Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“I would do those things,” Alex says, nodding with enthusiasm.
“Jacob has some incredible instructors,” Max adds. “I hate to break it to you, buddy, but ski season is almost over for this winter.”
“Oh.” Alex deflates next to me. “That sucks.”
He’s disappointed, but I’m elated. This gives me a good nine months before I have to think about it again.
“I think there’s only one more weekend left,” Max continues. “But now we know it’s not out of the question for your mom.”
“Yeah, that’s awesome.” Alex leans into me. “What made you change your mind?”
“I can see that you enjoyed it,” I reply, thinking it over. “I talked with Nana about it, and she gave me a new perspective on it, too.”
“Interesting,” Max says.
“I’ll tell you about it sometime.”
He nods, and I glance down at a smiling Alex. “Now that we’ve decided that skiing is back on the table for next year, do you want to watch more Harry Potter?”
“I just have one question,” Alex says.
“What’s that?”
“Will you go skiing with us?”
I glance at Max, who’s leaning forward, waiting for my answer.
“No,” I reply with a laugh. “But I’ll go hang out at the lodge and wait for you.”
“Okay,” Alex says. “Let’s watch Harry Potter.”
***
“I haven’t played Pac-Man in years,” Max says as he joins me at our table at O’Donnel’s. It’s Wednesday night, and Alex has the next two days off school, so we invited Pierce to come out for pizza with us before we take Alex to spend one more night with Jean and Dan before they leave for Arizona.
“I can’t believe it still works,” I say, watching Alex and Pierce take turns on the game. “Alex is good at it.”
“He’s smart, Wills. And I’m not just saying that because I’m biased. He’s highly intelligent. Alex says he struggles with math, but once he grasps the concept, he runs with it. I’m excited to see what he does with all that brainpower.”
“I am, too,” I admit. “But it’s okay if he’s a little boy for a while longer. He’s growing up so fast.”
“I notice his attitude has been better since our week away. Even with being sick.”
“I’ve noticed the same,” I reply. “It’s been nice to have my sweet boy back for a while.”
“Look what the cat dragged in,” Max says with a grin, looking at someone behind me. I turn to see Christian and Jenna, along with Nina, walking through the door.
“Oh my gosh! You have to join us,” I say, jumping up to give Jenna and Nina a hug. “Tell me you’re not taking it to go.”
“We’re not now,” Christian says with a laugh. I flag down the waitress and let her know we’re moving to a bigger table, and once we’re settled in, I nudge Jenna with my elbow.
“I haven’t talked to you in forever.”
“You were off on a romantic getaway, and then Alex was sick,” she reminds me. “But please tell me we’re on for yoga tomorrow.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I reply. “Nina, why don’t you join us for yoga? You’d love Fallon.”
“I think I will,” Nina says with a smile. “What are you guys up to?”
“Getting out of the house,” Max says with a laugh. “What about you?”
“Well,” Jenna says, looking at Christian. He gives her a nod, and she looks like she’s about to burst with something. “We’re getting married.”
“We know,” I remind her, pointing at her ring. “We’ve known for weeks now. Did you hit your head?”
“No,” Jenna says, giggling. “We’re getting married this weekend.” She whispers the last few words, and I stare at her, sure I’ve misheard her.
“Uh, Jen?”
“Yeah?”
“We haven’t planned.”
She shrugs a shoulder. “I’ve planned everything I need to.”
Nina glances around the room nervously, probably making sure no one is listening. Christian’s had several curious looks since he walked in. I guess that’s what happens when you’re the most famous actor in the world.
I check on Alex and Pierce, but they’re still playing their game, oblivious to the conversation happening at the table.
“Were you going to tell us?” Max asks quietly. He looks irritated, his brows drawn together in a frown.
“I was going to call tonight,” Jenna admits.
“I don’t love talking about this here,” Nina says.
“There’s no one here,” Christian says, looking around. “And the two women in the back corner can’t hear us. Just tell them, babe.”
“Saturday,” Jenna whispers, “at the property in the park.”
“You’re going to snowshoe in your wedding dress?” I ask quietly. “It’s damn cold out there.”
“No,” she says with a smile. “I’ve talked to the park and got permission to plow the road, just this once. No snowshoeing for it. But, yes, I am wearing a pretty dress. And before you ask, we’re only inviting the people at this table, Hannah and Brad, and Jacob and Grace. That’s it.”
“Wow,” I whisper. “What about your parents?”
She shrugs a shoulder but doesn’t answer, and that means something’s up with that and she doesn’t want to say.