The Neighbor (a mini fic)

Part 11

October 2021 - 4 months in Monaco

"So Amy, where were you all night?" I nearly choked on my food. Shit. I didn't think of an alibi for why I didn't sleep in my bed last night. My panicked eyes immediately met Daniel's.

"I was... uh..." my brain quickly tried to find a plausible excuse, but was seriously malfunctioning.

"She stayed here" Daniel quickly tried to cover for me, but said the one thing he shouldn't have. I gave him a wide eyed look which he returned, realizing now he put his foot in his mouth. I had to find a way to make it sound better. Maybe a half truth would work.

"Yeah we got back really late and I didn't want to risk waking Isaac up so I just slept here" I glanced hesitantly at Grace who didn't seem bothered in the least.

"Oh good!" Michelle sighed with relief. "I was worried you'd got lost and slept at some strangers house! I mean I should know Daniel would keep you safe, but he can also be an idiot sometimes" she jeered at him.

"Hey! I'll have you know I made sure she got to bed safe and sound. I was the perfect gentleman." Daniel said, mocking offense. He glanced at me while Michelle was laughing and shot a quick wink my way.

What the fuck? Does he remember? Or was that just Daniel being Daniel? Whatever, I was just glad we got through the interrogation and the conversation was now onto other things.

~~~~~~

It was the next day and Daniel's family were all leaving today. I really was sad to see them go. Over the last week I'd become so used to them being here and even felt like part of the family by now.

"Amy, thank you so much for letting us stay here. It has been so wonderful getting to know you" Michelle said as she pulled me in for a hug.

"Honestly, it was no problem at all. You guys are welcome any time" I said as Adam also gave me a quick hug.

"Don't say that or she might leave me to move in with you for a forever wine night" Adam joked, causing all of us to laugh.

I turned to Grace and Joe. Grace's eyes were already teary as she wrapped her arms around me. "I think I'm going to miss you as much as I miss Daniel when he's away" she laughed slightly, shaking her head trying to calm herself back down as she pulled away from me.

"Keep in touch ok?" Joe said as he briefly gave me a side hug. I nodded at him, promising to do so.

"I'm gonna miss you so much buddy" I said as I hugged Isaac. I had purposely saved him for last because I loved his cute little hugs. "And thank you for the artwork" I smiled at him.

"You're welcome" He smiled back at me broadly. "I'll miss you Aunt Amy" his little voice broke suddenly and I could see a tear form in his eye.

"Aww come here" I quickly pulled him into another hug and held him until I felt he was ok again. I stood back up as he walked over toward his parents.

"It's ok Isaac, you'll see Amy again" Grace said as she walked over to take his hand in hers. At that moment Daniel cleared his throat, catching her attention and giving her a look. She smiled at him and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek before they all started walking to the door, saying goodbye on their way out.

Daniel closed the door behind them and turned around to face me, letting a huff of air out like he'd been holding it in. I was leaned up against the little hallway table and had my arms crossed in front of my chest.

"Sooo you survived my family" he smiled nervously, trying to distract me, knowing I was going to ask what that look was about. I knew he would tell me eventually so I let it go for now.