“Yeah.” I drew out the word.

  “That didn't sound reassuring.” He came to a stop at the end of my driveway. “Are you hungry?”

  I shrugged.

  “My shrug game is weak.” He flashed me an amused smile. “Gwyn, you're either hungry or you're not. Just let me know.”

  “Fine. I'm hungry.” I admitted.

  “Good. Me too.” He flashed me a heart-stopping smile before turning onto the main road.

  He pulled into a coffee shop. “Pick your poison.”

  “French Vanilla with whip cream and caramel. You know the slushy one, but we can't get that here.” I shook my head no.

  “We can't?” Brent was confused by my statement. “Are you joking? If you are, I can't tell.”

  “No, I'm serious.” My voice was firm.

  “Okay.” He drew out the word. “Why can't we go here?”

  “The only coffee shop we are allowed to go to is Page's Coffee.” I told him matter-of-factly.

  “I'm sure there is a reason.” He pulled back onto the road and headed two blocks over toward Page's Coffee shop.

  “Yeah, I'm not a traitor. That's why.” I shook my head.

  “Traitor? Isn't that a little severe way to think about coffee?” Brent pulled up in the car. He paid at the window and handed me my coffee.

  “No, my Gramps and Grams are Kasen and Emma Page as in Page's Coffee.”

  “The multimillionaires?” Brent's eyes were wide. “No wonder they just started sponsoring Kade's team.” He put both hands on the wheel and shook his head as it registered.

  “Yeah, Dad gets to be their poster boy.” I laughed. “That was Gramps's idea.”

  “Okay, so only Page's Coffee.” Brent nodded his head. “Got it.”

  “I mean, you don't want to start a family riot or anything. If you mention it to Gramps, it will be over.” I moved my hands with my words.

  “Duly noted.” Brent nodded again as his eyes were fixed on the road.

  He pulled into Page's Coffee and ordered us both a coffee. We were back down the road with the music playing softly. A few minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot.

  “You don't care if we walk, do you?” Brent asked.

  “No. I'm kind of used to it. I did a lot of walking when I lived in Angeline.” I put my hand over my mouth. I felt like I was over sharing.

  “What were you going to say?” He was curious.

  “Since I grew up in Angeline, we didn't have cars. We walked everywhere, well most of the time anyway.” I shrugged.

  “That does put a different spin on walking.” Brent glanced in my direction.

  “Yeah, I was almost 16 when we came here. Lots of walking.” I stared out the window.

  “So you're like straight off the boat.” There was a hint of laughter in his tone.

  “Something like that.” My eyes shifted to him.

  “Is that why you were trying to avoid me like the plague?” Brent unfastened his seat belt and stood up.

  “Maybe.” I winced. “I can neither confirm nor deny that statement.”

  “Oo, a politician on our hands.” Brent smirked.

  I unfastened my seat belt and got out of the car. I felt like I was missing something and remembered my coffee. I wasn't leaving that there. I reached in and grabbed my cup, and closed the door behind me. I scanned the parking lot. It was mostly full. I had my coffee finished before we reached the doors. There was a trash can outside, so I dropped the empty container into it.

  “Do you know where we're going?” I whispered.

  “Yeah.” He glanced at me with an amused expression on his lips. He led me down a series of hallways.

  “It's like a labyrinth in here.” I hissed.

  “All labyrinths have a way out, if you know where you're going.”

  “I guess that's true, but I think the animal had a big ball of yard to help him find his way out.”

  Brent laughed.

  Finally, we walked through the door. It was a small auditorium. Brent walked toward the front. He sat down two aisles back toward the far end, away from the door.

  “I try to make it here on Sundays, when I can. But with my job, it's not always possible. Luckily, they record the sermon, so I can see that wherever I'm at.” He put his arms around the back of my chair without touching my shoulder.

  Everyone else started filing in. I was glad we weren't late. I didn't like it when everyone stared at me. Growing up in Angeline, I wasn't used to big crowds. The family barques once a week was a shock to my system when we first came back to the real world. I glanced around the auditorium. I was sure that my Dad's family alone could fill up this auditorium.

  The teacher walked over and shook Brent's hand. “I'm glad you could make it.”

  “Me too. I wasn't sure if I would get back in time.” Brent smiled.

  “I read your blog from last night. It was pretty good. It made me feel like I was there.” He smiled.

  “You don't even watch baseball.” Brent gave him a look that said he caught him.

  “I know.” He nodded. “But I still read your blog.”

  The same man who Brent was speaking to before we began ended up being the teacher. “Open up your Bibles to...”

  The lesson was about stepping where God leads you.

  “Sometimes where God leads you, is scary.” He finished. “Let us pray.”

  I bowed my head and thought about, where is God leading me next? Was he leading me to Brent? I glanced at the man sitting beside of me. I wasn't sure I wanted to really ask that question, because it meant that God might actually answer it. And deep inside, I was scared of what the answer would be. It might be something that I didn't want to do. I licked my lower lip and glanced at Brent again. His expression was so peaceful, with his eyes closed and his hand pressed together in prayer. Would being with Brent be such a bad thing? I wasn't sure. I had to give this some more thought.

  9

  “Hey Mom.” Brent smiled at an unfamiliar brunette.

  “Oh, you must be Gwyn.” She gave me a hug. “I'm Brent's mother.” Her smile was genuine. “Somewhere around here is Brent's Dad...” She moved her fingers along the crowd and landed in the area of the sound system. “He is the handsome one with the headphones on.” She winked at me.

  I couldn't help smiling. I genuinely liked her. She seemed nice.

  “You should have lunch with us.” She pointed at me.

  Brent's eyes were on me, waiting for an answer. I didn't know how to get out of it without coming off as rude. I managed a nod.

  “Good, we'll look forward to it.” She walked away.

  “Thank you.” Brent's smile was genuine.

  I shrugged, but I was happy that he was happy. We made our way through the crowd until we were outside in the fresh air.

  We spent the rest of the day with Brent's family. His brother Kevin came over with his three kids. All of the chaos made me feel like I was at home.

  “Thanks for doing that.” Brent smiled as he walked me to the door. “Sometimes my family can be a bit much.” He made a face that made me laugh.

  “You remember the twin tornadoes I live with, right?” My right eyebrow went up.

  Brent chuckled. “Si and Sawel aren't that bad.”

  “If you say so.” I shrugged.

  “Maybe we can do this again?” Brent stepped closer.

  “I would like that.” I nodded.

  “As long as we get the right kind of coffee?” A smile tugged at his lips.

  “Right.” I laughed.

  “Goodnight Gwyn.” Brent smiled.

  I placed a kiss on his lips. “Goodnight.” I waved as I walked into the house.

  10

  The school year was coming to an end. The air was changing as my peers were applying to college and talking about the future. I had a good enough GPA to get into most schools. I still wasn't sure I even wanted to go to college, but I still had time to think about that. Everything was in place for me to have a full ride to Mom and Dad's alma mater. I had the option to stay on campus paid, but the idea of sharing a room with someone for the first time in my life when I had a nice room at home didn't seem like it was worth my time. Besides that, the college wasn't too far away.

  High School was a stark contrast to the ball field and Angeline. I passed people taking selfies and touching up their makeup in their locker mirrors. Prom was on everyone's lips. I didn't really want to go to that either. It dawned on me; I was probably doing this whole High School thing wrong.

  “Do you have a prom date?” My friend Daisha asked me. “You should. You're beautiful. My cousin is free that weekend and he isn't hideous.” She shrugged.

  “As appealing as that offer is... I'll pass.” I closed my locker door.

  Daisha glared at me.

  “I can get a date if I wanted to.” I held my books close to my chest. I hadn't mentioned Brent to her or anyone at this school. I didn't want the added drama. I liked keeping my personal life personal.

  “Really, you haven't come with anyone to anything.” She put her hand on her hip.

  “Fine! I'll go to prom, and I will bring my own date.” I stomped off. The nerve of her. I pulled out my phone when I didn't think anyone was looking.

  Will you go to prom with me? I sent the message to Brent.

  Sure (: Just let me know when and I will handle everything. -Brent's response was immediate.

  I sent him the date.

  Brent ordered tickets online.

  Are you sure I don't need to do anything?-I asked Brent for the 10th time the day before prom.

  Did you get your dress and all the girl things that goes with it?-Brent

  Yes-Me

  Be ready at 5PM tomorrow. We'll go to dinner first and then Prom.-Brent

  Okay.-Me

  The next day went by like molasses. I was talking to Daisha in the hallway between classes again.

  “Are you sure you don't need my cousin to take you? He's still free. You know, in case your date falls through.” Daisha's expression was suspicious.

  “I checked with my boyfriend again last night. He'll be there.” I rose to her challenge.

  “Boyfriend, huh?” Daisha was skeptical.

  “His name is Brent.” I found myself standing a little taller.

  “I can't wait to meet him.” Daisha's eyes were a thinly veiled challenge.

  11

  My palms were sweaty. My nerves were bouncing. I wanted to throw up. I had only dressed up the few times we had a formal gathering at the palace with King Dorin and Queen Angeline. That seemed a whole lot easier than dancing in front of my peers and introducing Brent to that part of my life. I should call everyone and say I'm sick. If I kept thinking about tonight, I would be.

  “You are absolutely gorgeous.” Mom put her hand over her mouth.

  “My Princess is dressed like a Princess.” Dad was proud.

  I had my hair pinned up with some flowing blonde curls intentionally over flowing. I wasn't usually a makeup girl, but I made the effort for tonight. I was standing in a flowing, ornately embroidered white dress. My diamond necklace looked like it was on display.

  The doorbell rang. It was definitely too late to bail now. It had to be Brent.

  “I got it!” Kerris ran to the door. “Gwyn is in there.” I heard her bubbly voice. I heard the door close and footsteps running up the stairs.

  “You are beautiful.” Brent whispered into my ear when my parents weren't watching.

  Mom went into full-fledged photographer mode. “Tilt your head to the right.” The clicking of the camera followed each instruction. “Stand closer.” The camera went off again.

  After ten minutes of pictures, we were finally allowed to leave. Brent opened the door for me. My mouth fell open as a white limo waited for us. The driver opened the door.

  Brent and I climbed in.

  “You are absolutely stunning.” Brent whispered.

  “You are incredibly handsome. Thank you for everything.” I leaned close to him.

  “Not a problem.” Brent smiled. “I got you this.” He pulled out a white corsage and slipped it on my hand.

  It was a white rose. “How did you know?” I fingered the flower softly and met his gaze.

  “You said your favorite color was white. I figured it would go with whatever dress you picked out.” Brent put his arm around me.

  “It's perfect.” I grinned.

  We went to a quick dinner and then made our way to the hall where Prom was being held. White twinkling lights hung around the entire room. The lights were low. There were a few tables scattered around, with dainty tablecloths on each one.

  “No worries, after next month, it's just a bunch of people you will only see every 10 years.” Brent smirked.

  We hadn't been on a lot of dates. Brent was traveling over half of the week, but we texted a lot. Brent was my perfect speed.

  I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. It was Daisha with her date. She walked over to me curiously.

  “Gwyn said she was bringing her boyfriend, but I didn't believe her. Where has she been hiding you?” Daisha asked him point blank.

  “That's my fault. My work has me on the road a lot.” Brent gallantly answered. His eyes sparkled when they met mine.

  “You have a job? How old are you?” Daisha was surprised.

  “A couple of years older than Gwyn.” Brent took my hand in his smoothly. The song changed. “If you'll excuse us, I think I'll dance with my beautiful date.” He led me towards the dance floor.

  “Well done.” I put my hands on Brent's shoulder.

  He put his hands on my waist. “So I'm your boyfriend?”

  “Yes, unless you want me to go find another boyfriend.” I smirked.

  “No, you're all mine.” Brent and I twirled all around the dance floor. “Where did you learn to dance?” He asked me when the song changed.

  “Family tradition.” I smirked. “Dad's Dad... Cassius made his kids learn to dance and, in turn, Dad made us. He said you never know when it can come in useful.” I scanned the crowd. “And tonight it did. It was probably the only part of tonight that I wasn't nervous about.” My eyes came back to Brent.

  “You don't have to be nervous around me.” Brent's tone was encouraging.

  My stomach was a ball of nerves. “I'm not sure I can help that, but it's a good nervous.” I smiled shyly.

  The rest of the night flew by and the next thing I knew, Brent was kissing me goodnight on my doorstep.

  “I had a great time.” His smile was utterly attractive.

  “Me too. Thank you.” I smiled.

  “It was my pleasure.” He got in the limo and drove off.

  I walked inside in a daze. Tonight had been absolute perfection. The only downside was that Brent had to work Sunday night... it was after midnight... tonight.

  12

  Brent and I had fallen into an easy flow. He texted and called when he was out on a job. I read every blog he wrote and watched every vlog he posted. He was a witty, engaging writer. I enjoyed our conversations. The rhythm we had found was my perfect speed.

  Brent was funny when he got talking about anything longer than a few seconds. The way his eyes lit up when he spoke about sports was captivating. The passion was written all over his face.

  Before I knew it, the year had flown by and I was graduating in a few days.

  “I am so proud of you.” Mom hugged my shoulders.

  “Big accomplishment, Princess.” Dad winked at me. “What are you going to do after this week?”

  My mouth fell open.

  “I'm so glad we have at least one articulate child.” Dad rolled his eyes.

  Kerris ran into the room and giggled. “What does articulate mean?”

  “You Princess Too, you.” He kissed her temple.

  “It means you talk a lot.” I found my voice.

  “I don't talk a lot. Everyone else doesn't talk enough.” Kerris shook her head. “I'm graduating too.” She grinned.

  “Well, it's not really graduating.” Mom crossed her legs. “You're just moving on to the next building.”

  “Close enough.” Ker shrugged and ran out of the room at full speed. Then she came running back like she forgot something. “There will be cake though, won't there?”

  “Yes, there will be cake at Gwyn's party.” Mom chuckled.

  “That's all that matters.” Ker beamed and made a beeline for the exit.

  “Your Dad and I have a graduation present for you.” Mom spoke up.

  “You didn't have to do that.” I shook my head. I didn't know what they could possibly give me that I didn't already have. I was a Storyteller. My car was sitting inside of the garage. Anything I wanted, my parents usually took care of it.

  “Come with us, Princess.” Dad led the way to the backdoor.

  My mother covered my eyes as I stepped onto the back deck overlooking the beach. I didn't have a clue what kind of present they would be getting me that would be outside. Dad took my hand and led me down the deck stairs across the sand.

  I laughed. “You guys are being ridiculous.”

  “Surprise means surprise, Princess.” My father's tone was jovial.

  Finally, we stopped on hard ground. I wasn't sure where I was. I didn't feel like we were close enough to Uncle Emmy's house, but we must have been, because that was the only place out this way. My Dad gave me a gentle pull and my Mom dropped her hands.

  I was standing inside a combined Living Room and kitchen area. My mouth fell open, stunned. They had gotten me my own place. It was halfway between my parents’ house and Uncle Emmy's.

  “Well, are you going to stay there and catch flies?” Dad laughed loudly.

  I put my hand underneath my chin and lifted it up. I started walking around my new place. I touched the island in the kitchen as I circled the area. I made my way back the hallway. There were two empty bedrooms waiting to be filled and a bathroom. At the end of the hall, was a master bedroom and bathroom. I turned around. My Mom and Dad were both grinning.

  “Do you like it, Gwyn?” My Mom clasped her hands together anxiously.

 

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