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“Callie and I just talked to Dragon’s doctor, and he’s being released today. We decided we don’t want you to miss the rest of the tour.”
I wipe the sleep out of my tired eyes. “What do you mean?”
“He means,” Callie says, “that Donny and I are going to stay here in London at the hotel with Dragon. Make sure he has everything he needs.” She walks to me and touches my shoulder lightly. “You and Maddie came so that you could experience Europe together. I don’t want to take that away from my sister or you.”
It’s all making sense to me now. They’re more concerned about Maddie’s experience than mine. Maddie is Callie’s sister, though, and she did put off her last semester of college. And part of that deal was traveling with me.
“But…”
“No buts, sis,” Donny says. “Callie and I can come back to the UK anytime. And this way, we can spend some more time with Ennis Ainsley. We’d both like to get to know him better. In fact, believe it or not, I talked to Dale on the phone, and he and Ashley are taking a few days off to come to London to meet us here and spend time with Ennis.”
“So I’m missing my brother?”
“You’ll see him when the band gets back to London. He and Ashley will stay for the concert and then a few days more after the band leaves for Paris.” Donny shakes his head, chuckling. “Callie and I want to do this for you. And Ennis really wants to meet with Dale and talk wine. It’s all working out.”
I cross my arms. My brother’s right. It’s all working out for the best, but I’m exhausted and I’m feeling petulant. “Maybe I’d like to see Ennis again too.”
“Then you can. Callie and I are having lunch with him today. I’d love for you to join us.”
I stretch, rubbing my neck. “I need a shower.”
Donny holds his nose. “Yeah, you sure do.”
I want to stand and swat him, but it’s too much effort.
“You need some rest too,” he continues. “Go on back to the hotel. Callie and I will stay here with Dragon until he’s released, which should be before lunchtime, according to his doctor.”
“All right. But I hate that you’re missing out on your trip.”
He smiles. “Remember, our trip was only for the UK portion anyway. Callie and I will come back and see Edinburgh. Or maybe we’ll stay with Dale and Ashley after Dragon and the band set course for Paris. Nothing is stopping us from staying.”
“Except for your jobs,” I say.
“All I need to do is call Mom. She’s running the show now, and she won’t mind running it for another few days.”
That much is true. Donny is our mother’s Achilles’ heel. She and he have a bond the rest of us don’t share with her.
“If the two of you are sure,” I say.
“Absolutely,” Callie says, smiling. “This is what’s best for us and for you and Maddie. Donny and I have seen two concerts, one with Dragon and one without. We’re good.”
I give my brother a quick hug and kiss him on the cheek. “You’re awesome,” I say.
Donny wipes his cheek where I kissed him. “Don’t you forget it. Now get out of here, grab a cab, go back to the hotel, and shower, and see if you can get a few hours of rest. Then, I want you to meet Callie and me at The Old Bank of England on Fleet Street at one p.m. That’s where we’re meeting Ennis for lunch. Be sure to try the priest.”
As tired as I am, I laugh at my brother. Donny can always make me laugh.
After a shower, a few hours of quick sleep, and a pot of lovely English tea, I take a cab and exit in front of The Old Bank of England on Fleet Street. Another gorgeous building that I wish Diana were here to see, but since I know nothing about architecture and I’m starving, I don’t take the time to memorize any more details. I walk into the restaurant.
Dark paneling and brass fixtures adorn the dining room. On the walls are historical artwork, photographs, and memorabilia related to Fleet Street’s history as a center of journalism and publishing. A full bar stands to one side, and the seating options are varied and include wooden tables and cozy booths.
I spy Donny, Callie, and Ennis at a table near the back.
“I see my party,” I say to the hostess.
“Brilliant. Go on back, then.”
“Ms. Steel,” Ennis says, “so lovely to see you once again.”
