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“If you want to go to Europe,” Dad says, “why didn’t you take a semester abroad during college?”
“There aren’t really any semesters abroad where you can study American agriculture in Europe.”
“So? You could’ve left your major for a semester. You could’ve studied art history. Or environmental studies. Or any number of things that I know you’re interested in.”
“That ship has sailed, Dad. Now I want to go to Europe, and this is a great chance.”
Dad takes a sip from his mug. Then he frowns. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“I have to agree with your father,” Mom says. “Going to the UK for a few weeks with Donny and Callie is one thing, but—”
“Brock is going, and he’s only two years older than I am.”
“Yes, but he’s going as Rory’s fiancé. Plus…”
Mom stops talking.
I know exactly what she’s going to say. He’s a man. Men can take better care of themselves than women. Which is a crock of shit, and she knows it.
“I can take good care of myself, Mom. Hell, I handle a gun better than Brock does.”
“Did I say you didn’t?” Mom says. “But you know you can’t take a gun with you on a plane.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. “For God’s sake, I’m not a moron. I don’t plan on taking my gun with me.”
“And how do you plan to take care of yourself?” Dad asks.
“By using my brain, Daddy. Jeez.”
Mom takes a sip of her coffee and then clears her throat. “You’re a grown woman, Brianna.”
“Damned right I am. I’m not asking your permission. I’m telling you.”
“A grown woman wouldn’t take that tone of voice with her parents,” Dad says calmly.
Yeah. He’s got me there.
I inhale, exhale. “I apologize for my tone. And thank you, Daddy, for having the confidence in me to be your second-in-command with regard to the orchard. I’ve been looking forward to that my entire life, and that hasn’t changed. I’ll only be gone the first half of the year. I’ll be back by the time the trees are in bloom. Everything will work out fine.”
“But if you’re following the band around,” Mom says, “are you going to have the chance to see many of the sights? Going to Europe is an experience you should never forget. There’s so much culture and so many things to see and do.”
“I’ll do that during the day.”
“Not if Rory needs you as her assistant,” Mom says.
Ugh, why did I lie? Mom will probably talk to Rory, and she’s not going to know what the hell I’m talking about.
Better to lay my cards on the table now.
“I’m sorry, Mom, Dad. That wasn’t true. I’m not going to be acting as Rory’s assistant. The truth of the matter is that…I just want to go.”
“Can you tell us why?” Dad asks.
“Because I want to. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see Europe with members of my family already there.”
“We can’t force her to stay, Talon,” Mom says. “She’s twenty-two years old.”
“How do you expect to pay for the trip?” Dad asks.
