I detailed the trip to her and told her I’d see her next week. I was sure to hear from her on Sunday, and I’d be offering up another warning to remind her that Noah was also my boss. But I had a feeling he would take anything she said in stride. At least I hoped.
Chapter Twenty-One
Noah
The thirteen-hour flight to Sydney wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Having the five-hour layover in Los Angeles had helped us adjust before the long stretch. Jess had the forethought to pack Gina a bunch of activities, coloring books and the like, so she was distracted for most of the time.
Though the flight crew did a fantastic job of preparing us for jet lag by turning the lights down low, synchronizing us with the Australian time zone. And our first-class tickets gave us enough room to wander around when we needed to stretch our legs.
When we landed, I was happy to be grounded in this new and exotic place.
Jess’s shoulders visibly relaxed when the wheels of the plane touched the ground.
I looked forward to getting to know the place where she grew up and how she turned into the woman she was today. Gina and I were taking a deeper look into Jess’s life, drawing her closer, turning our tight-knit duo into a trio. At least that’s what I hoped for.
When it was time to disembark the plane, Gina shuffled down the aisle. She zapped her energy around the three-quarter mark of the flight, yet she still hadn’t recovered. I’d have to ask Jess how to get Gina back on a regular time so she could enjoy our stay. A tired Gina was a crabby Gina. And a grumpy Gina was more of a handful than normal.
I ruffled Gina’s hair, and she leaned back, nearly falling over. I took her hand a guided her down the jet bridge into the airport.
I sneaked my other hand behind me and took Jess’s in mine. I squeezed it lightly. We hadn’t breached the topic of our budding relationship to Gina yet, but I still had the urge to touch Jess whenever I could.
“How does it feel to be home?” I asked.
Jess sighed, clearly affected by the long flight as well. “Good. I haven’t been home in a while. I suspect Mom will bring that up as much as she can while we’re here. The guilt can be unbearable sometimes.”
“She probably just misses you,” I said.
“Yeah,” she said dismissively.
“Does she know about us?” I asked in a low voice.
“I had to tell her,” Jess said, her cheeks turning a little pink. “She has a knack for digging around where she doesn’t belong, and I didn’t want her to say something in front of Gina.”
“Good call,” I said.
“Are you mad about it?” she asked, chewing on her lower lip.
“Not at all,” I said. “
I want to tell more people about us.”
“It’s too complicated right now,” she said, finishing my thought.
“I know,” I said. “But soon.”
“Really?” she asked.
I nodded. I had the urge to pull Jess into my arms and kiss her to show her how much I felt for her, but I held back. I hoped my feelings came through with a single look.
From the little smirk on her lips, I knew it did.
When we reached the airport, Jess, and I took one of Gina’s hands, protecting her on each side. Though Gina put a lot of weight on both of us, so I knew she was over tired.
“Gina, do you want a piggyback ride?” I asked.
She looked up at me with heavy eyes. “Yeah, Daddy.”
I knelt down, and she climbed onto my back. All of her weight rested on me as I stood.