Rm w/a Vu(124)

Two hours later, the announcement is made that we’re flying over the mountains, and that our expected arrival in Vancouver will be within the hour. Greyston tells me to open the window, and when I do, I see the most breathtaking view of snow-capped mountaintops and the greenest trees I’ve ever seen.

“Wow,” I breathe, fogging up the window. I watch for as long as possible, and when the view passes, I close the shade and relax back into my seat and anticipate our descent into British Columbia.

As promised, the plane is touching down on the tarmac within the hour, and we’re making our way toward our gate. When the seatbelt light turns off, a chorus of clicks can be heard as everyone unfastens them and begins to gather their things. Greyston grabs our carry-on bags from the overhead compartment and we make our way for the front of the plane. As everyone before us exits, the attendants wish them a pleasant stay in Vancouver—or wherever their final destination may be—but when we reach them, they both smirk knowingly.

“On behalf of the airline, we hope that the two of you enjoyed your flight.” My cheeks blaze hot, and I force a smile to my face, nodding nervously. “Enjoy your stay in B.C. Stay warm, you two.”

The instant we’re off the plane, Greyston and I burst into a fit of laughter and make our way to collect our luggage. If the rest of our vacation promises to be as great as the three-hour flight was, then I am more than ready for it to officially begin.

Plus, I still have a few special surprises up my sleeve for Greyston.





Chapter 28



“So, what are we going to do first?” I ask, excitement zipping through my entire body.

Greyston glances outside, his forehead furrowing. “Well, first I’m going to suggest you change out of that skirt while I wait for the bags. I won’t have you catching a cold on our vacation.

“Always so bossy,” I quip, taking my carry-on from him and kissing his cheek. I scan the area we’re in and quickly find the restrooms. “I’ll be right out.”

Once inside one of the stalls, I hang my bag on the hook on the inside of the door and remove my jeans. I drape them over the bag and remove my shoes, standing on top of them versus the germ-riddled washroom floor.

I slip my skirt off, remembering that I’m down a pair of underwear and didn’t think to pack a backup. How was I to anticipate Greyston would keep them? Going commando in a pair of jeans isn’t something I particularly want to do, but that’s okay. Less to take off later, right?

I balance precariously on my shoes while I put my jeans on, trying not to think about what’s on the floor just in case I might step on it. When I manage to get my pants on without any mishaps, I put my shoes back on and toss my skirt in my bag. I stop at the sink to wash my hands and fix my hair a little, then I’m on my way out to the luggage carousel where Greyston waits for our bags. He’s just pulling them off the conveyor belt when I reach him.

Before he leads me out into the cold, I stop him so I can grab my jacket and boots out of my suitcase. We head over to a nearby bench where I exchange my Chucks for my new winter boots and pull on my winter jacket.

We step outside, and I stand on the edge of the sidewalk for a minute, looking at the ground and feeling a little cheated when I don’t see any snow.

“I thought you said there’d be snow,” I remark as Greyston places a hand on my back and urges me forward with a laugh.

“There will be when we get to Whistler,” he assures me as we dodge a few puddles. “It rarely snows in Vancouver, actually. Don’t worry. There’ll be more than enough as we drive farther east.”

I’m not sure where we’re going at first until Greyston waves at a man across the street, standing next to a newer gold Lexus SUV.

“Mr. Masters,” the man says, handing the keys to Greyston.

“Thanks for bringing the car, Jack,” Greyston says, shaking the man’s hand.

“Any time, Sir. Have a good stay, and let me know when to pick the car up after you drop it back off here.”

“Will do. Drive safe, and say hi to Martha for me.” Greyston raises a hand again to the car behind the Lexus. In the passenger seat is a kindly older woman who waves back. I’m probably right in assuming this is Martha.

Jack leaves as we load our bags into the back of the SUV. I’m still a bit perplexed, and Greyston must sense this.

“Mom and Dad own the Lexus. They called their year-round caretakers to drop it off here for our arrival,” he explains, closing the back and wrapping an arm around me.

He’d said when we first met that his parents were comfortable financially, and I had seen evidence of this over the last few weeks as I’d gotten to know them. But this? A cabin in the Canadian Mountains? A luxury SUV that they only use when at the cabin? This seems to go beyond simply “comfortable.” I’m starting to think they’re filthy rich.