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“I don’t have to ask about the planners. I know all about your addiction to those now.” I smiled.
“Yeah. I don’t know why I threw those in there. For good measure, I guess.”
The image of the interlocked hands had me most curious. “Tell me about this. What does that mean to you?”
“It’s not obvious?” She blushed. “Someday I want a partner in crime. The hands represent…trust, not letting go.”
Of course. The opposite of abandonment.
“So, even though you’ve said you don’t want to depend on anyone, you do want a life partner.”
“Of course. I didn’t mean to imply that I want to go through life alone, just that I don’t want to feel like I can’t survive alone.”
“I understand completely,” I whispered. That feeling in my chest from earlier was back—the one that had developed when Mrs. Angelini spoke about Felicity giving her whole heart to someone someday.
“If you had a vision board,” she asked, “what would be on it?”
At the moment? Your face. That’s pretty much it. Letting out a long breath, I took some time to ponder an answer. “I guess when your future seems mapped out, there’s little room for imagination. I’ve never really thought about what I might truly want if there weren’t any restrictions.” I stared at her collage. “But I suppose my board might look somewhat like yours—minus the planners, of course. The bright lights of a city, maybe some pyramids—you know, representing the possibility of traveling the world with no obligations. That would be my ultimate fantasy—to indefinitely have the freedom I’m affording myself right now.”
“But ultimately, Leo, everything is a choice,” she said. “On some level, you’re choosing your fate for the sake of your family, aren’t you? I respect you for that, even if I can’t relate. I don’t have anyone who depends on me to carry on a family name. I have no responsibility toward anyone but myself. If I were in your shoes, I would probably do the same thing.”
I’d never looked at my decision to carry on my father’s legacy as a choice. But I suppose it was. There were no shackles on me.
I nodded. “Thanks for sharing that perspective. It’s a different way of looking at it. There’s no such thing as a total lack of choice, is there?”
Her phone chimed, and she looked down at it. Her eyes widened.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I get notifications when someone makes a donation to Mrs. Barbosa’s fund.” She looked up at me. “What did you do?”
When Felicity had been cleaning in the kitchen earlier, I’d clicked the donation link and sent the rest of the money—ten-thousand dollars—that would allow her to meet the goal.
“I’ve donated to far less important causes in my lifetime,” I said. “I wanted to make sure we had what we needed to get started.”
“You didn’t have to give that much. It’s crazy.”
“It’s not, really. We’ll be helping someone in need, and I get to spend scheduled time with you. I can’t put a price tag on that.”
“Well, normally, I’d be angry at you for giving so much, but it’s so needed, and it’s for a good cause. So I really appreciate your generosity. Without your donation and Mrs. Angelini’s, this probably wouldn’t have happened for at least another year or two, if ever.”
“It’s truly my pleasure, Felicity.” Sitting down on her bed, I looked around. “Being here…” I paused. “It feels so…nice. This warm, inviting room. This house, in general. Mostly the beautiful girl who lives here.” I winked. “You’re all right, too.”
She laughed. “Good one.”
“Seriously, Mrs. Angelini is a gem. It was great to meet her. Thank you for inviting me over tonight.”
“You’re welcome. And yeah, I know. I’m a lucky girl to live here.”
“From what I gather, Mrs. Angelini feels lucky to have you in her life as well.”
“She’s the best.”
“You think she’d foster me, too?” I teased.
“Well, then, you’d be like my stepbrother, and that would be creepy.”
“Because I’d be trying to sneak into your room at night?” I smiled mischievously.
“I read a book like that once. It didn’t end well.”
“Interesting.” I put my feet up, sinking into her pillow.
“Feel free to make yourself more comfortable,” she said, eyebrow raised.
“I’m sorry. Does this bother you?”
“I’m kidding.”
I tucked my hands behind my head. “I notice you’re keeping your distance. Perhaps a good idea after what happened today?”
“Probably.” Felicity blushed.
“You’re smart to do that, because I would probably try to kiss you again.”
Her cheeks reddened. She looked so beautiful, dressed in a peachy shirt that complemented her hair and skin. Her hair was a bit straighter than its usual fluffy texture.
“By the way, Mrs. Angelini gave me a warning tonight,” I said.
“She what?”
“Yeah. She said to make sure not to hurt you too badly.”
Felicity shut her eyes. “I wish she hadn’t said that. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. She’s right. Which sort of makes me wonder why you invited me over. You’d previously decided it was best that we not see each other anymore. Did my kissing you change things?”
