Forever Yours

Lacey Returns [39]

39. Lacey Returns

Ryan

Two months later

I climbed out of the limousine and automatically slipped on my sunglasses; it was windy on the runway and I noticed a small cluster of photographers and reporters camping out on the other side of the airfield. When they noticed me, they started taking pictures and a reporter was already scribbling in her notebook. I hadn't decided if constantly being subjected to the public eye bothered me yet, so I wasn't sure what to think about their being there. I turned away, just as a black Escalade pulled up behind the limousine. The Carvellis' bodyguards emerged, garbed in black and their faces grim as they took note of the paparazzi camping out on the other side of the runway. Taking up defensive positions surrounding the limousine, they communicated with each other in undertones via the small headsets hooked around their ears. I noticed Carl standing near and he gave me a barely acknowledging nod of his head before looking away. I didn't bother saying hello since I knew he was under strict orders and he couldn't risk his professionalism- at least in public.

My phone buzzed and I checked it. Five minutes.

Behind me, Maureen laughed to herself and I turned to look at her with a grin. I loved the sound of her laugh.

"Come on, Maureen. Get out of the car already." She was leaning over in her seat, trying to figure out how to wrap the long ribbons attaching her shoes to her feet around her ankles.

"One more minute, I almost figured it out."

She had been at that shoe for the past ten minutes. We'd been in a rush that morning, so she had gotten into the limo barefoot, two heels dangling from her arm by their ribbons. I had no idea how the contraptions worked so I was no help and Cara was in the other limousine (which had yet to arrive) so Maureen was stuck barefoot until reinforcements came in.

"Why'd you decide to wear that shoe anyway? You don't even know how to put it on," I laughed.

She grumbled, a frown making its way onto her beautiful face. "Forget this." She ripped the shoe off and threw it across the limousine, towards the front end of the car.

She noticed me laughing at her and gave me a patient, enduring look as she planted her hands on her hips. "It's not funny."

"I'm sorry," I tried to hold in the laughter, and reached in to pull her from the car. "What are we going to do about that?" I asked, glancing down at her bare feet.

Maureen looked down too. She shrugged. "I dunno. I don't really care."

I rolled my eyes, hiding my amusement. Only Maureen.

At that moment, the second limousine pulled up behind the Escalade. Maureen tucked herself into my side as the bodyguards drew closer, encircling us. Two more Escalades were parking; the entire squadron of bodyguards was needed today apparently. The whole Carvelli family would be here.

It had been my suggestion that they come. It was, after all, their generosity that allowed Lacey to go to China. She was alive today because of Maureen... and Mr. Carvelli. I knew that nothing I could ever do would be enough to repay them for what they did but I would try my hardest to recompense them, at whatever cost. What they did for Lacey, for my family, was beyond words.

"Ryan, she's almost here," Maureen whispered excitedly. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright in anticipation. I wrapped my hand around her, holding her tightly to my side.

"I know," I said softly, trying not to show the excitement that was building up inside of me.

Mr. Carvelli was the first one to get out of the other limo. He was on his cell-phone and he waved at us, before shooting me a warning smile. I understood the look and reluctantly released Maureen. Even though Mr. Carvelli approved of me, and had even taken a liking to me, he was still firm on the subject of physical stuff. He tolerated it, but didn't like having to see it. Which was understandable.