“Auntie Listh, you have to forgive uncy or else I will hold my bweath.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Well, we can’t have you turning blue now, can we?”
I replied, and she grinned. After our salon appointment, we headed to our favorite Korean barbecue spot for lunch.
“Don’t forget, Aurora’s recital is tonight.”
Lillian reminded us as we settled into our seats.
“Yeah, we can just head over there after lunch. How about we swing by the bookstore first?”
Mary suggested, and we all agreed. I glanced at my friends, then sneakily peeked at my phone. Noah’s name glared back at me. I almost clicked it but stopped myself. Shaking my head, I reminded myself,
No, I can’t message him. I don’t want to know the truth because the truth can be messy.
I tucked my phone back into my purse. If I knew the truth, what would happen to us? The familiar tug inmy chest returned, and I resolved not to let myself succumb to it.
Elizabeth
“Come on, Auntie Listh, we’re gonna be late!”
Aurora’s voice rings out, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m on my way, Aurora. Just slow down a bit; I promise we’ll get there on time.”
I reply, and she giggles in response. Lillian holds onto her daughter’s hand, while Mare clings to her other hand. I trail behind them as we make our way to Aurora’s school play, watching her as she excitedly slips into her princess costume.
“Daddy!”
Her shout makes me turn around, and I freeze. Adonis strides over, accompanied by Liam and, of course,Noah. Liam wanders over to Mare, planting a kiss on her cheek that makes her smile.
“Hey, sunshine.”
I lock eyes with him, and for a moment, the world around us fades away. The way he looks at me makes my heart race, like I’m some kind of feast he’s been craving. A shiver runs down my spine, and I remind myself where I am.
“Noah,” I say with a tight smile.
He takes a step closer, and instinctively, I back away a little more. He gently pushes me against the wall, leaning into whisper in my ear.
“Are we going to talk about the other night, or do you want to keep pretending it didn’t happen?”
I glance up at him, noting how his eyes have narrowed, tracking my every move.
“Uncy Noah! Be nice to Auntie Listh, or I’ll hate you forever!”
Aurora’s voice cuts through the tension, and I feel an overwhelming wave of gratitude for her.
“I wasn’t being mean, Aury; I was just getting something out of Auntie Liz’s hair,” he says, producing a small stick he must have found in a hurry.
“You better be nice to her,” she insists before returning to her friends to get ready. I can’t help but smile as I watch her play with her buddies before the show.
“Okay, parents, it’s time to take your seats!”
The teacher announces, and we all shuffle toward our spots. I find myself wedged between Noah and Liam, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Suddenly, the curtains’ part, revealing Aurora as she takes the stage as the princess. We laugh, cheer, and even shed a few tears as we watch her dance.
Out of nowhere, I feel someone grab my hand. I glance down to find Noah’s fingers entwined with mine. I try to pull away, but it’s as if he’s glued to me with some kind of super-strength.
