From My Love to My Life (MXM) (sequel to From My Enemy to My Love)

Chapter 41

Kannika Watakeekul

"When is your sister supposed to get here?" I asked Alice.

"About 5:30," she said. "After she gets off work."

We stood in the living room near the front door. My suitcase and carryon bag were by my feet. I picked up the carryon bag and slung it over my shoulder. I hesitated before I grabbed the handle of my suitcase. "Are you sure you're going to be okay?" I asked her. Bree's parents had bailed her out. She was out there somewhere and I didn't like the thought of leaving Alice alone.

"I'm fine," Alice said. She gently, but firmly pushed me towards the door. "Go spend Christmas with your family and celebrate your brother's wedding. My sister is staying here with me. I'll call the police if I see Bree. It's going to be fine."

"Okay," I said, "but if anything happens, call me right away. Promise me."

"I will," she said.

The doorbell rang. Gareth had sent me a text telling me he was on his way. I had intended to be outside when he came so I could just get in his car and leave, but that must have been him.

I hugged Alice. "Be safe," I said quietly.

"I will," she said.

I opened the door to a handsome Gareth. My heart lifted. "Hi," he said.

"Hello."

"Hi, Alice," he called out past me.

"Hi, Gareth," Alice replied.

"You ready?" he asked me. He looked down at the luggage I had.

"Yeah," I said.

He took my suitcase for me. "Bye, Alice," he called out.

"Bye, Gareth," she said.

I closed the door behind me as I went out and headed towards his car. We put my suitcase and my carryon bag in the trunk of his car before we got inside and headed towards the airport.

"Is she going to be okay alone?" Gareth asked. "Do you want me to check in on her?"

I had told him that Bree had been bailed out of jail and I was worried about leaving Alice. "Her sister is coming to stay with her," I said. "But thanks for the offer." I smiled. It was one of the many reasons my love for him was growing. His care for her as my friend was genuine. There weren't any alternative motives.

We spoke about his game and about Chet's upcoming wedding as he drove me to the airport. I had to stuff my lovely dress into that suitcase, but mom had assured me we would get it pressed so it would look nice for the wedding.

There was a small dusting of snow along the ground, but not the roads. When we pulled up to the drop off side of the airport, it was packed with people. That was to be expected this close to Christmas.

Gareth got out with me and retrieved my luggage for me. We stared at each other for a few moments before he wrapped me in a warm hug. "I'll miss you," he said quietly.

"It's just a little over a week and then you'll be there too for the wedding," I said as I returned the hug.

"I know," he said. He pulled away from the hug, but kept his hands on my hips. "But we have to pretend we're not dating at the wedding."

"True," I said.

"So the next time I can kiss you will be too long of a wait."

I didn't say anything because he was right. Keeping it secret from family and friends at the wedding was going to be difficult but we had to do it. At least for now. At least until we found out if this was going to last or not.