” I mumbled.

Eric flashed me a winning grin. “I might have another surprise up my sleeve, love.”

My heart palpitated as Mémé all but giggled. Papa came to stand beside her chair and rested a hand on her shoulder. The look that flashed between them was the kind of thing I’d always wanted for myself.

“Ah, to be young and in love,” Mémé said in a wistful tone.

Panic washed through me like fire. “We’ve barely known each other a week.”

Papa chuckled. “Oh, ma fille. You know your grandmother.” He looked down, utter adoration on his face. “She just wants you to be as happy as we’ve been.”

Mémé beamed at him before looking at me. “You two go on. Don’t let us keep you.”

“It was truly a pleasure to meet you both,” Eric told them, turning to shake Papa’s hand and kiss the back of Mémé’s.

“No, darling, the pleasure was all ours,” Mémé replied, beaming at him. “I’m so glad you stopped in to introduce yourself. Our granddaughters are entirely too secretive about their romances.”

Papa gave a nod of agreement. “But we’ll see you at Ines’s birthday celebration in a few nights.”

“Yes, sir. I’m delighted to be invited to such a momentous event, even if I’m not convinced the age is true.” Eric winked at Mémé, and I felt sick.

Mémé waved a dismissive hand, unable to hide her delight. “Oh, shush. You do wonders for an old woman’s heart.” She looked at me and winked. “This one’s a keeper, Rebecca. Charm, looks, and brains? Don’t let him go.”

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