It got me every time.
But he'd sent it at the start of his hockey tournament. Although I sent a reply, I hadn't heard from him since.
"I bet he misses you," Dad said, startling me from my thoughts.
"Maybe. I can't be sure," I said.
"Then I'll be sure for you."
He sent me a smile, and I smiled back.
"Have fun at the concert. Stay safe. Don't talk to shady folks."
"Dad."
"Say hi to your cousins and bring me back a HERS t-shirt?"
"You got it."
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Igot off to a good start.
My plan was going amazingly. Packing wasn't hard at all since I'd only be gone a couple days. After double-checking to make sure I had everything, as I was about to leave, I impulsively grabbed my violin case.
Couldn't hurt to bring it along.
Honestly, my wrist was feeling better. I missed playing and didn't want to leave it behind. And with just me and Viola, there would be plenty of room in the trunk.
So, violin in tow, I set out.
I was only a few minutes into my drive when my phone rang.
"Hey, Dad," I said, trying to hold back a laugh. "I thought we said every two hours."
"We did," he said, "but I forgot to ask something."
"Okay, shoot."
"Your cousins' boyfriends. They're not coming, right?"
I shook my head even though he couldn't see. "No."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. This is a girls only trip."
He sounded far less tense when he said, "Okay, well good."
I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't help teasing him a little.
"Although, there will be guys at the concert. And rockstars," I said. "The guys in HERS are gorgeous."
"Freya."
"Aurora's with Felix. That leaves four completely unattached musicians to choose from—and you know how much I love those."
There was a pause.
