Opening Song - 'Meant To Be' by Bebe Rexha w/ Florida Georgia Line

Saturday, November 2nd, 2019

Bliss' POV

Today is the day we bury my grandma. Julian drove my Aviator and Mason drove my Escalade. Jessica, Andrea, and Carly rode with Julian. I rode with Mason. I asked Grayson to ride with us and he obliged. I sat in the back seat with Grayson so I could rest my head on his  shoulder. He comforted me the whole ride to my grandpa's house.

Adrian made sure I ate something because I wasn't going to. I had a pair of sunglasses on so no one could see how puffy my eyes were.

Two limos were parked in front of the house as we pulled up. Grandpa, my aunts, and my uncles were getting ready to get in the first limo.

"Bliss, honey, I want you, Julian, Jessica, Mason, Carly, and Andrea to ride in the second limo. And that young model fellow can ride with you too. I already warned Chloe."

"Okay, grandpa. You guys go ahead and get in. I will be right back."

"Grayson, will you ride with me in the limo?"

"Of course."

"Thank you." I walked over to where Layla, Kam, and mom Adrian were standing.

"My grandpa wants us to ride in the second limo. Carly and Grayson are coming with us."

"Okay, Bliss. We'll follow the limo." Layla and Kam relayed the message to the other vehicles as I walked to the limo. Once I sat down in the limo, I rested my head on Grayson's arm. We then pulled off to the funeral home.

******

Once we reached the funeral home, Carly walked over to Julian. And Mason and Andrea were holding hands. Jessica has no desire to be in a relationship. I grabbed Grayson's hand. I hope he doesn't mind. He just looked at me and smiled. I miss having Shane by my side. But, after last weekend, that is never happening again. I'm changing that today.

Throughout the past week, Grayson and I spent a lot of time together. I found myself blushing at him. I hope he meant what he said about getting to know me. We will find out later.

Braelyn came running over. "Can I sit with you, Aunt Bliss? Mommy said it was okay."

"Yes, you can, sweetie." I grabbed Braelyn's hand. Then, we walked inside the packed funeral home.

Grayson and Braelyn walked with me to my grandma's casket. Nobody could tell I was crying because I still had my sunglasses on. Grayson wrapped his arms around me as I rested my head on his chest. The funeral home did an excellent job making my grandma look like she just stepped out of the beauty parlor.

Once we finally sat down, I rested my head on Grayson's shoulder. I need to talk to Kam, Layla, Jessica, Andrea, and Carly later about Grayson.

The funeral director talked for over an hour. Then, he asked those who wanted to say a few words about my grandma. Quite a few did - my grandpa, Julian, Andrea, Jessica, my aunts, uncles, and even Chloe. I wasn't going to go, but I did. I whispered to Grayson, "Will you go to the podium with me?" He nodded yes, and we walked up to the podium. Braelyn came with us.

"My grandma was one of the sweetest people I have known. She did so much, not just for her family but for others as well, and I will never forget it. She also spanked our behinds when we didn't behave. Looking back on those times, we deserved it. Believe it or not, I was a troublemaker as a kid. Ask Andrea and Jessica about how I got them into trouble. Eventually, I grew tired of the beatings and matured." Everyone then chuckled.

"My grandma also taught us how to cook. I will miss the cooking sessions she would have with her grandchildren. My grandma also was the reason I chose to share my makeup with women around the world who have allergies like I do. I'm going to miss my grandma so much. I regret that I didn't come to visit my grandma and grandpa as often as I should have. Thank you all for your tremendous support towards my family."

I burst into tears as Grayson and Braelyn walked with me to our seats.

The director concluded the service. Then, ushers passed out bumper stickers to those going to the cemetery. My grandma's casket was then closed. They asked for six volunteers to help with the coffin. Julian, Ryan, Cris, Marco, Kalani, and Mason volunteered.

I held on tight to Grayson's arm. "Please ride with me to the cemetery." He nodded to say yes.

I looked over at Layla. "It's okay for Braelyn to ride with you."

"Thank you, Layla."

The guys lifted my grandma's casket in the hearse. Then, we all got in the limo to the cemetery.

********

We reached the cemetery in 20 minutes. Chloe did not say one word. Thank goodness. But she kept staring at Grayson. He didn't pay her any attention.

The limos were parked near my grandma's burial plot. The guys got out and carried grandma's casket. Once again, I held Grayson's hand, and Braelyn's as we walked to grandma's plot.

Several chairs were placed around the plot. I sat in one with Braelyn on my lap.

Roses were passed out to the family. Everyone took a turn to place the rose on the casket. The director said a few words for about 10 minutes, then concluded the service.

A fresh set of tears fell as I took my turn. "I miss you so much already, grandma. And I promise to take your advice. I won't give up on finding that special someone."

I placed my rose on the casket. Just like I did with my parents, I watched grandma's casket lowered into the ground. I stood there and cried like a baby. Julian, Andrea, and Jessica came over, and we had a sibling hug for about five minutes.

My legs started feeling wobbly, so Grayson helped me back to the limo. We all got in the limo and went back to grandpa's house.

************

When we pulled up to the house, it was packed. I was not in the mood to be around a whole bunch of people. I got out of the limo, went straight upstairs to my mom's old room, and rested on the bed.

I heard footsteps and hoped they were not coming in here. Then, I heard the door open.

"Bliss honey, I knew you would come straight up here because this is your favorite place. Come downstairs with me for at least an hour. And I know you haven't been eating regularly. I want to see you eat."

"Grandpa, it hurts to eat. And I think I have feelings already for someone else. But, I am afraid. What if he doesn't like me in that way?"

"Let me guess? The young model fellow sat next to you at the funeral, correct?"

"Yes, it is. Grandpa, Grayson and I have spent a lot of time together this past week, and I find myself more attracted to him. I want to move on with my life."

"Bliss, honey you have nothing to be afraid of. I have seen the way Grayson looks at you. He looks at you like I did with your grandma - with love, compassion, and joy."

My grandpa had me blushing. I don't know about the love part. It's too soon for that. "I have my modeling and business that will soon happen. At first, after I was dumped, I thought all men were the same. Grandma told me to don't give up on love. She also told me she experienced heartbreak before you guys were together."

"She is right. Your grandma actually approached me two months after it happened. We had been together since that day. There is no set time, honey, to wait to date again. If you want to start dating, then, by all means, do it. Who knows, that young man may be the perfect guy for you. Honey, you have your choice of men. Take your time. Your friends are worried about you. Should I send them up?"

"Yes, grandpa." I kissed his cheek and said, "Thanks."

"You're welcome. Remember what I said about eating, understand?"

"Yes." Grandpa left the room and went downstairs. Then, I heard several pairs of footsteps now coming. It was Layla, Kam, and Andrea.

"Are you okay, Bliss? We started worrying about you," Kam asked with a concerned look on her face.

"I'm fine. I was talking to my grandpa about dating again. I am not crying over Shane anymore. I am ready to move on with someone else. But what if the guy I am interested in doesn't want to be with me in a relationship? And, no, I would not be dating him to try and get back with Shane. That ship sailed when he dumped me in September."

"I already know and could tell at the funeral. You guys would be great together. Bliss, Grayson is crazy about you. While on the plane, I even saw him blush about going on a date with you. Kalani already chatted with him about his intentions for you. The guys are probably grilling him right now."

"He asked me the day before I left for Barbados. We sure did go on a date. We sat in Starbucks for two hours to get to know each other. I enjoyed it too. It was only two hours because of my flight the next day. And we've spent almost every day together this past week. The cologne Grayson wears drives me insane."

"We noticed. I asked Grayson what cologne he was wearing because I'm buying it for Cris. Go for it, Bliss. We'll beat Grayson up if he hurts you. You already know my dad will pound Grayson into the ground," Kam said. I sure did snicker.

"Grayson wanted to check and make sure you were okay. I will support whatever decision you make."

"Thanks, ladies." I hugged them all before we went downstairs. "Now, I better get downstairs and eat before my grandpa gets me."

We all fixed a plate to eat and then went to find the guys. I saw Grayson trying to get away from Chloe. She is pathetic. I overheard part of their conversation.

"Look, of course I came to support the family. And I have already made my intentions clear to you - I care about Bliss a lot and want us to be more than friends. Last time checked, you're name is not Bliss."

"Why Bliss? There's nothing special about her. Plus she just got dumped by her fiancé."

Grayson sighed, then he continued. Chloe is a winch. Leave him alone.

"How can you talk about  your family like that?! I've seen the way you've treated her all week and was appalled. Bliss is everything that you wish you were - sweet, kind-hearted, confident, and compassionate. Sorry not sorry. You need to find someone who likes you. Now, can you take the hint and leave me alone?"

I could tell Grayson was trying to hold in how irritated he was. Let me rescue him from Chloe. Kam, Layla, and Andrea headed outside to the patio.

"I'll catch up with you guys shortly."

"Chloe, leave Grayson alone. Can't you see he doesn't want you?"

Grayson's POV

I sure don't. I want Bliss. Bliss's cousin stormed off somewhere after Bliss said that.

"Thanks. Your cousin followed me everywhere."

"You're welcome. Chloe is the flirt in my family. I wanted to say thank you for coming to support my family. I appreciate it. And thank you for being concerned about me. This year has been stressful for me - the Alexander mess, getting dumped, and my grandma passing away."

"You're welcome, Bliss. I had to come. Raquel said to tell you hello, and she is thinking about you. I know what you mean about stress. When my mother passed, it was very stressful, especially for my father. How are you?"

"I feel miserable. I just want to get away from the house. I can't wait until this year is over. But I am grateful to have an amazing group of friends to support me, including you. Can I have Raquel's number so we can talk? If you don't mind me asking, what did your mom die from?"

"Of course. That's what friends are for. My mother passed away from Pneumonia. I was a mama's boy, believe it or not. So, I took it hard. I have gotten better with my feelings. But, some days, I just want to be alone."

"I feel you on that point. I miss my parents. Just like you, I have days where I miss them so much that I want to be alone. The grief will never end, but having a strong support system helps."

Bliss has no idea how badly I want to be more than friends.

"Will you go with me for a walk on the beach?"

"Of course."

"I'll be right back. I need to tell my grandpa where I'm going and grab my keys."

"Sure." I watched Bliss as she walked away. She is very beautiful, sweet, and one of the kindest people I know. And she has a killer smile that makes me melt. Shane made every man in the country happy when he broke up with Bliss. I'm about to make every man sad because Bliss will be mine. Count on it.

Bliss came back with her keys and bag. "I'm ready when you are."

We walked out of the house to her Escalade. "I meant to tell you before but nice truck."

"Thanks. I can't drive a car because it makes me feel shorter than I am. You'll see how short I am when we walk on the beach. So, I drive an SUV. My dad taught me how to drive in his Suburban when my parents were alive. Thanks again for coming, Grayson. I couldn't have made it without you by my side."

"Okay. You're welcome."

I would do anything and everything for you, Bliss. We got into her Escalade, and Bliss drove away from the house to the beach.

******

Bliss parked her Escalade, and we stepped out of the SUV. She then took her shoes off, and we walked in the sand. Now I see what Bliss means about being short. We didn't say anything for a few minutes until Bliss broke the silence.

"My grandma would always bring us to this beach. It's my favorite spot when I come to Barbados."

"It's  a beautiful beach. Which of your parents was born in Barbados?"

"My mom was born here. Once we came from the cemetery, I went straight up to her room."

"Oh, okay. I was wondering where you went."

"And I appreciate it. Grayson, I didn't just bring you here for a walk on the beach. After what happened with Shane the other day, I am ready to move on. I hope this doesn't come off as being forward. How would you feel about dating me? I was nervous about your reaction, so that's why I wanted to come to the beach so we could be alone. And I am not using you to get back with Shane."

Yes! We stopped walking. Bliss sat in the sand, so I sat behind her and pulled her close to me. Bliss rested her head on my chest as I grabbed her hands to kiss them. I then rested my chin on Bliss's shoulder.

"Your skin is soft and beautiful. I don't think you are forward at all. It's hot when a woman asks a man to start dating. You have confidence in yourself too, Bliss. You don't have to be nervous about my reaction. Yes, I would like for us to date. That's why I asked you for a date back in New York. I wanted to ask myself, but I wanted to wait because you were grieving."

"Well, we can be nervous together. Now, I must tell you that I don't believe in sex before marriage. So, if you have a problem with that, we can't date. The only thing we can do is kiss."

"Oh, no, that will not be a problem." I couldn't help but caress Bliss's cheeks. Bliss stood up, then sat back in the sand, facing me. This position is dangerous but I had to remember my promise. Just as I was about to go in for the kiss, we saw a helicopter swirling above us.

"Why does it look like that helicopter is following us? I saw it at the cemetery too."

"That's because it is following us. It's the paparazzi. They always seem to find out where I am. It's annoying, but when you're a popular celebrity, that's what they do. It's going to happen soon for you too. I'm sorry. I was hoping to get away from them this weekend. If it gets too bad, let's leave."

"Grayson, I'm not mad. I understand that part of being popular. Now, what are you waiting for? Let's give them something to talk about."

I sure did scoot Bliss closer to me, leaned back into the sand while she was on top of me. Bliss leaned in and I  kissed the heck out of her mouth. Her lips are soft and plump. Bliss wanted to say something, so she pulled back.

"Hey, I need to ask you something. Did you get grilled by my friends while I was in my mom's room?"

"Uh, I did, especially by your friend's father. But I understood why. Your friends are only looking out for you after what happened with Shane."

We switched places so that I was on top. We continued kissing. After about another 20 minutes, we headed back to Bliss's Escalade.

"That was hot. We both have sand in our hair and on our clothes." I wiped the sand out of Bliss's hair and clothes. She then wiped the sand off me. "Were you really a troublemaker as a kid?"

"Yes, I was. I got my sisters in trouble almost every day. They would sulk in their rooms. I would walk by their rooms and laugh at them."

I had to chuckle. "I would have never figured you would do that."

"Nobody figured it out for years until I was in middle school. I got the beating of a lifetime from my grandma."

"I think every kid has gotten a beating like that. I did too, and it was from my mother."

"I'm hungry now. And my grandpa will fuss at me if I don't eat. I can give you a tour of Barbados later this evening. I don't feel like being surrounded by a room full of people."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Bliss stopped walking and looked at me with sexy eyes.

"What?"

Bliss walked over to where I was standing. "Really, Grayson? Do I have to do everything?" Bliss said with her hands on her hips. Bliss grabbed my shirt and jumped in my arms. We fell back into the sand. "Kiss me again. Don't go shy on me, Grayson. We'll both need to be composed while in the house. It doesn't take much for me to become irritated."

"Oh, trust me. I'm not shy. Let's do this."

****************

Bliss's POV

Grayson and I walked straight to the kitchen after I locked my Escalade. After fixing a plate, we went out to the patio.

"We saved seats for you, Grayson, and Bliss," Cris says as we joined the group on the porch.

"Are you okay, modeling buddy?"

"I'm fine. Thanks, Marco. I just needed a moment to be alone. I was thinking about my grandma, dating again, modeling, and my business. Grayson and I went for a walk on the beach."

"Bliss is ready to move on from Shane. And, you know what? It is his loss." I looked over at Kam, who winked. "Um, Grayson, you have lipstick on your mouth. And sand in your hair. Bliss, you have sand in your hair too."

Everybody chuckled as Grayson wiped my lipstick off his mouth and the sand out of his hair. "I'll get it out after eating my food."

Layla added, "Good for you. Don't waste your time, thoughts, or life on someone who doesn't care about you. Kam's right. It is his loss."

I felt bad watching Janiyah, Griffin, and Niko because Shane is their good friend. I'll talk with them later. I'm so glad they came.

"Thank you, guys. And, thank you Janiyah, Griffin, and Niko for coming. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome, Bliss. You'll always be our friend. You're a part of our group, regardless of who your with," Niko said. I hugged Niko, Griffin, and Janiyah because I know it's tough for them. I told them what happened a week ago and they were shocked. They are just as curious about Shane's behavior.

"I'll be right back. I need something to drink."

I sat my plate on the patio table and went to get some ginger ale. As soon as I was about to go back outside, some guy I never saw in my life hit on me. He looked old enough to be my father. Eww. And, sadly, he was drunk already.

"Hey, there, pretty thing. What's your name?" He got up all in my space, breath reeking like crazy.

"Excuse me, but can you move out of my way, please?"

"I just want to know your name, sexy." He started pressing up against me. I used both of my hands to back him off me.

"Look, mister, I am not telling you my name. Now, get away from me!" I pushed him away from me, but he grabbed my hand.

"Let go of my hand!"

"Is there a problem here?" I heard a voice from behind me say. I turned my head, and it was Grayson.

"This man keeps asking me for my name and won't leave me alone." Grayson held out his hand and pulled me into his chest.

Grayson then got in the man's face and said, "Leave my girlfriend alone, understand?"

"Sorry, man." He backed off. Then he left.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. I forgot a drink too. Those were two of the most amazing kisses I ever had."

"I told you I wasn't shy."

Grayson and I got a drink. My grandpa saw us walk past him. He gave me a thumbs-up. When everyone saw us coming back together, they all had huge grins on their faces.

"Well?" Kam says with a smirk.

"First, some drunk guy in the kitchen kept asking me for my name. And secondly, I have news for you guys. I didn't just ask Grayson to go with me to walk on the beach. I asked him about dating. He said yes. That explains why Grayson has my lipstick on his lips and we both have sand in our hair."

"Yes!! I could tell by the lipstick on Grayson's mouth. One thing I learned about you, Bliss, since we became friends is that you are not shy. Neither am I. You talk to the media with sassiness but also keep yourself classy. Congratulations, girly. Grayson already knows not to hurt you. My dad made sure of that."

"Thanks, Kam." Everybody chuckled because Kam was right about her dad.

"Congratulations, Bliss. Shane maybe my brother, but that was the stupidest thing he has ever done. You deserve to be happy."

"Thank you, Carly."

"Mommy, Logan is crying. Aunt Kam, the twins are awake," Braelyn says to Layla as she came outside.

"Thanks, Braelyn." Kam and Cris got up to get the kids.

"Okay, Lollipop. Thank you for being a great big sister and watching your brother. You can play now." Then, Layla went to get Logan.

"There are my star clients. How are you doing, Bliss?"

"I'm hanging in there. Thank you for coming, Ashton."

"You're welcome, Bliss. How are you?"

"I'm sad, but I appreciate my friends for coming to support my family."

"I have some good news for you, sweetie. The Natalie Duncan Show called. Natalie wants to interview you the week before your fashion show in New York."

"Oh my gosh! Seriously?! I would love to go on her show!"

"Bliss, I have been on there before. The staff was very friendly. And so was Natalie," Marco says.

"Me too, Marco. I had a great experience being on her show," Grayson added.

"Great. Just let me know how many tickets you will need. The show will be on a Friday."

"I'll let you know by next week. Thanks, Ashton."

We stayed at my grandpa's house until about midnight. My grandpa made sure we took plenty of food home for everyone to eat.

************

Sunday,  November 3rd, 2019

I was in the kitchen, feeding my kitties their breakfast, when I heard footsteps. I glanced up and saw Kam, Layla, and Grayson.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, Bliss. Enjoy your date," Kam said while smirking.

I just laughed. "Ready to go, Grayson?"

"I'm ready."

"I'll meet you by the front door." I went to the bathroom, washed my hands, and grabbed my bag and sunglasses. Hmm, I'm driving the Escalade today.

After grabbing my keys, I met Grayson at the front door. We then left my house.

"Are you adventurous with food? Or do you stick to a diet?"

"I'm adventurous with food. Plus, I can use your gym."

I can't wait to see Grayson in my gym. I know he works out because I saw his abs at a photoshoot.

"Is something wrong, Bliss?"

"Nope." I unlocked the doors, and we were on our way.

*******

Grayson's POV

Bliss took me to a food festival. I didn't eat breakfast, so I'm starving.

"Grayson, you never told me if you have any food allergies."

"Sorry. I'm allergic to every nut created."

"Okay." Bliss led me to a stand that made a dish called Jug Jug. She ordered two servings. Once Bliss paid for the food, we found a table to sit down at.

"I'm sure you're wondering what this dish is."

"I do see pork and beef."

"Correct. It also has pigeon peas, corn, onions, hot peppers, thyme, and various spices. Taste a little to see if you like it. It's one of my favorites. My grandmother made it every time my parents brought us to Barbados. My grandpa said I could have my grandma's recipes, so I can make it for you if you like it."

I took a spoonful of the dish and ate it. "It tastes delicious. I've never had pigeon peas before."

"I'm glad you like it." I glanced over to Bliss to see her smile. I saw a few members of the paparazzi standing behind Bliss, trying to snap pictures.

"Don't turn around. Paparazzi is trying to snap some pictures of us."

"Do you want to go somewhere else?"

"No. It doesn't matter where we go; they'll still follow us."

"That's true. Is there ever a time when the paparazzi don't bother you?"

"Only when I'm at a photoshoot. Almost every time I leave my house, the paparazzi are there. I don't know how they found out I was in Barbados."

"Sorry, Grayson."

"It's okay."

"No, it's not okay. Nobody has a right to harass you. Are you okay with taking a cruise? We can take a private cruise around the island."

"A private cruise sounds great."

"But first, since they won't leave us alone, let's give them something to talk about again."

"What do you have in mind?"

Bliss stood out of her chair, sat in my lap, and we made out in full view of everyone at this festival. Sure enough, cameras began flashing as my hands slid down to grip Bliss's butt.

I need to stop this because I am one horny man right now. I whispered in Bliss's ear, "Let's go because if we continue this, we're going to the back seat of your Escalade."

"Right." Bliss pulled away and stood up. After finishing our food, we walked back to Bliss's Escalade.

********

After our cruise around Barbados, Bliss and I went to her favorite beach and watched the sunset. She sat in between my legs and rested her head on my chest. I love this moment. I rested my chin on her head.

"I had a great time today, Bliss. Barbados is a beautiful country. And the company was amazing. Thank you. And the food was delicious."

"You're welcome, Grayson. I'm glad you had a great time. It's my way of saying thank you. Selfie time. Here is my phone."

Bliss handed me her phone, and I took a picture of us.

"Can you text me a copy?"

"Sure."

"How long are you staying in Barbados?"

"I'm staying for a few more weeks. I don't have to rush back to New York."

"I have a photo shoot on Wednesday, so I'll be leaving on Tuesday. But I'll come back on Thursday. We still have so much to learn about each other."

"You're right. We sure do. It's getting late. We better head back to my house."

*****************

Bliss's POV

Layla, Kam, and the crew flew back to Florida on Monday.  Adrian, Brently, and Grayson were left at my house. I told them about Grayson and me dating. They told me congratulations and that I deserved to be happy. I did spend time with my grandpa too.

Grayson left on Tuesday for his photoshoot in California. As promised, Grayson flew back to Barbados on Thursday. We had a great time together. We even found a photo booth and took so many silly pictures. Grayson is just as photogenic as me.

Rumors began circulating that we were dating. And I'm guessing it's because of our little makeout session at the festival and on the beach. Grayson is going back to New York with me. So, before Grayson and I boarded our plane to New York, we scheduled a press conference.

***********

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Bliss' POV

"Thank you all for coming to this brief conference. I just lost my grandmother. I asked Grayson to take a walk with me because I wanted some quiet time. Now, can the paparazzi be respectful? I'm still grieving the loss of my grandmother. My personal life is not up for discussion."

"I also asked Grayson to attend the festival with me. Grayson has helped me so much over the past two weeks. All I wanted to do was show him a great time. But all the paparazzi did was stalk us. Like I said, I'm grieving over the loss of my grandmother. All we ask is that you be respectful."

"Now, to address the rumors that have been circulating. Yes, I asked him about dating. And Grayson said yes. I asked my friends for advice. My grandma told me before she died, 'Don't judge every man to be like Shane Landes.' He made it perfectly clear that we were through when he fired me in September and snatched my engagement ring off my finger. I still have no idea why, but I don't care. What's done is done. I was a mess for a month. But, you know what? I am done crying and pining over a man who obviously doesn't want me. So, I am moving on with my life, and Grayson Kendall is in it, not Shane Landes."

"Grayson likes me, and I like him. We were good friends, and now we are taking our friendship to the next level."

One of the reporters says, "So you are the lucky fellow?"

Grayson replied, "Yes. And I am very lucky. Bliss is not only beautiful, but she is sweet,  caring, and very generous with her time and love. Who would pass up a chance to be with her? And let's not forget her killer smile. Bliss's smile alone brightens my day. When she asked me about dating, I instantly said yes. I would have been absolutely out of my mind if I told Bliss no."

He is too sweet.

"Flight 1102 to New York is now boarding," the airport announcer says.

Grayson said, "Thank you for your time, but it is time for us to catch our flight back to New York."

We got up from our seats, held each other's hands, walked to our gate, and gave the ticket agent our tickets to board the plane.

We bought first-class tickets. Twenty minutes later, our plane took off.

Two hours into our flight, a breaking news report came on the television.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a breaking news story from the NYPD police chief."

"We are now involved in a nationwide search for Alexander Mahoney. Mr. Mahoney escaped this morning from prison. If you see this man on the monitor right behind me in your area, DO NOT approach him. Call your local police department so he can be apprehended. We repeat, Alexander Mahoney has escaped."

****************

Thank you for reading chapter 39.

Bliss' funeral outfit is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Martin Avisseau

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