My eyes flick to Gabby, who mouths, “Sorry.”
“Um, well, I could probably stay with my parents while Gabby’s in town.”
Elizabeth gives me a satisfied smile. “That sounds like it’ll work fine. Okay. We’ll book Gabby a ticket for the Fourth of July week. She might end up having to travel on the holiday to keep costs down.”
“Oh, um.” That’s almost three weeks away. I really don’t want to wait that long. “I was hoping she could come sooner.” I swallow. My eyes checking on Gabby again before going back to Elizabeth. “What if I buy her a ticket for next week?”
“Now hold on a minute,” comes from Mr. Kane, but Elizabeth lays her hand on his arm, and he settles back into his chair.
Elizabeth looks at Gabby, and some silent communication passes between them before Elizabeth turns to me again. “Okay. We can do next week. If you buy Gabby’s ticket, we’ll buy Marissa’s, since she’ll be coming out to keep Gabby company so she’s not there all alone while you’re working.”
“Oh. Uh. Okay. Marissa’s coming too.” I glance at Gabby again, who’s giving me another apologetic look. “I’ll look forward to meeting her.”
I get another satisfied smile from Elizabeth. “Good. Then it’s settled. We’ll be in touch about organizing the flights.”
“Okay,” I respond, shell-shocked by how easily Gabby’s mom just handled me. I feel like my manager or my attorney should’ve been here for this negotiation. But I don’t have time to say anything else before Gabby’s parents stand and move off camera, and Gabby comes closer.
“I’m really sorry about that. I didn’t have time to warn you what they were planning ahead of time. I just found out about the Marissa twist right before my dad called you.” She glances over her shoulder. “I’ll call you later, okay? Our usual time?”
“Okay.”
She gives me a bright smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
And then she’s gone, the video chat screen turning black as she cuts off the call.
I sit blinking at the screen for a minute before closing the window. That didn’t go at all like I expected. But at least I get to see Gabby soon. Even if it’s only for two weeks. Which won’t be anywhere near enough time for me.
Double Exposition (Songs and Sonatas Book 1) Page 24