Let Love Down

Chapter Twelve

I got in my family's jet black SUV and sat down between Jessica and Giuseppe in the back seat. It was amazing sitting next to two people who acted a lot like me, but I didn't know them enough to be sure of their personalities.

We all had a "family discussion" on the way to wherever we were heading, and it made me feel a bit closer to them.

Jessica was more excited to see me than I was when I left work today, and I was scared to death. I had been wishing for this day, but I didn't think it would actually come.

"So, tell us more about yourself, Louise!"

Jessica definitely got the positive attitude from Cynthia.

"Well, I'm fifteen, my favorite candies are peppermints, and I got my first phone a couple days ago."

Taylor began to laugh.

"She's got my awkwardness disease."

By the way my mom sat in silence, you would think her dog just died. It seemed like the word "disease" was her least favorite, and Taylor caught on quickly. I broke the silence before Jessica could because I was already thinking about dogs.

"Mom, how's Asia?"

She turned her head back toward me and smiled.

"She's great, but Bobby's taking care of her. I've got to leave for Montreal tomorrow, and I can't bring her along."

Jessica groaned, and so did Giuseppe.

"Tomorrow? I thought you already went to Canada!"

Giuseppe's eyes were welling up with tears, but he hid them with a goofy smile.

"I fell off of Dad's car, remember? She had to come back home."

Jessica began to chuckle softly.

"Yeah, I remember. I just wish you didn't have to leave anymore, Mom."

"I know, baby. Today was the one day I had off, and it was only because of my little soldier back there."

She smiled at Giuseppe and sighed.

"I'll make it up to you guys. The tour ends in a few months, about six I think, and I'll take you guys on vacation when I get back."

I loved how the number six was a few in this family. Nobody seemed to catch on. Anyways, I had never really went on vacation before, and I've never even been out of the state. What a surprise.

"Well you have that show here in New York that I'm going to with Sam. Can't they go?"

Mom bobbed her head up and down one time.

"Of course you guys can come. Which house do you want to stay at in the meantime?"

My heart began to race faster. Which houses do they own?

Jessica nudged me and whispered in my ear, "Say the one in Malibu."

"The one in Malibu," I echoed nervously.

Giuseppe held his hand out toward me, and I gave him a high-five.

"Yeah, let's go back to Malibu. It'll be fun, Mom!"

Jessica crossed her fingers. Taylor shrugged.

"If it's okay with you, it's fine with me, Stef."

"You all can go, but don't touch the wine cellar. Taylor, don't let them touch the wine cellar," she whined.

"I don't even know why we have it, but I don't want you to get sick and die in the hospital. Just don't touch it. We haven't been able to get rid of it."