His face fell. “I’m actually planning to leave on Monday anyway. I’ve got a meeting.”
“Oh, well then I might leave at the same time.”
“You want to see your mom?”
Technically that was true even though she definitely wouldn’t be home. “Yeah. Would you mind changing my ticket?”
“It’s fine, but I’ll let you tell your grandparents.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I stood up. “I’m going to turn in.”
In the end the only flight Dad could get me on was the next night. I plastered a smile on my face during the Christmas festivities for the sake of my family, but I didn’t leave the condo. I held myself together as best I could, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to my dad at the airport.
It wasn’t until I was seated on the plane that I let the tears start. I was never going back. Nothing could make me face Glen again. I’d never been more humiliated in my life. I’d visit my grandparents another time. I’d make it up to them for running out. I was going to be okay, but I was never going to be the same. And neither was Christmas.
Chapter Two
Savannah
One Year Later
“Savannah, you ready?” Jade asked from the doorway. By the end of first semester she’d become one of my best friends at Harrison University. We’d bonded over the fact that neither of us really belonged in a sorority. We faked it well though. Although we didn’t go out together a lot, we spent a lot of late nights talking and trying to settle into our new lives at school.
“I think so, but I wish you could help me come up with an excuse to get me out of this.”
She sat down on the end of my bed. “It’s the holidays with your family. Whether you want to go or not, it’s pretty much required.”
“You don’t understand how awkward this is going to be.”
“Because of Glen?” Jade had heard me recount the embarrassing story a few times. She had her own stories, so I never felt like she was judging me.
“Yes. And then add on having to meet my dad’s new girlfriend and her kids. This is going to be awful.” I’d completely planned on convincing Dad to let us go somewhere else for the holidays, but he shot that idea down quickly.
“My holidays are going to be boring. Trust me.” She yawned and leaned back. “So feel free to call me anytime.”
“I’m going to take you up on that.”
“Good. Just remember there’s nothing to be embarrassed of. You’re a strong, beautiful girl. He’s the idiot who let you get away.”
“Have you always been this good at pep talks?”
“No, but we’ve got to get going, or you’re going to miss your flight.”
“Okay, okay.” I got up and started collecting my stuff. “You know it’s not too late. You could still go with me.”
“And my parents would love that.” She laughed. “Not that I wouldn’t jump on an all-expense paid ski vacation.”
“Fine, I see how it is,” I teased. “Let’s go. I wouldn’t want to be later.” Of course it’s exactly what I wanted to be.
She grabbed one of my bags. “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.”
We took the elevator down to the lobby and walked outside. I wasn’t surprised to see Juliet’s car already parked out in front of my dorm. I was running a full ten minutes behind schedule.
“Hey!” Juliet hopped out of her car. “Ready to go?”
I smiled at my sorority big sister. She was one of the reasons I’d joined Delta Mu in the first place. “Unfortunately, yes. Sorry I was late.”
“Don’t worry about being late, and it’s going to be fine. You’ll be back here before you know it.”
“I was just telling her the exact same thing,” Jade opened the passenger door of Juliet’s car. “And she’s stalling so she’ll miss her flight. She can’t. She needs to go and face Glen.”
“Yes she does,” Juliet opened her door. “Have a great break, Jade!”
I hugged Jade goodbye. “I’m calling you tonight.”
“Good. You’re going to be fine.”
“Thanks.” I held onto her a moment longer. I was going to miss my college home. It had taken me a while to get used to it, but now I didn’t want to leave.
As soon as I got in Juliet pulled away from the curb. “You know you can call me anytime too.”
“I know. And I might.”
She smiled. “Good.”
The ride to the airport went entirely too fast, and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to Juliet and sitting in the boarding area for my flight.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, it was my dad. “Hello.”
“Hey, Dalton’s flight out of Atlanta was cancelled, so he’s going to be on yours. Don’t be alarmed if a guy approaches you.”
“How would he know it’s me, Dad?” I knew Dalton was the son of my Dad’s new girlfriend, but I had no clue what he looked like.
“He’s seen your picture.” Dad made it sound like that was obvious. I’d never seen a picture of Dalton.
“Great.”
“Just be polite.” I could hear the worry in his voice. “His mother’s important to me.”
“Got it. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“I’m excited to see you. This is going to be fun.”
“Are you sure we’re all going to be able to squeeze in to the condo together? It’s not too late for me to find something else to do for the week.”
“You’re coming, Savy. The squishing in part is only going to make it more fun.”
“You already said that.”
“I’m reminding you.”
They announced pre-boarding over the loud speaker. “I’ve got to go, Dad. They’re getting ready to board.”
“Be safe. See you in a few hours.”
“See you soon.” I slipped my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and got in line to board the plane. I found my seat and closed my eyes. My attempt to sleep lasted all of five minutes before I gave up. I was way too nervous for that.
The flight to Atlanta was short, and I only had about a thirty minute layover. Hopefully I’d have time to hit up the bathroom and grab something to eat.
I waited impatiently to get off the plane and high tailed it to the bathroom. I finished and checked the flight boards. My flight had moved. I now had to make it to the C concourse, and I was in A. I was going to have to run if I wanted to make it. It would take too long to wait for the shuttle train. Forget getting a snack.