“Please don’t do this now,” Aine begged. “I’m sorry. It’s just that Griffin is…”
When her mother smiled, Aine lost her train of thought.
“I’m so happy for you, sweetheart,” Peggy said, cupping her face.
“I don’t want everyone making too much of this. I’m inviting him to join us for Thanksgiving dinner. That’s it.”
“If I’m not mistaken, today is Monday.”
Aine sighed. “And?”
“Thanksgiving isn’t for another four days.”
“Okay, he’s driving up today. He’s in Montecito, meeting with Doc and Merrigan, and it didn’t make sense for him to fly back to Virginia only to turn around and fly back here.”
“Mmm hmm.” Her mother’s smile widened.
“Mom! Seriously.”
Aine’s phone buzzed in her pocket, which did not go unnoticed by her mother.
“Answer it,” she said, pushing Aine out the door of the room.
“I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
Her mom smiled again and nodded before she closed the door in Aine’s face.
“Hi,” she said.
“You sound out of breath.”
“My mom…it’s a long story. Anyway, hi.”
“Hi. I miss you.”
Aine felt her cheeks flush. “I miss you too.”
“What’s the plan? Am I driving up to Cambria, or are you flying down to Santa Barbara?”
“You’re driving.”
“You’re sure about this.”
“Razor told me that Gunner said the more the merrier.”
“Did he realize I’m part of the more?”
“He knows that you are the more.”
“The man can’t stand me.”
“That’s what everyone says. I think that’s the way Gunner wants it. If you think he doesn’t like you, you’re less apt to try to start a conversation with him.”
Griffin laughed. “He’s an ornery bastard.”
“He seems a little happier now that he and Zary are together.”
“Zary. That’ll take some getting used to. I’ve only ever known her as Raketa.”