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We sat in the quiet for a moment, and I could tell Leo was miles and miles, maybe even an ocean away. I wanted to probe him more but also didn’t want him thinking I was trying to pry.
“So how long are you staying?” I asked.
“At least through the summer if I can manage it. So far, no one knows where I am.”
“Won’t your family be worried?”
“I called before I boarded the plane and let them know I was going away for a little while to clear my head.”
“Will they try to find you?”
“Oh, I’m sure they will. But money is good for one thing: keeping people quiet.”
“So, what are you planning on doing all summer?” I asked.
“Well, I was planning on just existing. Lazy mornings, quiet afternoons. Maybe getting some pizza for lunch and sitting on the beach. Just not having to do anything, really. But then this brunette fell down the stairs, broke her ankle, and I ended up getting quite interested in her story. So, I’m thinking now I’ll spend the summer helping her sort through her injuries and, I don’t know, maybe exploring with her?” His blue eyes were back on mine, and the way he talked about exploring with me electrified the air. The way he peered at me, it was no wonder everyone was crazy for Leo Turner. I cleared my throat, breaking the heavy tension in the air.
I realized his offer at the hospital wasn’t just cheap talk. He meant it. I just didn’t know if that was a good thing for me or a terrible thing. Still, I found myself lighting up at the idea, despite my best efforts. Perhaps it was simply because the prospect of getting out of the house, even with an injury, was a better prospect than spending the summer in popcorn-stained clothing on the couch watching soap operas and wallowing.
“Well, yes, I’ll definitely have time to show you around,” I said. “On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“No kale salads. And you don’t tell my mother.”
“What do they say in America? Scout’s honor?” he asked, holding up his fingers.
“They say a lot of things in America. That doesn’t mean you should,” I joked.
He smiled at that before turning to the television. The soap operas were still playing. He watched for a few moments, the two of us just sitting in silence.
“So wait, that wasn’t her husband? It was his twin brother?”
“Yes.”
“And he pretended to be her husband?”
I nodded, looking at him.
“And the tabloids like to talk about my drama. They should turn on one of these.” I laughed. We finished the show, and then about five minutes after the show was over, Dorothy reappeared.
“Just making sure you didn’t run off with a popstar,” she said teasingly. Leo laughed at that.
“I don’t think I’m running anywhere,” I said, gesturing to my leg.
“Can you believe they ended on a cliffhanger like that?” Leo asked Dorothy, who grinned. She started talking then about the plotline and characters and making predictions. Leo humored her, peppering in questions. And for a moment, I could forget who he was. I could just see him as this bearded, blue-eyed guy who clearly had a soft heart. He’d stayed by my side to make sure I was okay. He’d shown up with flowers today when he could have just disappeared. And he was kind and engaged with Dorothy, even though I knew he thought the show’s storyline was just ridiculous.
I thought, too, about all the headlines I’d seen online when I was scrolling.
Leo the Lecherous
Leo the Heartbreaker
Is Leo Going off the Rails with his Spending?
Leo Going Broke?
Leo Under Pressure
