The Distance Between Us (Book Two ✓)

fifteen

Gemma is glum beside me in the passenger seat, nearly pouting out of the window. Knowing it's not the dinner party souring her mood - she's more than excited to see Connor again - I wonder what else it could be.

"You okay, Gem?" I spare a glance in her direction before resuming focus on the road, blurred by the rain hitting my windshield.

Not one to need much prompting, Gemma sighs and leans her head against the headrest, turning her large eyes to my face. "It's Mom and Dad. They're on me about getting a job again,"

I offer a sympathetic smile. More and more recently, her parents have been attempting to get Gemma to settle down, to lead a more "normal" life. When we pull to a stop sign, I take a look at my friend, like a bird in a cage, dying to stretch her wings.

How long has it been since Gemma went on a trip?

I try to count the months and decide it's the longest she's ever been in one place since she started her travels, anyways. While I love having my best friend around, I hate to see her like this.

"I don't know how to make them see it - the trips I've been on, the people I've met, I'm learning more from them than I ever would stuck at a desk in a stuffy office." Her eyes flash to my face. "No offense."

"None taken," I shrug. To each their own. "Maybe they're worried about what'll happen when they aren't around anymore,"

Gemma rolls her eyes. "Please, I've barely made a dent in my inheritance. They're just tired of explaining why their flighty daughter isn't part of the family company,"

I grimace knowing she is probably right. I've never liked Gemma's parents - they were always more concerned with how things appeared, rather than how they actually were. It's amazing Gemma turned out so wonderfully.

"Whatever, don't let me kill the buzz. Let's get our dinner party on," She wiggles her eyebrows at me and once again, she's the Gemma that can liven up any room.

Adam's mother is tall, taller than even me, with an easy confidence to match. A pile of intricate braids sits atop her head like a crown to finish off her impeccable, and likely expensive fashion sense. A more feminine version of her son, I see Adam in the way her eyes crinkle when she smiles to greet us into the spacious apartment.

"This must be Emma?" She grins at me, extending her arms for a hug once we've removed our rain coats. Turning to Gemma, she smirks slightly at her faded strawberry hair. "And you must be Gemma, the girl my unofficial son keeps gabbing about." Gemma giggles before giving the woman a quick embrace. "I'm Judith, it's nice to meet you both. Please come in, Adam is setting the table and I think Connor is still in the shower." Her expression is slightly disapproving and I'm glad that for once, Gemma was on time.

"Ma, do you think this looks done?" We find Adam in the kitchen, peering into the oven and letting delicious wafts of pot roast into the air. The kitchen is modern in style, with sleek matte black appliances and brick backsplash.

"Oh, let me see. You go get Connor down here," Judith bends to check on the meat as Adam scoots by us and the central island, dodging pots and pans hanging overhead.

"Hi ladies, I see you've met my mother," He winks as he passes us on his way to the bedroom. "Make yourselves comfortable. Con, you better get out here," He calls as he heads down the hallway.