Page 59 of American Love Story

“Actually, I was at Easton’s place when you called, and he’s right behind me in his car trying to look for Yin.”

The sigh of relief on the line was unexpected, but not a surprise once I thought about it. Easton had been in touch with Ari since arranging things with the lawyer. Of course, Ari trusted him. It also wasn’t exactly like he didn’t know about us, either, not after that big pep talk he’d given me.

Before Ari could respond, I spotted him standing in the snow-filled entrance to the small post office. “Can you see my car, Ari?”

I saw him end the call and come out to the side of the road. He had his backpack and a fairly large suitcase with him, which I knew must’ve been hell to drag through the snow. I jumped out to help him get his stuff in the trunk and noticed he was soaked through, and I was glad for the towels that Easton had run to get before we headed outside.

Even though it was a mess with the snow, I had to pull Ari into a hug. As soon as I did, I heard a strangled sob escape his throat.

“We’ll take care of you,” I promised, feeling fiercely protective of him. Needing him to know he was not on his own. “You’re not alone.” He nodded as he sniffled on my shoulder. I pulled back and started moving to the driver’s side door. “Now let’s move, this snow is getting heavier.”

As soon as we got in the car, a call came in from Easton. I turned to Ari, who was looking at the Bluetooth screen like it was about to blow up.

“Hey.” I heard some rustling before Easton came in through the speakers. “I got Yin. He’s a little wet but doing okay.” I turned to Ari, who looked like he was going to start crying again.

“Thank you,” I said, relieved they were both fine. “I have Ari here. I’m sure they want to check on each other.”

I raised an eyebrow in question at Ari who immediately opened his mouth to say something when Yin’s low voice came over the speakers.

“I’m sorry.” He burst into tears then and my heart broke for how distraught he sounded. Damn Ari’s uncle for doing this shit.

These were good kids, hardworking and on top of their shit. They did not deserve to be going through this. I was once again so fucking grateful for Easton, who made sure that Yin was at least out of the snow, if more than a little bit distressed.

“You didn’t do anything, bébé.” Ari’s voice, for the first time, sounded back to normal. Clearly trying to be strong for Yin. “You were kissing me. That’s all. My uncle is the one who did this. You and I didn’t do anything wrong. I have your phone, cher. I will keep it safe for you.”

“I love you.” Yin’s quiet but unafraid, unashamed words made me feel like an intruder. It made me wonder if I’d ever be that brave, to tell Easton how I felt no matter who was watching. I glanced over at Ari and how hard he was working at keeping himself together, but still fearlessly responded to Yin’s words. “Je t’aime aussi.”

I love you, too, no hesitation.

I cleared my throat, feeling out of sorts from the last few minutes. “Easton, why don’t we all meet at my place?” I looked to Ari, who was now staring out the window, his hand gripping a phone I assumed was Yin’s. “Ari, you okay with that plan?”

He nodded but didn’t look at me. It seemed almost like now that he’d heard his love was safe, he went into himself. His body there, but his mind had retreated somewhere else. I heard Easton whisper something, and then his clear strong voice came on the phone.

“We’ll see you there. Ari, did you get a chance to get all your immigration paperwork before you left? If not we can come with you to get them once things are calmer.”

I hadn’t even thought of that. Ari nodded, pointing as his backpack. “I got them.”

“Great. I’ll take a look at them when we get to the house, and don’t worry, I texted Jim and he said he’s got everything he needs to formally take your case. We don’t need your uncle for this.”

Ari’s lip trembled again. “Okay. Thank you, Easton.”

For the second time in the last hour, I felt immensely grateful for Easton Archer. “Thank you,” I said, my own voice quavering with emotion.

“Of course. I’ll see you at home.”

I was not going to question the literal ball of fire that the word “home” from Easton’s lips set off in my chest. I had things to take care of, and it seemed like I wouldn’t have to do any of it alone.

Easton

“How’s he doing?” I asked Patrice when he walked into my kitchen, looking completely worn out.

He sighed as he wrapped his arms around my waist, tired eyes flickering shut. When he opened them, I could see the toll the last few hours had taken on him. “I don’t know honestly. Yin’s sister agreed that it was better for him to stay here until the storm calmed down. There’s no way she’s getting here from Trumansburg to get him in this weather, anyway. I gave them some space and said I’d be up here if they need anything. If that’s all right with you, of course.”

This night had turned out very different than I had planned, but having Patrice here, coming to me for a little comfort… I wouldn’t change that for anything. I turned around and tightened my arms around his neck, locking us together in the warmth of my kitchen. “Of course, it’s fine,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Like you don’t know I’d happily have you here all day every day. Is Ari still eerily quiet?”

Another tired sigh. “Yeah, he’s in worry overdrive. Worried about what’s going to happen, worried about what Yin’s sistersare going to think, worried about his papers…just worried about everything.”

“I just talked to May again and they’re just as worried abouthim; they’re not angry. They see how Ari is with Yin.” I smiled remembering May’s words. “She said, ‘he treats Yin like a precious snowflake.’ That, if anything, he needs to spoil him less.” That pulled out a small smile from Patrice’s lips. “They know no one is more upset about this than Ari.”