I’m thinking that I want to tell him how much I loved and still love him. Instead, I say, “That we should talk properly when no one is around.”
He lifts his chin and lets out a resigned sigh. “Okay.”
“Dessert’s ready.” Leon’s mom appears as if by magic, like a rabbit out of a magician’s hat.
I’m grateful for Valerie’s timing because mine and Leon’s conversation just escalated, and I’m not sure how to process any of it. Not yet.
“It’s Eton Mess,” Valerie informs me, placing a bowl in front of me full of what looks like smashed meringue, strawberries, and whipped cream.
The name is appropriate; it looks like someone has taken a hammer to it.
“I’ve never had this before.” I eye the dish and pick up my silver spoon, avoiding eye contact with Leon as I dig in.
I let the creamy sweetness fill my mouth, savoring the strawberries’ tartness. “It tastes delicious.”
Jack reenters the dining room carrying two more bowls: one for himself and one for Valerie.
“And it’s my wife’s way of an apology.” Jack clears his throat and plonks himself down on his chair.
“I’m sorry. It wasn’t my place to interfere.” Her eyes soften as she reaches out to take my hand. “You know, I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for my son, and in my eyes that’s you, Erika. That’s not me sticking my nose in; that’s me being honest.”
I could never imagine Huck’s parents saying something like that to me. All they cared about was whether they could keep the suit and the dress I paid for after the wedding.
“I know you always have Leon’s best interests at heart.”I side-eye Leon, noticing he’s staring intently at me as if he’s trying to decide whether I might run away again amid all the confessions from everyone around the table tonight. It’s been a lot.
“All I want is for you to be happy.” She shifts her attention to Leon and finishes by saying, “Both of you.”
Even with the roller coaster of emotions today, excitement tumbles around my stomach, and when I look over at Leon, he gifts me a knockout grin.
Now that’s a sight I could get used to seeing every morning.
Maybe at last, he and I will get the love story we’ve been longing for and deserve.
With one another.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Erika
Me:
I’m mad at you.
Ash:
For?
Me:
Don’t play dumb, Ash.
Ash:
So, you’ve spoken to Leon… Can I ask? Which one are you angrier with me for? 1. Not stopping you from marrying Huck and telling you he wasn’t good enough for you, or 2. Preventing you and Leon from being together and acting like a protective ogre who thought he was doing the right thing by you?
Me:
Both. But more so on the second one.
