Passage to Australia [Passage to Australia Trilogy Book One]

Chapter III City Lights

Chapter III

City Lights

Dinner wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been.  Parker and Fiona tried in vain to involve the others in friendly conversation, but Paul sulked, Janine seemed paranoid that she would spill something on her new dress, and Paris was strangely taciturn.  Erik managed to exchange a few words with Brandon, but it seemed her previous shyness had returned and he finally gave up.

After dessert Parker and Fiona excused themselves.

"Don't stay up too late guys, we have to be at the port by nine in the morning."  Parker warned them, singling out Paul with his eyes.

"I'm sure we'll all be up soon, Uncle Parker."  Brandon assured them with a smile.  

The five sat around the table in silence for a minute or two, then Paris spoke up with a sparkle in her eyes.  "You'll never guess what I have in my purse."

"Spare me, please."  Paul muttered.  Paris ignored him.

"The keys to one of the rental cars."

"What of it?"  Brandon questioned, but Erik fancied he had read Paris' mind already.

"I've heard there's all sorts of things to see in this city after dark," she grinned mischievously.

"Paris!"  Janine's shocked squeal attracted the attention of more than one other table but she didn't seem to care.

"I'm not talking bars, Janine, you know me better than that.  I mean things like the Golden Gate Bridge all lit up, etc."

"Oh," her cousin heaved a sigh of relief.  "Right."

"Well, who's with me?"

"I'm in," Erik leaned forward eagerly.  "I've always wanted to see the lights with a pretty girl."

Paris shot him a quick frown.

"I'll tag along, I guess," Paul raised his hand.

"Me too."  Janine still sounded a little skeptical.

Brandon squirmed in her seat.  "What about what Uncle Parker said?"

"What about it?"  Paris replied carelessly.  "We'll be back before they even miss us."

"Well..."

Seeing that she still hesitated, Erik nudged her.  "Come on, it'll be fun.  And it's not like we're going to do something terrible or anything."

"Oookayyyy."  She agreed slowly, and by the time she had finished the drawn out word everyone else was getting their things together.  They moved in one body toward the lobby door and out into the parking lot.  Paris got in the driver seat of the rental, Erik opened the passenger door and was about to get in when Paris saw him.

"Janine!"  She said loudly, bringing her cousin to the rescue.  Janine slid in the open door, smiling up at him as if he had held it for her.  He had to chuckle as he climbed in the back seat between Paul and Brandon.

"Where to first?"  Paris asked from the front seat.  

"Golden Gate!"

"The harbor!" 

"Downtown!"

"Just drive!"  Paul shouted above everyone else, and the car began to move.  

They passed through the downtown district with all it's blinking lights and busy intersections, down to the harbor where the ships' lights danced across the illuminated surface of the water, then out to Treasure Island where they got the view of Alcatraz with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.