Page 41 of Forbid It

“You’re the one who’s obsessed with them.”

“I’m not obsessed. I have the normal amount of interest and care in trees of all kinds. So should you.”

He shrugs. “Never really thought about trees much. Though I will be thinking about this for the rest of my life, so thanks for that."

“You’re welcome. It’s a real burden. Caring.”

“Tell me about it.”

I catch his eyes and can’t help the smile that pulls at my cheeks. His smile burns bright, showing off pearly white teeth and a crooked grin that I’ve never seen on him before. I want to freeze the moment, capture the secret smile he’s showing only to me.

“Okay, I’m back. I’m not even tired, and the novelty wore off quick,” Pip announces flopping into the chair opposite us. “Ooh, does this seat swivel?”

She leans to the side, lifting up the latch that makes the chair move before frowning. “Cass, why am I not swiveling?”

I bite back a laugh as I unclip my seatbelt and drop to my knees next to her. I’ve spent too many years on this plane, so I know the knack to get it to move. As soon as I do, Pip’s chair is turned to face the middle aisle, and Robbie is leaning his head on his hand, peering at us both.

“Swivel then.” Pip waves an impatient hand towards him. “It’s like a conversation pit three-thousand feet in the air.”

“Maybe Robbie doesn’t want to talk with us, honey.”

“Nonsense, of course he does.”

Pip reaches into her bag and produces a pack of cards, and I find myself recruited into a game. Pip doesn't really acknowledge the elephant in the room, but I find I don’t want to talk about it anymore anyway. I can’t exactly parachute out of the damn plane, so I’m stuck here for at least the next few hours.

“So,” Pip asks later, over a hand of gin rummy. “What are your plans in London, Robbie?”

“Thinking of heading up to my parents’ place. It’s my niece’s birthday coming up, so it will be nice to see them.”

“Have you bought her a good gift?”

Robbie nods. “I ordered her this weird doll thing she wanted.” He puts down a card with a chuckle. “But what she actually wanted was an autograph from Cassandra.”

I snort as I take my turn. “You’re a cheap uncle. You can get that for free.”

“It’s the thought that counts more than the money Sandra, come on.”

I roll my eyes playfully. “I could probably spring for some extras for her.” She’s a kid. It’s not because she’s related to him.

Robbie shrugs his shoulders with a sigh. “I would be more prideful about it but hell, Ffion would never forgive me if I turned you down.”

I glance up at him, remembering all too well the last time he turned me down, to find he’s already looking at me.

I clear my throat. “How are you getting to your parents?”

“I’m going to pick up my car. It’s parked just outside Richmond.”

“Oh, that’s where we’re going!” Pip announces. “We’re at my brother’s house for his anniversary party. You should come”

He laughs. “Can you invite people to a party that isn’t yours?”

“It’s my brother,” Pip waves her hand. “He won’t care. You should come.”

Robbie glances up at me over his hand, questioning with a single look.

I shrug. “You’ve already met Anya, I’m sure they won’t mind. Plus, I store some merch in Danny’s office. I actually love scribbling all over it.” I let the last line linger in the air and know I’ve caught him.

“Maybe I can drop by on my way.”