"Well, um," I started. I decided the easiest path was the one closest to the truth. "Actually, I just found out that I have an aunt in Connecticut. And I was planning on going over for a quick visit on Sunday before we left."
"Great!" Simon replied enthusiastically. "That's awesome that you have an aunt nearby. How did you find out about her? What town does she live in?"
"She called me. She's my father's older sister and I guess she's always wondered about me even though we haven't seen each other since I was really young. She lives in Norwalk."
"She's practically my neighbor. We can make a stop there during the day."
I gulped. There was no way Simon was coming with me. "I think....I think it might be best if I meet her alone for the first time. She might feel awkward if I bring a stranger with me." From my conversations with my aunt, I doubted she ever felt awkward but Simon didn't need to know that.
Simon frowned, furrowing his brow. "You don't want me to meet her? Why?"
I groaned inwardly. Why couldn't Simon just let things go.
"She's a very private person," I lied. "That's why she's never contac
ted me before. She's wary of meeting new people. I don't want to ask her if it's okay if I bring someone because she might feel obligated to say yes even if she doesn't want me to." My constant lying was really honing my skills. "Maybe you can hang out with Grant and Sarah on Sunday."
"How are you planning on getting there?"
I suddenly had a revelation. I didn't know why on earth I hadn't thought of it before. I wanted to clunk myself on the head, it was so obvious.
"She's coming to pick me up." And I'm sure she would. I would just have to give her a quick phone call.
Simon shook his head. "That's a waste of a drive for her. I can just drive you over."
"But-"
"Caitlin, just let me drive you over. I'll wait in the car so your aunt doesn't feel uncomfortable. That way, we can spend the day together and I can still show you around."
His idea actually wasn't a bad one. If Simon didn't go inside my aunt's house with me, I could keep everything private. And I had a feeling that fighting him on this would be futile.
"Well...okay," I relented. "I guess that's okay. I just feel bad making you be my chauffeur."
Simon grinned. "I already said I was willing to be your escort everywhere. I'll just add driver to the list."
I shook my head but couldn't suppress a smile. "I forgot to ask you," I said, wanting to change the subject away from my aunt. "How was dinner?"
"Fantastic. Everyone loved the meatballs. But I barely have leftovers. How am I going to make a meatball sandwich tomorrow?" Simon looked genuinely forlorn and I laughed. We had made a mountain of meatballs but I knew from experience that the boys' appetites were enormous.
We had reached my apartment and he walked me up the stairs. Before I could say goodbye, he scooped me up in a bear hug, lifting me off the ground and twirling me around.
"Simon!" I squealed, laughing. "Are you crazy?"
Simon set me down but didn't release me, his blue eyes shining with laughter and warmth. "I never thought so but now I think I might be. Just a little."
I was breathless from more than Simon's twirling. I had grabbed Simon's neck when he had started spinning me around, wrapping my arms around him to keep from falling. My arms were still around his neck, my face tilted up towards his bent head. I felt a sudden urge to pull him closer, to press his lips against mine. He was so close. And I knew he was willing. Simon's eyes became hooded as he looked down at me, focusing on my lips and tightening his arms.
Before I did something I would regret, I backed away, lowering my arms and breaking his embrace. Simon let his arms drop but he looked disappointed.
"Well," I said awkwardly. "Thanks for walking me home."
"Anytime," Simon replied, his face clearing of disappointment as he gave me a smile. "Sweet dreams."
I flinched at his words but he didn't seem to notice. I covered it up with an answering smile. "You too."
After Simon left and I locked the apartment door behind me, I was grateful to see that it was dark under Sarah's door. I felt too vulnerable at the moment and wasn't sure I could hide anything if Sarah had been awake to question me.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN