Make a Wish (Spark House #3)(94)
I ask the question I’m afraid of. “What if they’re not different? What if our history won’t let us create a future together?”
“You are wise beyond your years, Harley. And the two of you have shared a bond for a long time. I’m a firm believer in fate and destiny. If your grandfather hadn’t delivered those flowers all those years ago, I would have ended up with the wrong man, and if I hadn’t gone on a trip to Europe with my girlfriends, I wouldn’t have met Luciano. Gavin came back into your life exactly when he was supposed to. He needs to come to that realization on his own. And he will. Have faith in the power of true love, my dear. It conquers all.”
* * *
It’s ironic that I’m thankful for the distraction of the first Spark House franchise opening. We were smart enough not to have any events scheduled around the grand opening weekend, so we weren’t managing an event at the same time. Two days after the blowout with Gavin, we’re scheduled to fly out to California. Before I get on the plane I message to see how he and Peyton are doing.
Gavin: We’re managing.
That’s the response I get.
I realize I’m the one who broke things off, so in a way it’s up to me to try to keep the lines of communication open, especially with what I know of Gavin’s challenging past.
Harley: I’m in California for the next few days for the Spark House franchise grand opening, but if you want to talk when I get back, I’m here.
He replies with:
Gavin: That sounds like a hope carrot being dangled. Good luck. I’m sure it will be amazing. Peyton misses you and so do I.
Harley: I miss you both too.
I don’t know if this means we’ll be able to get past all of this or not, but at least it seems as if he’s willing to talk things through.
We fly out to California that afternoon so we can be part of the grand opening ceremony. It’s an incredible event and despite my struggle with all the change, I can appreciate what this is going to do for Spark House. On the flip side, I find myself missing Gavin more than I thought possible. I don’t know how we’re going to get past this, unless he’s willing to open up to me about Marcie and his loss. But all I can do is hope that when I get home, we’ll be able to figure things out.
It’s especially difficult when I’m surrounded by my sisters and their significant others. It’s not that I don’t want either of them to be happy and in love. It’s knowing that for a while it felt like I had that, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get it back.
So while the grand opening is an amazing distraction from my mess of a life, it also shines a bright, unwelcome light on what I stand to lose. And that breaks my heart.
On Sunday morning we fly back to Colorado Springs. One of the perks of London being married to a seriously rich man whose net worth is close to a billion dollars is that he has his own private jet, which means no waiting at the airport or standing in lines. We just board the plane and head home.
It’s a small plane, and the nicest one I’ve ever been on, with tables set up between the seats that face each other and recline fully to lie-flat beds. Once we’re in the air, the flight attendant brings out drinks. Since London has recently stopped breastfeeding, she joins me in a glass of champagne.
We clink our glasses. “Cheers to a successful grand opening of our first franchise!” London says. “I think Mom and Dad would be really proud of how far we’ve come with Spark House.”
“It’s amazing that the whole reason behind it was to keep our family close together, and that’s exactly what it’s done for us,” I agree.
“I don’t think they ever would have dreamed this would be possible. I know I didn’t think we’d be here.” Avery motions to the plane and then clinks her orange juice and soda water against our glasses. She waves her hand around in the air as her eyes turn glassy. “Oh my gosh. What is wrong with me?”
“You’re pregnant and your emotions are leaking out of your eyes, babe.” Declan passes her a tissue.
“I never cry.” She dabs at her eyes and gives the damp tissue an annoyed look.
“You rarely cry, but this is a big deal. You’re allowed to be emotional about it,” Declan reassures her.
“It really is amazing how far you’ve come in the past few years,” Jackson says and winks at London.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without you.” London kisses his cheek.
He takes her chin between his finger and thumb and brushes his lips over hers before she leans back in her chair.
I turn away, blinking back my own tears, but it’s not because of the event. It’s seeing both of my sisters with their partners and not knowing what’s going to happen with Gavin. I’ve reached out and left the ball in his court.
Avery reaches over and squeezes my hand, whispering, “It’s going to be okay.”
“I want you to be right, but I don’t know.” I squeeze back and slip my hand out from under hers. “I guess we’ll see when we’re back home.”
London gives me a concerned look. “Have you heard from Gavin at all?”
I shake my head. “I messaged him before we left, but I haven’t heard from him since then. I’m trying to give him space. I just don’t know how much is enough or too much. And honestly, I meant it when I said I can’t be in a relationship where I’m second to a ghost. It’s not fair to me. Or him. Or Peyton. I’ve got enough on my plate, especially with my final paper due next week. I can’t handle all of these ups and downs.”