“No, you’re not,” Sam said, handing her a tumbler with a straw. “Chamomile. Sip and think of how brilliant your daughter will be and all that money she will make to help keep you and me in the finest retirement home.”

I smirked.

“Well? It’s time, kiddo,” Sam said.

Julianne’s lips pressed into a hard line as she retreated to the passenger seat and slammed the door.

“Is she going to be okay?” I asked, looking around.

“Yes. Are you?”

I walked a few steps out into the yard and glanced each way. Weston’s truck wasn’t in the drive.

Sam waved me back with an understanding expression. “Come on, honey. It’s time to go.”

I nodded, deflated. “I thought he’d at least say good-bye.”

“He still has time. Maybe he’ll come out tomorrow or something. He doesn’t leave for a few more days.”

“I have orientation tomorrow,” I said, opening the door of my BMW.

Sam watched as I sat in the driver’s seat. He pushed his round tortoise shell glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Try not to worry about it, honey. It’s best to focus on school now. Today is what you’ve been dreaming about for a long time. I just want you to think about that.”

I nodded.

Sam walked to the SUV and slid in next to Julianne. He backed out of the drive and then pulled up a bit until I did the same. We paused briefly at the Stop sign, and then they pulled onto Chrysler Avenue, turning east.

Chapter Thirteen

BEING ALONE IN THE CAR for an hour and fifteen minutes did nothing to help keep my mind off of Weston. It was the day I’d been dreaming of, but things were very different than I had imagined. Leaving wasn’t an escape. It was good-bye, and I wasn’t sure how I should feel about it.

The radio seemed to know how low I was feeling, the DJ playing every sad song on his list. Then, the upbeat songs just reminded me that I couldn’t cheer up, and that only made me feel worse.

Sam pulled into the parking lot of my dorm. Most of the parking spaces were already taken, so he parallel-parked next to a tree that I was pretty sure was not a legal spot. He hopped out and directed me to park behind him.

“They’ll forgive us today,” he said with a reassuring smile. It faded when he saw my expression. “Sweet pea, come here.”

He pulled me into a hug, and then Julianne’s footsteps stopped next to us.

I looked up at her, and her eyes were as red and wet as mine. I sniffed and then wiped my eyes, and Julianne did the same.

She nodded. “Okay. We can do this.” She lowered her chin and cupped my cheeks. “This is a good day. This is a great day.”

After I checked in and received my paperwork and key, I returned to where my parents stood at the open SUV.

“Here we go. This is it. This is the day,” Sam said, holding a laundry basket full of various items above his head.

Julianne began to giggle, and then I did, too.

I stacked two of the smaller boxes and lifted them into my arms.

“Thank God there is an elevator.” Julianne huffed as she lifted a box. “This is Bennett Hall.” She smiled. “It’s the best. Boone Pickens Stadium is just right there, and they have the best food.”

I shot an appreciative smile at Sam. “You know how much I love food.”

“That wasn’t my call,” Sam admitted. “You can thank Mom for getting the inside scoop on that one.”

I turned my charm on high and pointed it straight at Julianne.

“Didn’t I tell you we’ve got you taken care of?” she said, pleased with herself.

“Let me carry that, Julianne,” a smooth deep voice said from behind the SUV.

Weston stepped around, holding out his arms. My stomach sank, and my heart leaped.

Julianne lugged the box over to him and then stacked another one on top of that. “Nice of you to show up, Wes.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said simply.

Julianne grabbed a couple of bags and followed Sam toward the building.

“Hi,” I said, instantly feeling stupid over my simple greeting.

His eyes didn’t give anything away. “I wasn’t doing anything else today. I figured I’d be a complete dick if I didn’t come help you move.”

“Thank you,” I said, my voice sounding small.

“It doesn’t mean anything. I’m just being a friend.”

I nodded, and we walked together across the lot until we got to the lobby. Sam was holding the elevator while Julianne held the papers that told us which room I was in and the directions to get there.

“Second floor,” Julianne said. “Two thirty-seven.”

Sam pushed the button, and Weston and I did our best to fit inside with our full loads. Our arms were pressed together, and I ached for his warm soft skin.

The elevator opened. Weston walked out into the hall, looking in both directions. Sam passed us and led the way. Julianne followed him, and Weston brought up the rear.

Once inside, Sam lowered his boxes, and Julianne put the bags on the floor. She pulled out a stack of folded sheets, handed them to me, and tossed the memory foam mattress to Weston.

“Get to work!” Julianne said with a smile.

The single bedroom suite had a full kitchen and a washer and dryer, and it seemed to go on forever.

“I’m feeling a little overwhelmed,” I said.

Sam put his hands on my shoulders. “You mean overjoyed. This is a great day, remember? We’ll go get more of your things.”

“I’ll help,” Weston said, taking a step.

Julianne put her hand on her chest. “We helped pack. You can help her unpack.”

Weston nodded once.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Sam took his wife by the hand, and they shut the door behind them.

Weston unzipped the clear plastic bag that held the memory foam and unrolled it over the mattress. I unfolded the fitted sheet, and he held out his hands.

“Thanks again,” I said as we worked together to make the bed.

“This is a nice place.”

I couldn’t think of anything amazing to say, so I didn’t say anything at all.

“Seems like a lot for just you.”

My cheeks flushed. “Are you insulting me or trying to make me feel guilty?”

He sighed. “Neither.”

We finished the bed and began unpacking boxes. Sam and Julianne were in and out. Weston hooked up a lamp and then unpacked the organic cleaners and the rest of the kitchen while I put away clothes.