"I'll wait for you," Lucas said as he took a seat. "Go get your stuff ready."
"Thank you so much," I thanked him and left for my room.
*****
We took his private jet.
"What kind of doctor has a private jet?" I asked.
"The kind that has multi-billionaire friends," he replied. "This was a birthday gift."
"I'm jealous," I said as he poured me a glass of champagne.
"You don't have to distract yourself," he said after he was done pouring. "I know you're worried about her, so just let it out."
He saw right through me. I couldn't even pick up the glass.
"She's the only family I have left," I said. "At first, I was jealous of how big your family is. But after seeing you guys, I realized it's not the number that matters. No offense."
"None taken."
"My grandmother wasn't so fond of her; no one around me was," I continued. "But my aunt took care of me. I was eighteen at the time. Officially an adult. There was no need to take care of me, but she sacrificed herself for me in the process. I don't know what I'll do if I lose her.'
"You won't," he assured me. "From what you've said, your aunt is a strong woman. Believe me, strong women don't go down easily."
I had a feeling he was referring to someone close to him.
"I can't help but be worried," I sighed.
"And that's a good thing, too," he said. "Your aunt is so lucky to have a family member who worries about her. Just the same way she worries about you. Some families have the numbers, but don't worry about each other."
"Yeah, your family sucks," I mocked and chuckled.
"We do indeed," he chuckled as well, "You'll be fine."
"Thank you. And thank you for coming with me," I said. "I hope that Kate would have come along too.
"Well…" He shifted his gaze outside the window, "She is a fiancée after all. And I'm not sure Father would want her to go. Even if she wanted to, She doesn't seem to know how to stand her ground. Maybe you should teach her."
"I would if only she were talking to me like she used to," I sighed.
"She'll come around," he assured me. "And when she does, be ready to save your friend."
"I will," I replied.
He lifted his glass to his lips, sipping the sparkling drink as he admired the view outside the plane's window.
"Chicago, huh?" he sighed. "Two years ago, I met a beautiful young lady, and now I'm going back with her."
"You flatter me," I said.
"If only it were flattery," he shook his head and continued drinking.
Chicago. My mind was occupied with my aunt's health, but now that he had mentioned it, this was the same city I had run away from. There was no telling who knew me and was waiting for my return. And yet, I was too scared to tell him my past.
It was going to be a long trip.
*****