“Yes, but only because this is the type of surprise that includes champagne.”
“Noted.”
“Bryce, you’ve had her to yourself for an entire week. Think you can share for a few hours?” Quinn says sarcastically.
He scowls at her until they both burst into laughter. A second later, everyone joins in, and champagne is served. The dread I felt in the car is forgotten.
“Do we have any idea of the travel schedule yet?” I ask Quinn as we clean the kitchen. It’s the first time since I got home that we’ve been alone.
“Professor Grant will be leading the program. He won’t tell us who, but he’s supposedly spoken to a few well-known journalists with Fox, NBC, and ABC who will be joining us. The group is scheduled to leave around the first of June. Once we officially accept, he’ll send us more information, including vaccination forms.”
I nod and look around the corner to make sure no one’s coming then turn back. “How did you get your parents off your back? I was only able to because I was two states away.”
“Told them we’d discuss it when you got back. They know we do this together. Even though Bryce said tonight was safe, I suspect our mothers are currently figuring out a way to bring it up.”
“Bring what up?” Bryce walks in with Nate following.
“Nothing, lover boy. We’re just catching up.”
He hands me my phone and slides an arm around my shoulders. “Babe, your email is going crazy. May want to check it.”
“I’ll take care of it after you leave. Don’t want to be rude.”
He gives me a sideways glance and raises his eyebrows in question. “Where am I going?”
“Don’t you have to go home?”
“I guess, if you’d prefer to stay at my parents’ place, we could. But it may hurt Karen’s feelings.”
“What are you talking about?” It’s my turn to be confused.
“I figured we’d stay here a few days until we leave for Knoxville.”
“Stay here together? In my parents’ house, with them here?”
Quinn giggles while Nate looks at me like I’m an idiot.
“Yes, babe, I talked to our parents. We did just return from a week away together. Not to mention being engaged takes us to a new status level.”
“And my dad agreed to this?” I question in disbelief. “Sure, my mom is pretty liberal, but Dad is—”
“Having a heart attack,” Nate tells us. “But Bryce can be pretty convincing.”
“I’d really like to know how in the hell you pulled that off.” I glare at Bryce, who’s grinning cockily.
“I did have to promise to keep my hands to myself,” he leans in and whispers.
“Well, I guess I won’t be staying over tonight. Thanks a lot.” Quinn pouts.
He doesn’t seem to care and ignores her completely. My phone dings again with an email.
I open it and bite my lip nervously. It’s been such a terrific night; I hate to ruin it. Quinn slides next to me, pushing Bryce to the side. She reads over my shoulder, and we share a quick glance.
“Who’s trying to get a hold of you?” Bryce questions, stepping behind me and kissing my head lightly.
“It’s Professor Grant. He’s scheduled a video-conference in two days to discuss the Summer Expo.”
“That’ll work out great since we leave for Knoxville the next day.” He says it so casually that both mine and Quinn’s heads snap up.