Whispered Promises

Chapter 30 - Vacation Time

POV: Alexandra

"Alex, do you have everything you need?" my dad asks as he finishes loading the car. I glance at him while helping with the last bag.

"Yes, Dad. It's only a seven-day trip," I reply.

My mom chimes in, "Did you make sure to pack appropriate clothes?" She emphasizes "appropriate" with a look.

I nod reassuringly. "Yes, Mom, I didn't bring anything that would cause controversy."

We climb into the car for the drive to the airport. My dad and Jeffrey have some sort of business meeting in Hawaii, and unfortunately, the entire Wood family is coming along. At least they're not terrible at sports, so there will be some entertainment.

Just as my dad is about to pull out of the driveway, an unexpected passenger opens the door and hops into the car. "Hey, can I catch a ride with you guys?" Levi slides into the seat next to me.

Annoyingly, Levi seems to have a strange affinity for my dad, which freaks me out a little. "As long as you stay quiet," my dad responed. I grumble "Nobody invited you"

Levi gives a casual salute as he settles into his seat. "No problem. The head of your household said I could join, so you'll have to accept me graciously."

I roll my eyes and turn to look out the window. This trip is going to be a long one.

At the airport, we unload the luggage and check in. Once we reach the boarding area, we claim some seats for our carry-ons. I'm exhausted and in direct need of caffeine. "Dad, can I grab a coffee?"

"Sure, take Levi with you and stick together," my dad replies.

Levi glares at me but follows as we head to the coffee shop. I decided to try and make small talk. "What are you going to get?"

Levi grabs an energy drink from the cooler. "This," he says, popping the tab.

I raise an eyebrow. "You're just going for an energy drink? My dad must really be rubbing off on you."

He shrugs. "It's my own choice."

Before I can tease him further, the barista calls me over. "What would you like to drink, ma'am?"

"I'll have a black coffee and a nitro cold brew to-go, please," I responded with a smile.

She nods, "Got it. Can I have a name for the order?"

"Alex," I say.

As I pay, Levi chuckles. "You can't judge my drink choice when you're drinking black coffee."

I nudge him playfully. "Black coffee is perfectly normal. I like my coffee strong."

Levi grins. "Black coffee is for psychopaths. You won't change my mind."

I roll my eyes as my name is called. I grab the coffees and head back to our seating area. I hand one to my dad, who nods in thanks. I scan the boarding area, looking for the Woods. But where is Lucien?

A sudden squeeze on my shoulders makes me turn around. Lucien stands behind me with a grin. I give him a quick hug. "Where were you?"

He points towards a souvenir shop. "Got caught up looking at gifts."

I smirk. "For whom?"

Lucien leans closer, whispering in my ear, "You know exactly who."

Before I can respond, Levi shoves us apart. "Stop invading each other's personal space. It's weird."

In the process, my coffee spills all over my sweatshirt. I glare at Levi, who grunts in response. "Seriously? What's your problem?"

Levi rolls his eyes. "Not my fault you're clumsy."