I looked up at the name of the station. “Navy Pier Terminal? We’re going to Navy Pier?” I thought about the Centennial Wheel there, and my stomach lurched with unbidden memories of the ferris wheel that Stefan had taken me on during our honeymoon in Vienna.
He shot me that winning, dimpled grin as we walked through the terminal. “I know, I know—it’s got a bad rap. The number one tourist attraction in Chicago, yada yada. But trust me, it’s changed over the past few years. And there’s a restaurant in the botanical gardens with an amazing rooftop bar.”
I was skeptical. “A rooftop bar? In this weather?” I gestured at the cloudy sky above us as we stepped out onto the street. “It looks like it might snow.”
“It’s barely November,” he said. “We’ll be fine.”
I was shivering, though, so he wrapped a friendly arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. I let myself lean into his warmth, but kept my arms crossed over my chest as we walked toward the lights of the pier.
“You don’t need to worry about the weather, honestly. It’s an enclosed rooftop—all glass. You’ll love it,” Gavin promised. “It’s got incredible views of the skyline and you can see all the city lights reflected in the water. Plus, if you really do hate it, we’ll leave. Cool?”
It was a novelty. Someone asking me whereIwanted to go.
“Cool,” I said, returning his smile. It was hard not to. “But if I hate it, not only are we going somewhere else, but you’re buying me the pinkest, frilliest cocktail they have.”
“No can do,” he said. “You’re underage.”
“Who told you that?” I asked, indignant.
“Lila may have spilled about the “strip club incident” earlier this semester,” he admitted, smiling. “I heard your husband showed up all mad and dragged you home before you saw even a single oiled-up six pack or bow tie.”
I felt my face go hot. “I can’t believe they told you that!”
He laughed. “College hijinks. We all get into ‘em. No judgement here.”
“Then you’ll have to get yourself a drink so we can share it,” I suggested, elbowing him in the side. “You can make it a double. Double pink frill.”
He shook his head. “Sorry, princess. I’m happy to buy you a Shirley Temple, though.”
“Who do you think you are, my father?” I teased. The second I thought about my dad, though, my good mood dissipated. I took a deep breath and tried to banish my frown.
Gavin seemed to notice. “What’s wrong?” he asked, pulling me to the railing and out of the flow of pedestrian traffic. “Talk to me.”
“Nothing,” I said, staring off into the choppy water.
“You got all quiet and pensive,” he pointed out. “I know your tells. It’s not nothing.”
I took a breath. Gavin could read me so well. It was one of the things I really liked about him. He was always so attentive to the people around him.
“I guess it’s not,” I admitted. “I…had an argument with my dad a few weeks back. Over something he did. Or didn’t do, but should have. We still haven’t fixed things between us, and I don’t feel good about it. It’s been on my mind.” I shrugged. There was more to it, of course, but I didn’t want to bring Stefan into it. Didn’t want to give Gavin any indication that my marriage was in trouble.
He was quiet as we stared out at the waters of Lake Michigan together, his arm still warm around my shoulders, the icy air drying my tears before they could fall.
“That’s one of the things about growing up,” Gavin finally said. “You start to realize that your parents are people, too. They’re not perfect. Just people. Even senators like your dad. They have flaws, they make mistakes…”
“This was a pretty big mistake,” I said. “I don’t know if I can forgive it.”
He nodded. “Give it some time, then. No rush. Your heart will know what’s right.”
I couldn’t help smiling. I had no idea if things between me and my father would ever be okay again, but what Gavin had said was exactly what I needed to hear. “Thanks, Gav.”
“Any time.”
The rooftop bar and restaurant at the Crystal Gardens was beautiful, and it took my breath away. Panes of glass arched overhead, fountains and twinkling lights and palm trees abounded, and even the flagstones under our feet all made it obvious we were in a huge tropical greenhouse.
“This place is gorgeous,” I said, my voice hushed in awe.
“I thought you’d appreciate it,” Gavin said.
