章 60: Chapter 60

60

61

"Hey," Isla asked, stepping towards him. 

"Is everything okay? You seem distracted."

He squeezed his eyes closed. 

"It's just-- I don't-- I didn't just orchestrate this because I missed you."

"Oh," her eyebrows creased and she stepped back again. 

"Alright."

"No, that came out wrong," he ran his hands over his face. 

He didn't want to tell her.

  It was dumb, she would be suspecting it, but he didn't want to ruin the good night that they'd had. 

"I have to tell you something."

She crossed her arms and stared at him, using that skill where she somehow managed to look down her nose at him even though he was over a head taller than her.

  "Well then spit it out. It'll only be worse if you keep stalling."

He let out a breath.

  "Fine. Our messenger arrived late this morning. He flew ahead to let us know that Casper and his family will be here tomorrow. Likely in the morning."