Capítulo 12: Car ride
Two days passed faster than I expected. My suitcase was packed, overflowing with swimwear some modest, some decidedly not.
One particular swimsuit, a red, strappy number that practically screamed "notice me," had been carefully hidden beneath layers of clothes so Riley wouldn't confiscate it.
I had a plan, after all: this vacation wasn't just about family bonding. No, I had intentions of at least a fleeting moment of romance or, let's be real, lust on a sunny beach with no strings attached. Just a night of fun and then back to reality.
The best part? I'd also received confirmation of my enrollment in the culinary program. Finally, the stars were aligning.
This morning, I found myself lingering in my kitchen, saying goodbye to every pot, pan, and spoon like they were old friends.
I ran my hand over the marble countertop, whispering, "You've been good to me, old friend. Don't let anyone else ruin your shine."
"You're being dramatic," Riley's voice cut through my moment.
I turned, still cradling my favorite spatula. "This is serious, Mom. What if someone uses my knives and doesn't clean them properly? Or puts the non-stick pans in the dishwasher? The dishwasher, Mom!"
Riley pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly stifling a laugh. "You've lost it. Completely. We're not leaving you forever; it's just a vacation."
"But what if—"
"Enough," Riley said, grabbing my arm. "You're coming with me. Say goodbye to your spatula."
"Her name is Patricia," I mumbled, clutching it tighter.
"Patricia?!" Riley snorted, now fully laughing. She tried pulling me away, but I held onto the countertop for dear life.
"She deserves a proper farewell!" I insisted, but Riley had no patience for my theatrics. She yanked me away, spatula and all, while I wailed dramatically. "You're heartless, Mom. Heartless!"
"You'll live," she shot back, dragging me down the hall as I cast one last mournful glance at my beloved kitchen.
When we finally stepped outside, Rowena and Seraphine were waiting by the SUV. Rowena had already adopted full beach mode: she was in a loose Hawaiian shirt, board shorts, and flip-flops, her red hair swept into a messy bun.
"Took you long enough," she said, tossing a duffel bag into the trunk. "Did Rhiannon have to kiss her knives goodbye or something?"
"Yes," Riley deadpanned, shoving my suitcase into the car. "She's emotionally attached to her cookware."
"Hey, they've been there for me in ways you'll never understand," I shot back, climbing into the car.
Seraphine was already in the driver's seat, adjusting her sunglasses. "Everyone in? Good. Let's hit the road! Five hours of family fun ahead!"
"Couldn't we have taken the train?" I asked as I buckled up. "It would've been faster."
"And noisier," Seraphine said, wrinkling her nose. "This is better. Quality time with family."
"Right," I muttered, leaning against the window. "Quality time."
We set off, and within minutes, Rowena had commandeered the music. I should've seen it coming.
"Oh, no," Riley groaned as the opening notes of a screechy, high-energy pop song blared through the speakers.
"It's a banger!" Rowena said, bobbing her head enthusiastically. "You'll love it."
"I already hate it," I muttered, covering my ears.
"Rowena, pick something we all like," Seraphine said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.
"This is something we all like," Rowena insisted, cranking up the volume.
"Rowena!" the rest of us shouted in unison.
"Fine, fine!" She scrolled through her playlist and selected something slower. A mournful acoustic ballad filled the car.
"Too depressing," Riley said. "Next."
"You people are impossible," Rowena grumbled, scrolling again. The next song was an intense dubstep track that made the car vibrate.
"For the love of—just give me the aux," I said, reaching for her phone.
"No!" Rowena swatted my hand away. "My car, my rules."
"It's Mom's car!" I argued, gesturing at Seraphine.
"And she trusts me with the music," Rowena shot back.
"I do not," Seraphine said, exasperated. "Give someone else a turn, Rowena."
After much bickering, we finally settled on a playlist of '80s rock hits. It wasn't anyone's first choice, but it was tolerable. The chaos subsided, and I turned my attention to the passing scenery.
My stomach growled loudly, breaking my train of thought.
"Hungry already?" Rowena teased. "Didn't you eat breakfast?"
"I was too busy packing," I admitted. "And saying goodbye to my kitchen."
"Gods help us," Riley muttered from the front seat.
"We're stopping for food," Seraphine announced, pulling into the lot of a fast-food joint. "Quick and easy. Everyone happy?"
"Works for me," Rowena said, hopping out of the car.
Inside, the smell of grease and salt filled the air as we placed our orders. I opted for a classic burger and fries, but Rowena went for an absurdly large milkshake.
As we waited for our food, a tall, elegant demon woman approached our table. She had flowing silver hair and a sharp smile that screamed confidence. Again I thought it must be for Rowena.
"Hi there," she said, her gaze fixed on Rowena. "I couldn't help but notice you. Are you new in town?"
Rowena blinked, clearly taken aback. "Uh, no? Just passing through."
"Well," the woman said, leaning slightly closer, "if you're sticking around, maybe I could show you around?"
Riley raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, while Seraphine bristled like a protective lioness.
"Oh, she's definitely not sticking around," I said quickly, stepping in before Seraphine could say something that might incite a public scene. "Family vacation, you know? Very busy schedule."
The woman looked mildly disappointed but backed off with a polite nod. As soon as she was out of earshot, I burst out laughing.
"Rowena! You got hit on at a fast-food place again !"
Rowena groaned, slumping in her seat. "Why does this always happen? I'm in vaccation for crying out loud."
"You're irresistible, clearly," I teased.
Seraphine, still fuming, crossed her arms. "No one flirts with my children without my approval."
"Mom, please," Rowena said, burying her face in her hands.
The rest of the meal was filled with laughter and teasing, and soon we were back on the road. The final stretch of the drive was relatively peaceful, save for the occasional squabble over snacks and the air conditioning.
By the time we pulled into the resort parking lot, the sun was beginning to dip low on the horizon, casting the hotel in a golden glow.
The place was stunning a sprawling beachfront property with white stucco walls, lush gardens, and sparkling pools. I stepped out of the car, taking it all in with a deep breath of salty sea air.
"Wow," Rowena said, whistling appreciatively.
"Alright," Seraphine announced, clapping her hands. "Let's get checked in and make this a trip to remember!"
I had a feeling it already would be.
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