Page 106 of A Newport Christmess

“I’m on my way there now.”

“Doesn’t it start in a few minutes?”

Okay, not a strong start to what I needed to say. “Yeah, but I needed to call you first because my phone is about to die again, and I’ll be out late.”

“And it can’t wait until tomorrow?”

I cleared my throat, my gaze darting to the driver who seemed to be absorbed in the soothing sound of Bing Crosby’s voice drifting out of the speakers, singing about tree tops glistening and children listening. “About that. I’m not coming home.”

A brief but heavy silence followed my declaration. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I’m not. And I’m sorry, but I want to stay in Newport and spend Christmas with Landon.”

“Sweetie, just because you want to do something, doesn’t mean it’s the right decision. You’re not in a place—”

“You’re not wrong. I’ll be the first to admit it—I’m a mess. I know I have so many things to work on, but that’s just one side of it. I also have so much to offer to someone. To offer Landon.” I swallowed, finding it hard to channel my self-confidence. “I’m kind and can get along with anyone. I forgive easily, and I’m honest,” I said, borrowing some of the positive traits Landon had listed about me. Though, with each spoken attribute, I could feel the truth of it take hold inside of me, and the idea of adding to the list grew easier. Was that the power of positive self-talk? “I might be messy and forgetful, but I’m creative. I love learning new things, and for the most part, they come easily to me. I can bake with the best of them. I’m thoughtful and loyal. And I love deeply and whole-heartedly.”

“I know, Quinn. That’s what worries me. Do you understand how hard it was for your dad and me to watch you suffer this past year? I can’t do that again.”

Emotion welled in my chest. “I don’t doubt it must have been hard for both of you, but Landon’s not Cody. Can you trust me?”

The line was quiet for what felt like forever, and I glanced at the screen to make sure my phone hadn’t died.

“Okay.”

“Okay? Like you’re okay with me staying in Newport for Christmas? Or you’re okay with the Landon/Cody comparison?”

“I’m okay with allowing you to do what you think is best, so ... if that’s staying there for Christmas”—she released a long, slow exhale—“I’ll support you in that.”

A wave of relief washed over me. “Thank you.”

“But if this is as serious as it sounds, your dad and I will need to meet Landon soon.”

I was literally beaming. “I’m sure we can arrange something.”

“Well then,” Mom sighed. “I’ll break the news to the family. I doubt we’ll be able to get a refund on the ticket, but I’ll call the airlines and see if we could get a credit or something.”

“I can help pay for it if not.”

“No. I shouldn’t have bought it without confirming with you first. Live and learn, right?” She gave a small laugh. “Make sure you charge that phone of yours. I want regular updates on how things are going, and I expect a decently long video chat on Christmas.”

“Done.” My overactive imagination had come up with a dozen different scenarios for how this would go, but none of them had ended with my heart swelling in gratitude. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, sweetie.”

When I ended the call, I saw the driver’s icy blue eyes flick to me in the rearview.

I swallowed down my trepidation. “I don’t usually boast about all my good qualities when I’m talking to people. I feel like that needs said.”

He chuckled. “Parents—our harshest critics and our biggest cheerleaders.”

I nodded. “Isn’t that the truth?”

His gaze met mine again. “You headed to the Aker/Carrigan wedding, then?”

I could hardly deny it, being that our destination was Rosecliff, but the question unsettled me. Why would a middle-aged man know about Nikki’s wedding? Unless he’d driven others there already. “I am.”

“My daughter follows Nikki Aker on Instagram. She’s sixteen, and the majority of accounts she follows don’t seem to care if their influence is good or bad, but I wouldn’t mind my Kaela learning a thing or two from that woman.”