Stephan(69)

“I love you too.”

My heart soared when she said the words back for the first time. I couldn’t wait until we could get to the hotel and I could hold her.

Derick grabbed our suitcases.

“Thanks, bro.”

“It’s cool. Let’s go. I ordered hired cars and the guy said he’d meet us at the very end of the left side. So come on.”

I followed Derick as he pushed the trolley my fingers threaded with Jade’s. At the end of the airport a guy stood looking uncomfortable with Brand and the rest of security.

“Hi,” Derick said. “I see you’ve met our security team.”

“Yes, Mr. Silverman. I have the cars you ordered.” The guy turned and we followed him. We left the airport and walked to a private car park at the side. Four cars sat out front of the car hire, a black Porsche, which Derick ordered, a BMW SUV with all the bells and whistles, and two Land Cruisers for the security team. We were given forms to sign and then the keys were handed over. Owen went with Derick, and Brand took the keys from me.

“Sit in the back with your princess. I’ll drive today.”

I didn’t argue with Brand. I got in the back seat and we both did our seat belts while the security put our luggage away.

“It’s more humid here,” Jade said.

“Yeah, Queensland is hotter. Will that bother you?” I didn’t want Jade uncomfortable. If she didn’t like it here I’d look at Sydney University. At least if we went there we wouldn’t be far from my parents and other family.

“No. You know I’m cold all the time.”

She was. When I walked around in shorts she wore jeans.

Brand got into the driver’s side and started the car. He drove out of the airport and knew exactly where to go. I’d been to the Gold Coast many times, but Jade hadn’t, she’d never left the state. So instead of watching out the window I watched Jade.

Excitement radiated off her, and the more she saw the bigger her excitement got. Her eyes became bright pools and her lips turned up into a huge smile. “It’s so pretty isn’t it?”

“Yeah it is.” The view I had right now was stunning. I knew the Gold Coast was a winner. I’d get in contact with a realtor as soon as I got the chance.

She shot me a frown. “You’re not looking out of your window, you’re looking at me.”

“I’ve seen the Gold Coast before. I’ve been here a lot.”

“Is it all like this?”

“Pretty much. It’s a high tourist place so it’s kept clean, fresh, and tidy.”

“I’m loving what I’m seeing so far.”

“That’s good. Brand, take the scenic drive.”

“I’ll go up South Port and around Labrador.”

We drove around for a good two hours. The more we saw the more I could see the excitement shine through Jade. She pointed out everything she liked and her smile got bigger and bigger. There were lots of parks and boulevards where restaurants looked either out to the sea or over a bit to the lake. The scenery was pretty. I pointed out Sea World and we even drove onto the highway past the other three theme parks.

By the time we pulled into the Meriton Service Apartments Southport, Jade was bouncing in her seat.

“What I’ve just seen of the city I love. This place has everything. Now I’m so eager to see the Uni to see if everything else is perfect.”

We had a winner. I knew if she loved the city she’d feel the same for the university. Brand parked out front, letting Jade and I get out. David and Royce stood at the entrance and held the door as we went in. I went up to reception and got our keys. Derick would have already booked us in. I knew we’d hired out the whole top floor, two suites, one for Derick, Jade, and me, the other for our security.

Royce followed us onto the elevator. “We took the three bedroom and you’re in the two. We knew Jade would be with you.” He winked.

It was true, I never slept without Jade. I couldn’t. Not anymore. When reached the top floor, Royce guided us to the left and I scanned the key on the door, opening it. We walked down a small hall leading to a lounge room with a terrace overlooking the ocean. There was a kitchen to the right along with a closed door.

“Derick took that room,” Royce said. “He’s in there now laying down. He’s going out tonight to meet up with your cousins, Richard and Zeck. They’re up.” I nodded to Royce and he left. “See ya. Yell or call if need us.”

“You should join Derick and go see your cousins.” Jade smiled up at me. “I’m just going to relax tonight. Sit on the balcony and study, then read and enjoy the view.”