What's Left of Me
Page 82

Instead of my wig, I’m wearing a bandanna to cover the short fuzz that has started to grow back.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve gotten more comfortable going out with Parker without my wig. It still makes me nervous at times, but it’s a part of me and I’m not afraid to show who I am to the world anymore.
Neither of his parents say anything about his head or mine. I know Parker told them about my cancer, and from what he told me, they’re both interested in my care. I’ve heard him on the phone telling them about my diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and bringing me here, and they were both welcoming to the idea.
His mom grabs me forcefully, pulling me into a hug. “It’s so good to finally meet you. Parker has told us so many things.”
“It’s good to meet you too,” I breathe out as she continues to squeeze me.
“Okay, Mom. Loosen the grip.”
“Oh! Sorry dear. I’m just really excited to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
Looking at his father, I extend my hand. He takes it, shaking slowly. It’s a little awkward, but then he smiles a familiar smile, showing the same straight, white teeth as Parker’s. “I’m happy you could make it out here.”
“Thank you for having me.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. You’re welcome anytime,” Parker’s mom says.
We walk to the car after gathering our luggage. Parker’s parents walk together with their arms around one another’s waists. It’s cute. I hope when I’m older I have someone who still wants to walk with their arm around my waist.
The drive to his house isn’t that long, and soon we’re pulling onto a long road. I take in the sight of long, gated driveways, and houses tucked in the back with only their roofs in view.
“You didn’t tell me you lived like the Prince of Bel Air,” I whisper in the back seat so that his parents don’t hear.
“Ha! Hardly.”
“Well, we’re not in Kansas anymore, that’s for sure,” I say, stunned, looking out the windows.
We pull into a driveway lined with small bushes and large flowers in bright pinks, yellows, reds, and oranges. When we make it to the front of the house, my mouth falls open.
You have to be kidding me! “We’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.”
When the car stops, just outside the garage, I’m faced with the biggest, most beautiful house I’ve ever seen.
“Come on. Don’t be intimidated,” Parker says, stepping out of the car. His parents follow as I sit there looking up at the large yellow stucco house. The path leading to the front door is lined with the same plants and flowers as the driveway, with small and large palm trees by the garage and front of the house. The front door is in a large, covered entry, supported by two pillars in the same pearly white as the door.
Don’t be intimidated? I’m intimidated.
Parker opens my door. “Come on. Let’s go. I’ll show you around.”
“Yeah. I might get lost.”
He laughs.
“It’s not that big.”
“Sure. You could only fit four of my houses in this place.”
I stop when we walk into the house. The foyer is huge and open. There is a tall staircase to the right that leads to the second floor. The place is bright, white, and clean.
“Parker, why don’t you two go get settled? Maybe get your suits on and go relax by the pool after your long flight. I’ll make some lunch.”
“That sounds like a great idea.”
Parker’s room is on the second level. I wouldn’t even call it a bedroom. It’s more like a separate wing with a closet the size of my room back home, its own living room, and a bathroom the size of Genna’s kitchen.
“Where’s the kitchen?” I joke.
Parker picks me up and throws me on the bed. “Parker!” I squeal.
“I just wanted to see you in my bed.” He straddles me, pinning my hands above my head. “Don’t let any of this go to your head. This isn’t my money, Aundrea. My dad worked hard to get to this point in his life, and sometimes he can go overboard with how he shows it. I didn’t grow up here. I grew up with money, yes, but it wasn’t until my junior year in high school that we moved here.”
“But you went to a private school?”
“Yes, but not for the education.” Kissing the tip of my nose, he whispers, “I’ve always had a fantasy of sleeping with a naughty schoolgirl.”
“You’re something else. You know that?” I laugh.
“Do I ever.”
Parker and I get our suits on and make our way to the infinity pool out back. It’s huge and overlooks the Atlantic, with a waterfall in the corner that has a slide going right through it. There is a hot tub in the other corner, set in what looks like a stone cave.
“This is beautiful,” I sigh.
“But not as beautiful as you.” He kisses my bare head.
“Smooth, Parker.” I giggle. I love his cheesy one-liners.
His mom makes us sandwiches and margaritas. We spend the afternoon sharing family stories and swimming. His mom reminds me a lot of mine: unselfish, thoughtful, nurturing, and patient.
George has to make a few work calls, but joins us later.
“Is Lee coming?” I ask.
“No, dear. He had a business trip he couldn’t get out of. Next time, for sure,” his mom answers sweetly.
“Oh. That’s okay.” I smile. I was hoping to meet everyone, but I know that this won’t be the only time we come here.