AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I grimaced. "Not exactly. But that's the way it has to stay. I don't want her to abandon all her dreams just because we have fun together. And I think I just wanted to hear you say you think I'm doing the right thing."
Patrick nodded, his expression understanding. He put his hand on my shoulder. "I'm not gonna change your mind, son.”
"So, you're saying that I'm right?" I should let her go?"
"No, I'm not saying that," he replied, his voice firm. "I'm saying that the only person capable of changing your mind is you."
"Maybe if I wasn't just a builder. Maybe if I had a real career to show for myself."
"Son, you've achieved so much. Everyone else but you can see it."
"I never achieved the things I actually wanted to achieve. And I don't want to trap Elara like I've trapped myself."
We sat there for a moment, the weight of my words settling around us like the dust from a long day's work. The sound of Susie laughing with the girls as they practiced jujitsu drifted through from the lounge.
Later, as we tucked into our definitely-not-as-good-as-New-York chili dogs in the yard, Rhea asked, "Do you think Elara would like it if I took her a hotdog?"
"No, sweetie. I’m sure she’s got her own food."
"We're going to miss her," Lexi said, taking hold of her sister's hand.
"Yep," I agreed softly, feeling the familiar ache in my chest grow stronger. "It's hard."
"Is she really leaving forever?"
"Maybe not forever, sweetie. But for now."
"Can we visit her someday?" Rhea asked, sniffling.
"I don't know," I replied, giving both girls a brave smile. "Maybe. But not for a while."
"Why?"
"Because we have to let her go. She's got her own life to lead. Maybe one day, you girls will want to move away, and you'll understand."
"Never!" Rhea said. "I'm going to live with you and Mom forever, Daddy. Even when I'm ten."
"Sometimes," Dad said, "when you love something, you have to let it go, girls." He smiled. "And I can tell you love Miss Elara, don't you?"
They nodded.
Dad was looking at me. "Of course," he added, "sometimes if you love something, you grasp it with both hands and never let it go.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Elara
Heavy rain drummed on the trailer roof. I couldn't see the ocean, but I could sense it, roiling and surging, white-tipped waves pounding the shore, inching its way toward me, ready to drag me in.
I'd lied to him. In front of his girls.
I was meant to be packing, starting my journey back to New York in an hour, traveling by train this time because I was taking Anthony with me. But I wasn't ready, mainly because I was reading and rereading the rejection email from Pierre Trouffant Pastry School.
Dear Elara O'Neil,
On behalf of the Admissions Committee at the Pierre Trouffant Pastry School, I want to extend our gratitude for your interest in our institution. We thank you for the effort and time you dedicated to the application and interview process.
After thorough review and careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you a place on our upcoming pastry course. This decision was not made lightly and involved in-depth discussions among our faculty members.
