If Only

Chapter Thirty-Four: Tranquility

JADE

As darkness settled in, fatigue began to weigh on me with every passing moment.

Tyrone and I spent a full two hours in companionable silence on the steel chairs beside the shore, discussing anything and everything that came to mind. It wasn't draining or tense; rather, it was tranquil—a fitting word to describe it.

My gaze remained fixed on the horizon, absorbing Tyrone's words as they harmonized with the sea's melody and the whispering wind. He shared what life was like living far from family and navigating the expectations of being a Legacy, positioned in a distant place to mold us into the image our parents envisioned. He touched on the rules of social conduct, problem-solving techniques, appropriate reactions to various situations, and above all, the responsibility of continuing the empires our fathers had built before us.

Yet, he managed to convey all of this without making me feel excluded or judged for my choice to stay at home. He respected my decision, refraining from making a fuss or offering any unsolicited comments.

At this point, it dawned on me how fortunate I was to have the option to remain at home, deferring my move to London until I felt ready to step into the role of a recruiter, just as my father had. Their situation was different; they were dispatched there long before they even comprehended the concept of counting fingers.

I was thoroughly enjoying my time with Tyrone, until Lizzy decided to jog over to us.

"Y'all having a good time?" She asked, her tone laced with playful teasing.

I could sense Tyrone's smile, subtly tucked away. His dimple gave him away.

"I hate to interrupt this 'bonding' session, but unfortunately, we," she gestured between the two of us, "have to get going. My mom's going to be furious if we're not back within 30 minutes. She's prepared dinner," she added, still in her teasing tone, leaning into my chair and sending a playful wink my way.

Well done, Lizzy.

"Oh, I won't keep you then," Tyrone responded, clearly addressing me.

Lizzy's playful nature was in full swing as she prodded my side, causing me to jolt slightly in my seat.

"Another time. You can have her all to yourself if you'd like."

That was quite the remark. I swatted her arm away, earning a feigned wince from her. As I began to rise to bid Tyrone goodnight, Lizzy quickly interjected, "Wait, aren't you coming with us?" She directed her question at Tyrone.

"I think we'll be fine. You've all had a long flight. It's probably best to head straight to our hotel rooms so you can get some rest."

I hoped Lizzy would let it go, but knowing her, she wasn't one to accept "no" for an answer.

"That's nonsense. You're coming with us now. You're not strangers anymore. I even welcome strangers into my home. Get up and let's go," she asserted.

All I could do was shrug at Tyrone, who offered me a smile that set the butterflies in my stomach aflutter once again.

*****

On the drive to Lizzy's house, they decided it was a good idea that Tyrone and I should sit with each other, and now we are packed behind the car, my arms are squished through Tyrone's but he didn't seem to mind. The gentleman that he was, adjusted himself on the seat just to make room more for me so I could move. I silently thank him.

Agatha and Drew can't seem to stop talking with each other, Agatha with her usual attitude and Drew's bright smile as she speaks to him.

Lizzy and Agatha have been getting all along pretty quickly. Uncle Tom would throw dad jokes every now and then, and everyone would giggle inside the car.