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“I’m not like I used to be. Dr. Curtis taught me to be more open with how I feel.”
“I can tell.”
We’re back at the cars, and I don’t want to let her go. I don’t want to wait any longer, but I know this is right. She hasn’t told me how she feels, and if I move too fast, I’ll lose her—possibly for good. That’s a chance I’ll never take.
“You were my reason to fight, Mindy. If it weren’t for you, I’m not sure I’d be here.”
She blinks quickly, turning her face to the side. “You’re stronger than you think.”
I’m not sure I agree. If I stay here much longer, I don’t know what will happen.
“I wanted you to know that. I wanted to say thank you.” Taking a chance, I step forward and kiss the top of her head, closing my eyes and inhaling lilacs, saying three words in my heart.
31
Mindy
Ma lifts the lid off her Creuset pot, stirring the red sauce a wooden spoon. “Now, Melinda Claire. Give me the zest.”
I hold the small bowl containing the zest I made for her to inspect. “I stopped before I got to the white.”
“Perfect.” She rakes the tiny bit of zest into the large pot of marinara.
I stand beside her puzzled. “Will we even taste that? It doesn’t seem like enough.”
“It’s enough.” She holds up her palm. “Sometimes less is more.”
The doorbell rings and my heart jumps. Ma invited Noel and the whole gang over for dinner tonight, and as I approach the door, my nerves kick in.
Seeing him yesterday, the things he said to me knocked the lid off my tight box of control. Now, just knowing I’m going to see him again, my heart starts leaping in my chest and making me feel a little sick.
“Just like old times!” Noel leans forward to kiss my cheek.
In her hands is a glass dish of the tiramisu she made that one time. “It’s become my signature dessert,” she explains. “Your Ma approved it!”
Taron is behind her with Dove on one hip and a bottle of red wine in his hand. “Hey, girl.” I give him an awkward shoulder hug and kiss Dove’s cheek.
“Hey, princess, how’s second grade?”
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Ms. Tornado says our class is impossible.”
“What?” I start laughing.
“The boys hate the girls, so me and Boo had to use Eddie to hand out the Christmas candy…”
I give Noel a confused look, and she shakes her head. “It’s Miss Toronado’s first year teaching. She’s letting the seven-year olds run the show. You should have seen their party today.”
Leon steps in behind her. “Enjoy it while you can, Baby Genius. Those boys will wise up quick.”
“I’m not a baby!” She pushes his kiss away, leaning her head on her daddy’s shoulder.
“She’s been a little grump all day.” Leon leans in to give me a hug then passes me, headed in the direction of the food.
“She’s not feeling good.” Sawyer steps through the door, taking his niece from her daddy, and sending surges of bubbling electricity through my veins.
Dove wraps her little arms around his neck and leans her head on his shoulder.
Noel returns from the kitchen, concern lining her face. “She was fine at the party this afternoon.”
