My eyes flick to Gabby, who mouths, “Sorry.”
“Um, well, I could probably stay with my parents while Gabby’s in town.”
Elizabeth gives me a satisfied smile. “That sounds like it’ll work fine. Okay. We’ll book Gabby a ticket for the Fourth of July week. She might end up having to travel on the holiday to keep costs down.”
“Oh, um.” That’s almost three weeks away. I really don’t want to wait that long. “I was hoping she could come sooner.” I swallow. My eyes checking on Gabby again before going back to Elizabeth. “What if I buy her a ticket for next week?”
“Now hold on a minute,” comes from Mr. Kane, but Elizabeth lays her hand on his arm, and he settles back into his chair.
“Oh. Uh. Okay. Marissa’s coming too.” I glance at Gabby again, who’s giving me another apologetic look. “I’ll look forward to meeting her.”
I get another satisfied smile from Elizabeth. “Good. Then it’s settled. We’ll be in touch about organizing the flights.”
“Okay,” I respond, shell-shocked by how easily Gabby’s mom just handled me. I feel like my manager or my attorney should’ve been here for this negotiation. But I don’t have time to say anything else before Gabby’s parents stand and move off camera, and Gabby comes closer.
“I’m really sorry about that. I didn’t have time to warn you what they were planning ahead of time. I just found out about the Marissa twist right before my dad called you.” She glances over her shoulder. “I’ll call you later, okay? Our usual time?”
She gives me a bright smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
And then she’s gone, the video chat screen turning black as she cuts off the call.
I sit blinking at the screen for a minute before closing the window. That didn’t go at all like I expected. But at least I get to see Gabby soon. Even if it’s only for two weeks. Which won’t be anywhere near enough time for me.