Chapter 16

Lizzie got an email from J.J. later that evening. He was brief and to the point.

“You asked how I’ve been doing, but I can’t possibly answer that question in an email. We could talk on the phone if you like, or if you’re up for it, you could fly out here for a visit this weekend. I’d really like to see you.”

I looked at Lizzie and I knew she had already made her mind. Lizzie didn’t have classes on Friday. I helped her check flight times, and she quickly emailed her brother back to tell him she’d come the next weekend. She also asked him if she could bring me with her. J.J. said yes and promised to pick us up at the airport.

Friday morning we walked together toward the baggage claim where J.J. had agreed to meet us.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Lizzie said to me as she wheeled her carry-on bag onto the escalator. “Thank you for coming with me, and for using your air miles. I owe you big time.”

“Don’t be silly. J.J. was my best friend for the first ten years of my life so this is important to me too. Besides, how could I pass up an opportunity to spend three whole days with you?”