He left me speechless with the words I’d longed to hear all my life but didn’t realize until Ezra spoke them out loud so effortlessly.
“Then it doesn’t matter. They are who they are, and you can’t change them. Tell them how disappointed you are with their actions and demand an apology. If they’re smart, they’ll accept you and Roe.”
“I’m not so sure they’ll be willing,” I said. “You didn’t hear his mother. She really believes I’m not the right person for him.” It was a hard admission for me to make but a necessary one. “I don’t want to be the cause of Ezra losing his family.”
“Don’t say that. Ever.” He pushed aside his untouched plate. “You’re part of me. Always have been. I made a promise years ago to come back to you.” Ezra’s fierceness took me by surprise and turned me on. “It might’ve taken me some time to get my head together, but it was always you inside my heart. It always will be. I’ve made my choice, and it’s you. I won’t let anyone dictate my life.”
“I chose you then, and I choose you now, tomorrow, and always.” I brushed his face with my fingertips, and his cheek creased in a smile. “And ever after.”
Carmen called over the waiter. “They’re leaving. Box up their food, please? I’ll take the check.”
I took Ezra’s hand, and we stood. “Thanks. And you can have the food. I think we have a phone call to make.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
I held on to Roe’s hand all the way back to my place, not saying a word but drawing strength from his touch. Once in my apartment, I closed the blinds, shutting out the glittering view. I didn’t need any distractions from my mission. And it was going to be a battle. Of that I had no doubt.
“What do you think they’ll say?” Roe took a bottle of beer from me. “Will they listen at all?”
I poured myself a Tito’s and soda. “Not a clue. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to have my say. I’ve waited twenty-three years, dammit. They’ll listen and understand how fucked up they were to do what they did, or I’m done.” My hand shook as I raised the glass to my lips.
“It’s never good to make snap decisions when emotions are running so high.” Roe set his bottle on the table, and when he reached my side, he put his arms around me. “Maybe the best thing would be to sleep on it and start with a fresh outlook tomorrow.”
“You go ahead without me,” I said, and with a hug, left him for a seat on the couch. I stretched out my legs. “I can’t sleep. Not yet.”
“I’m not leaving you alone out here to brood all night.” Roe followed me. “Move over.” He squeezed himself in between the arm of the sofa and me, and with a sigh, I settled against him.
Thethumpof his heart played a comforting rhythmic beat in my ear. My watch vibrated, and I checked the calendar. There were events I could be attending and new faces to woo to the agency. I muted the notifications and rubbed my cheek against his shoulder.
“You’re persistent, aren’t you?”
“When I want something, yes. I am.” Roe tightened his arms around me.
I was about to tell Roe again to go to bed when my intercom buzzed. I frowned. “Who the hell is that? I bet it’s Sunny come searching for me.”
“Your assistant?”
“Yeah.” I left Roe to answer. “He’s probably wondering where the hell I am tonight. I blew off some engagements.” I hit the button. “Yes?”
“Ezra? Your parents are here.”
Stunned into speechlessness, I felt my pulse spike and the beginning of a headache thumping at the base of my skull. “M-my parents?”
“Yeah. Want me to send them up?”
In the background, I heard my mother’s outraged voice. “Of course he does. Why would you even ask him that question?”
Plenty of reasons. I was surprised she didn’t sweep past him and refuse to be announced. “Sure, Jorge. Thanks.”
“Okay, Ezra.”
I began to pace the length of my living room, unprepared for the hurricane about to launch itself onto my world. Where was my drink? Dammit, I needed the bottle. Strong arms wrapped around me, and breathing heavily, I sank into Roe’s chest.
“I can’t believe they flew out here. They hate New York—haven’t been back since they left.”
“You’re their only child, and your relationship is threatened. Of course they’re going to want to see you.”
“What am I going to say to them?” I felt like a kid again, about to take an exam I hadn’t studied for. The doorbell rang, and I jumped. “Crap,” I muttered. “I’m so not ready for this.”
