Page 81 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

LORI

As Lori drove away from the friends she’d grown close to in such a short time at the winery that fascinated her, she was filled with doubts. She loved Griff. His family, too.

But when a memory of her trying to save Nick in her nightmare came to her, she knew she was right to go home. In California, things were moving too fast. And her parents needed her. What did she actually know about her father’s health, except words uttered to keep her from freaking out about it? She needed to see him for herself and help her mother cope with this unexpected situation. It was her duty.

###

Once aboard the plane, Lori tucked her carry-on beneath the seat in front of her and leaned back to stare out the window. She hoped the flight would help her sort things out in her mind. She’d hardly slept the night before and was still shaken by all the frightening images of her dreams.

After the plane reached its cruising level, Lori closed her eyes, hoping for sleep.

It wasn’t long before unbidden images took over her dreams and she stirred restlessly in her seat, waking herself up.

Her seatmate, an older woman, looked at her. “Are you all right?”

Embarrassed, she said, “Just a bad dream.”

“There’s a cute movie available. Maybe that would help,” the woman said sweetly.

Lori knew it would take more than a movie to rid her mind of her bad dreams, but she gamely put on her headset and tuned into the movie about a young couple who finds love.

By the time the movie was over, Lori was more discouraged than ever about leaving Griff.

###

All regrets about leaving California fled when she saw her mother and Aurelia waiting in the baggage claim area to greet her.

Feeling like a child again, Lori hurried toward them.

“I’m glad you’re home. Dad has been asking for you,” Lori’s mother said, giving her a big hug. “Don’t tell him I told you, but he’s been very frightened and wants his family around.”

“I’m happy to see you,” said Aurelia, looking tired. Lori knew how responsible Aurelia felt as the eldest sister and vowed to help take some of the stress off her.

“Flo’s home with the baby, who has a cold,” said Lori’s mother. “She’ll take a break and come to see you when she can.”

“We all want to know how your time in California went,” said Aurelia, taking Lori’s rolling suitcase off the baggage conveyor belt. “You look wonderful with a little color from the outdoor activities.”

“Thanks. I learned a lot about making wine,” said Lori. “And Napa is a very interesting place.”

“I hope you took a lot of photos,” said her mother. “Hard to believe my daughter was working in a vineyard.”

“I have some photos, not too many,” Lori said, trying to figure out how to keep pictures of Griff hidden. She didn’t want her family to know much about him. Not until she’d figured out what the situation was between them.

“Dad is still in the hospital. There was a bleeding situation, but they took care of it,” said her mother. “He’s coming home tomorrow. I told the doctor we wanted to make sure Dad was all right to leave by then.”

Aurelia said, “It’s an added precaution. There's no need to worry. Dad’s getting excellent care.”

“Can I visit him in the hospital?” Lori asked.

“Yes, of course,” said her mother. “We’re going directly there. I know how easily you become worried.”

Lori was grateful for her understanding. She could deal with almost anything once she understood the situation. That’s how it had been taking care of Nick at home.

They got into Aurelia’s SUV and headed to the local hospital.

“How are the girls?” Lori asked. It seemed longer than a week since she’d seen them.