Another way to watch me?
Through the people who know me?
“And you just told them?” I inquire, not sure if I am more confused or hurt by the idea.
“We didn’t at first, but let’s just say they can be persuasive and persistent, especially Mr. Grey.” Wilfred laughs. “But it was clear to all of us that they only have your best intentions in mind.”
“How would you know?” I challenge.
I don’t even know.
“I’ve seen Mr. Grey check ingredients with the caterer, Mr. Oliver fix your coffee how you like it, and Mr. Misha make you smile in a way I’ve never seen before.”
They did?
Tears instantly prick in my eyes. “How?” I whisper. “How do I smile?”
“Without thought.”
Silence envelops us again, and I bite my bottom lip.
They truly are here because of me, aren’t they?
I’m so done with this.
Done with my hurt and anger.
“Do you remember when I drove you to the London Library with your nanny?” Wilfred asks.
“My eleventh birthday,” I reply, a smile tugging at my lips even if I don’t get why he’s bringing this up now.
It was the only good birthday I’ve ever had.
Besides the one this year.
He nods. “You were in there for maybe twenty minutes after you bugged your mother to let you go for months.”
“Mother didn’t understand why we couldn’t just buy the books I wanted.” I huff.
She thought it was gross to read books other people had already read and didn’t understand the magic a library holds.
Wilfred takes a turn, and I look out at the green of St. James Park passing by. “I asked you why you were so quick.”
“And I told you that the library is so cool, but I didn’t like how many people were in there,” I finish, recalling the memory.
I spent most of my time at home or at private school then, having private lessons. That many people were just too much for me.
Still are.
I can hear the smile in Wilfred’s voice. “And you said that, and I quote, ‘One day, I’m breaking in there at night and having it all to myself.’”
I smile too, whispering, “I’d almost forgotten that.”
“Well, I haven’t,” he says, halting the car in front of the London Library.
Oh my God.
Oliver is standing out front, looking nervous but handsome as hell in his usual casual shirt and pants. Despite his anxiety, he looks incredibly handsome, his eyes searching mine through the car window as he takes a step forward.
