Page 36 of Lucky 22

“How long will you be gone?”

“Um…”

“When are you leaving?”

“I’m just looking…”

“Does Christian know you’re coming?”

“He’s at the stadium getting ready for the game right now,but—”

“What made you change your mind?”

“My mom said—”

“Where are you going to sleep?”

“Um…”

“Do I need to come and be a chaperone?”

On and on it goes, and I do my best to answer them all. Whenshe’s finally okay with all of it, we sit side by side as I research flights,and we look up the hotel he’s staying at.

Things start to fall into place, and I decide to wait acouple of days before joining him, so he can get settled at the hotel and meetwith his physical therapist. I’m sure once he has a schedule, it will makethings easier for us.

I just hope Christian hasn’t changed his mind about my beingthere with him.

Late Wednesday afternoon, I land in Phoenix.

I waited until Monday night to tell Christian I was coming.It was important to me that he meet with his trainers and see what they had instore for him, then let it be his decision if he still wanted me to come.

Luckily, he was completely on board with my plan. I’mstaying through Sunday. Hopefully, by that time, we’ll have a clue as to howlong he’ll need to stay.

I’m walking out of baggage claim and looking for the car hesaid he was sending for me. He offered, even though I said I didn’t mindgetting a cab. I take out my phone and re-read his earlier messages.

Christian: The driver will be therewhen you land. He has your flight information.

Christian: When you step outside,follow all the signs for rideshare.

Christian: It’s a black SUV, andthere’s a Magic logo on the door.

Christian: Text me when they pick youup. I can’t wait to see you!

I realize that I’m standing and waiting in the wrong spotand quickly follow the signs to the pickup area. It’s a lot farther than Ithought it would be, but luckily, I spot the Magic logo and notice a manstanding beside the SUV with a sign that says Ella Rose. I just lovehow he calls me by my first and middle names. I am going to kiss Christiansilly when I see him.

“Good afternoon, Miss Holt,” the driver says as he stepsforward to help me with my bags. “How was your flight?”

“It was good. Thank you,” I say with a smile.

He loads my luggage into the back and then holds the dooropen for me to climb into the back seat. Once he’s behind the wheel, he informsme that there’s water waiting and even adjusts the temperature of the vehiclefor me.

I thank him again, and before I know it, we’re on our way.Taking out my phone, I quickly tap out a text to Christian.

Ella: In the car and on my way.

Ella: I’ll text you when I’m settled inmy room. See you soon! xoxo

It’s only a short drive to the hotel, and I feel a bitguilty for making the Magic send a car for me.