CHAPTER 18
ELSIE
NEW YORK CITYIt's bigger than the last time, I swear, louder and brighter than I could have imagined. The city that never sleeps is exactly that.
We arrive, grabbing our baggage at JFK, waiting for the same line for wheels to ease into place. There's a man in a suit standing in front of us. He haggles the line along and introduces himself.
"Welcome to New York. I'm Colt, and I've been assigned to lead you into the city.”
Brett and Kayla's mother Carol steps forward. "Colt...I'm not sure I know you. We were expected to meet my husband. Is he here?"
"He couldn't make it. My apologies, Mrs. Jackson."
Mrs. Jackson crosses her arms. Kayla frowns. And Brett...Brett's jaw clenches.
The matriarch sighs before gesturing a hand towards Colt. "Fine. Lead the way, Colt. You're
