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Oh my.
I sit for a moment but then rise.
Time to go back in.
Time to face the music.
By the time I return, though, Havisham is in the living room cleaning up the tea, and Brock and Donny are shaking hands with Ennis. When Callie holds out her hand, Ennis’s gaze drops to her left hand. He cocks his head a moment, but then shakes the right hand she offers.
Time to go, apparently.
Maddie walks toward me. “Everything okay, Bree?”
I force a smile. “Absolutely fine. Did you enjoy the tea?”
“It was everything I expected and more. And we still have tomorrow to go sightseeing and then the concert tomorrow night.” She grabs my hands, squeezing both of them. “This is all so exciting, Brianna. Thank you for making it happen for me.”
“I’m just sorry we couldn’t get tickets to any shows we wanted in the West End.”
“That’s okay. This is all perfect. Thank you.”
“No need to keep thanking me, Mads. I’m glad you’re here with me. Truly.”
The words are not a lie.
The only problem is that every time I look at Maddie, I see her brother. Of all the Pike siblings, Maddie and Jesse resemble each other the most.
Maddie is Jesse in female form, but she’s also my friend—my friend I’ve unintentionally neglected over the years.
I’m going to be a good friend to her. She deserves that much. She deserves so much more than what she’s gotten from me and the rest of the awesome foursome. I made this commitment to her—to accompany her on this tour—and I will not renege on that.
One thing’s for sure.
I’m going to have to forget about Jesse.
Because he’s already forgotten about me.
The next day…
Maddie, Callie, Donny, Brock, and I take our first guided tour the next afternoon to see the most touristy places, beginning with Buckingham Palace. Again I wish Diana were here as our guide explains the palace’s neoclassical architecture that’s adorned with intricate details and a balcony where significant royal events, such as the changing of the guard and royal announcements, take place. The interior isn’t open to the public—not that I expected it would be. It’s someone’s home, after all.
Next we head to St. James’s Park, where we walk and enjoy stunning views of the palace’s gardens, a gorgeous lake, and charming bridges that span across the water. I wouldn’t mind staying for a while, relaxing and soaking up the chilly sunshine, but the rest of my party are eager to continue on the tour.
Next is The Mall, a tree-lined boulevard that connects the palace to Trafalgar Square. We take in the Admiralty Arch and the Institute of Contemporary Arts, as our guide explains that The Mall serves as a ceremonial route for royal processions and parades.
When we reach Trafalgar Square, we see Nelson’s Column, a towering monument dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson, who played a pivotal role in the British Navy’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Beyond Trafalgar Square is Whitehall, home to the Horse Guards Parade, where the changing of the horse guards occurs, and the Cenotaph, a memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War I and subsequent conflicts. I’m no history buff, but I’m moved by the surroundings.
A short walk later and we arrive at the Houses of Parliament and the famous Big Ben clock tower. Maddie and Callie gush over everything and take lots of photos.
I smile, and it isn’t forced. I’ve enjoyed the tour. Here our guide leaves us, along with instructions to get anywhere else on the Tube, London’s subway system.
We return to the hotel and grab a quick dinner in the hotel restaurant before we head to the event center where the concert will be.
We haven’t seen the band all day.
“How is Rory holding up?” Donny asks Brock.
Brock smiles. “She’s determined. I’ll give her that.”
