I open the box again to take another look, thumbing the white envelope he left in my hand. I carefully open it with a slight tremor as I pull the neatly folded paper out.
Dearest Reilly,
Congratulations on opening your bakery. You did it. I knew you would. I am so immensely proud of you, as you should be of yourself. Even more so after my attempt at baking. It’s not as easy as you make it look.I hope you like the tart. Neive said it would be an easy choice. It was not. If it’s disgusting, throw it out! Then lie to me and say you loved it.I’m asking for a chance to speak to you, Reilly. To beg your forgiveness and to prove I will do anything to haveyou back with me. Even make a fool of myself by gifting an amazing baker my crockshit tart.
I miss you.
Elton
Those tears that were cresting in my eyes earlier? They’re falling now. Tears of every emotion thumping through my consciousness at the moment. He wants me to give him another chance. I might want that, too.
I tidy my face and pop the tart in the staff fridge to take home with me later. Shaking off the storm of feelings inside me, I make my way back out front and focus on the rest of my day.
THIRTY-FIVE
Reilly
Ifound him on the beach. I went by the house and Claire said he’d be here, as he is every night at seven p.m. He was at the end of the rocky groynes, leaning against the railings on the platform, staring out at the horizons.
I study him as his hair blows in the wind. It’s unruly, which is so unlike him. Apart from his bed hair, I’ve always seen him so much more put together. I make my way up the rock pathway, the waves crashing against the sides. The temperature has dropped and I wrap my cardigan further around me.
Elton is standing there in a T-shirt and jeans. How is he always so warm? I’m reminded of the feeling of his warm thighs, wrapped over my side as he encloses me from behind. His breath warming my neck, as he drifts off to sleep. I crave that warmth around me at night. The security Ifelt in his arms. I miss it.
His head slumps forward, and his shoulders drop. I want to run my hands over his back, loosen his muscles. Take his worries away. I want him to let me love him.
“Elton.” My voice is soft, but he hears me. He whips around, mouth gaping, eyes shining with surprise.
“Reilly?” He steps forward, arm outstretched, but he stops himself. “How did you know I would be here?”
“I went by the house after I closed up.” I pause, not sure where I’m taking this. “Thank you for my tart. It was delicious.”
“You’re lying.”
I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. “Why ask me to lie if you’re going to call me out on it?”
He smiles at the lightness in my voice. “Did today go well?” He looks out across the horizon and puts his hands in his pockets.
“Amazing, everything I dreamed of.” I preen as he dips his head low, nodding. “There was something missing, though.”
“What was that?” he asks hopefully, looking up through his lashes.
“You.”
His mouth spreads slowly into the most radiant smile, making me want to grab hold of it and let it burn bright, but I’m still cautious.
“I’m making no promises, Elton, but we can talk.” I’ve already forgiven him but I need assurance it won’t happen again. That we can be open with each other, that when life throws us a tornado we’ll deal with it as a team.
“That’s all I’ll ask of you. For now. Actually” – he swallows and steps closer – “can I ask one thing from you before we talk? I need this one thing before you decide on the rest of our life.”
I slowly nod, feeling the pull of him. I’ve stepped closer to him unconsciously.
“Can I kiss you, Reilly?” he asks, desperately. He’s on the edge of breaking. The same feelings are pushing me forward. I step into his chest and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling his lips to mine.
The world stops. The sound of the waves ceases. The birdsong dies off.
The only thing I see, hear and feel is him. Elton. My Elton.
Elton
