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My eyes widen. “You’re really going to take me? Even though you think it’s a waste of money.”
“I just said I would, unless you’re wanting me to change my mind?”
I shake my head, buttoning my coat. “There. I’m ready.”
He motions for me to follow him to the waiting SUV. I don’t know what to make of his mood swings, but at least I’m getting to do something that I’ve always wanted to do. Kieran speaks to the driver before climbing in next to me.
I want to say something to break the tension, but don’t have a chance because we come to a stop at Liberty State Park. He gets out first, leading the way, and I follow. We reach the line for the ferry and walk past everyone, gaining a few glares. On the boat, we’re led to the wheelhouse, where the captain of the ship greets us.
“Mr. Van der Zee. This is a pleasure.”
Kieran shakes the man’s hand. “Thank you for being so accommodating, Captain. My friend here has never seen the Statue.”
The captain smiles at me. “You’re going to love it, miss, especially the view from the crown. Not everyone gets to see that view.”
The crown? I glance at Kieran, who is looking at his phone. My heart swells before I remember that I’m supposed to be mad at him.
But I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face. “I’m very excited.”
“You two are more than welcome to stay up here. The wind is up today, so it’s going to be chilly on deck.”
Kieran says, “We’ll take you up on that. Thank you.”
The captain shakes Kieran’s hand and walks away, leaving us alone.
“He seems like a fan.”
Kieran snorts. “I just dropped a grand to make this happen. Of course he’s going to be nice.”
“You just paid a thousand dollars so I can see the Statue?” I shake my head and laugh. “Kieran, that’s too much, but thank you.”
He doesn’t answer and goes to the window, looking out. I join him.
“I’m sorry for what I said at the restaurant. I was mad, but I still shouldn’t have said that in front of Chef Scuttle.”
Kieran nods. “You’re right. You shouldn’t have.”
“Usually when someone apologizes, the other person tells them that they’re forgiven.”
“I don’t believe in forgiveness, pet.”
“I’ll be sure to remember that.” Looking out the window, I gasp as the Statue of Liberty comes into view. “Would it be okay if I go out there?”
“It’s going to be cold,” he warns.
“I don’t mind.”
He nods and I go to the deck, shivering as the chilly wind and sea spray hit my face. I don’t care how cold it is, though. This is something I’ve dreamt about seeing. It reminds me of everything else that I want to do with my life. Things I’ll be able to do once my contract with Kieran is up. College. Traveling. Maybe a family one day. The important thing is that whatever I do will bemychoice. I just have to survive the next ten months without losing my heart.
As if I’ve summoned him, Kieran joins me at my side.
“It’s amazing, Sir. I can’t believe you said it wasn’t worth seeing.” I turn, finding him watching me. “What?”
“Just thinking.” He leans against the railing, looking over the water. “The first time I saw it, I was three or four. Too young to appreciate it.”
“And now?”
“I suppose I can see why people flock to see it. It represents things I think we tend to forget. That we take for granted.”
