He nods. “I don’t like how things went the last time we met, Alistair. I said things I shouldn’t have.”
“You were right to be angry with me. I broke your trust.”
He seems pained, but he isn’t one to share a great deal about himself.
“Are you happy?” he asks.
“Yes, yes I am.”
“I’m glad to hear that. It’s what matters, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely.”
I spot Chiara and Robbie coming over, so I say my goodbyes to Forrester and return to the group. When she’s within reach, I pick her up and twirl her around.
“Congratulations, Goldi.”
She laughs. “Alistair. Put me down.”
I do so, sealing my lips to hers. I keep it brief, but only in consideration of our friends. They don’t need to witness me ravishing Chiara’s mouth like a savage.
It’s no surprise I find everyone watching us with stupid grins on their faces.
“I was about to tell you guys to get a room.” Robbie smirks.
“Oh, they will soon enough.” Caio snorts.
I glance at Chiara, finding her cheeks bright red. I can’t believe she hasn’t gotten used to Caio’s comments yet. He, like my parents, doesn’t have a filter.
Robbie’s expression changes when he notices Phillip approaching. As far as I know, they’re still keeping their relationship a secret. He says hello to us all and then stops in front of Robbie.
“What are you doing here?” Robbie asks.
“Do you think I’d miss your graduation?”
“Yeah. Isn’t it what we’ve been doing the entire year? Pretending we’re just casual friends?”
“I’m done pretending.” He steps into Robbie’s space and kisses him in front of everyone.
Caio whistles. “Whoa. I did not see that coming.”
When Phillip steps back, Robbie’s face is flushed. The poor guy looks stunned. He then turns to Monica and Tessa and introduces Phillip as his boyfriend.
I can’t help but smile from ear to ear.
“Aw, look at you,” Chiara teases me. “You’re not going to cry, are you?”
I pinch her waist. “Shush, woman.”
“Don’t you know, Chiara? Alistair is the biggest crybaby I’ve ever met,” Caio pipes up. “Cries over cereal commercials.”
Chiara loops her arms around my waist, smiling so hard, her eyes twinkle. “I was right all along. You are a big cuddly bear.”
I lean forward, touching my nose to hers. “I can be whatever you want.” I pause to bring my lips to her ear. “As long as I get to eat you.”
CHIARA
After graduation and the following celebratory lunch with Robbie and his family, I expect Alistair to drive back to his condo, so when he takes the highway heading in the opposite direction, I glance at him sideways.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise, Goldi.”
“Oh, I’m intrigued. Are you going to give me a clue?”
He smirks. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out soon enough.”
“Is that so? Hmm.”
When I see the sign to Sonoma, I understand his meaning. “We’re going to wine country?”
“Maybe.” He smirks.
I haven’t been to Sonoma since the fire. Alistair didn’t want me to see the destruction that devastated most of the valley. I saw plenty of pictures online though, so I’m a little anxious.
During the three-hour drive, I try my best to make him reveal his plan. I even offer sexual favors in exchange for clues, something he denies me vehemently for safety reasons. Thanks to that, I’m on pins and needles when we approach our destination.
