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“If it wasn’t me, it would’ve been someone else writing that will.” Edwards’ jaw is so tight it might crack.
“Okay, fair enough, but it stings to hear that you aren’t good enough, doesn’t it?”
Edwards gives me a brief nod which I think means we’re in a truce. I turn to Tinsley. “Read a little of the proposal in the taxi ride over here, but I didn’t understand it all. Would you mind talking about it tonight after dinner?”
Her eyes glow as she says, “Yes, please.”
And I think she’s saying yes to more than just talk, but maybe it’s my fevered imaginings. I guess we won’t know until later. Until then, I plan to enjoy my first experience with lamb at a nice restaurant with my wife. I can pretend Edwards isn’t here. I think Tinsley is going to do the same.
CHAPTER 14
TINSLEY
“See, he’s not so bad,” I tell Leo when Edwards leaves before dessert can hit the table. “He means well.” Out of everyone that my father worked with over the years, Edwards is the only one that I thought was nice to me because he was genuinely a good person and not because he thought it was some game to be in good with the family.
“Maybe, but I’m going to keep an eye on him still.” He shrugs casually.
I’m still shocked he’s sitting here. When he walked up to the table at Sims, my heart did a flutter at seeing him. I knew it meant that he’d followed me. Which also meant he was jealous. I shouldn't be happy about it, but I am. I know I felt the same way when I thought he was coming home late from possibly being out with another woman. I tried not to let it get to me, but it was all I could think about when he was gone. I know it’s a bit childish, but I’m glad he got a taste of it.
I’d once asked Sol about Leo and if he ever dated. I was curious because I never saw him with anyone and Sol never spoke of any girls being in his life. He never talked about anyone either. Not that he did a lot of talking to me before, but Sol gave that same casual shrug Leo gives, saying she didn’t know him to date. He worked and came home to check on her. The times he did stay out late, he came home with marks that showed he’d been out fighting.
“Are you worrying about me?” I ask.
“Yeah, someone needs to.” An unexpected amount of emotions hits me like a tidal wave. It’s the first time he’s really shown any sort of concern for me. “Shit, did I say something wrong, Tins?” His hand gently cups my cheek as he tries to comfort me. It doesn’t help. Him being sweet only makes it worse but in the best of ways. I blink quickly, trying to get the tears to clear my eyes. I don’t want to start crying again in front of him. Although these would be happy tears.
“No, it’s just—” I put my hand on top of his as I lean my cheek into it. “I feel alone a lot. I wasn’t close to my parents for the most part, but there was at least a sense that I could turn to them if I really needed it.” I’ve probably said too much, but it’s the truth. For so long, I’ve felt this void in me.
“I’ve been such an asshole. I let my own bullshit touch you. I’ll do better. You didn’t deserve any of my misguided anger.”
“I want to believe you but—”
“Then don’t.” He cuts me off. “I’m going to show you. Give me the chance to do that, Tins. Please,” he pleads, cracking whatever resolve I have left.
“Okay,” I agree. What can it hurt? Well, besides my heart. Leo lets out a deep breath like he’s been holding it in for hours right as the dessert hits the table.
“Is there anything else I can get you two?” the server asks.
“Think we’re good,” Leo says, and I nod in agreement.
“Mr. Sim wanted to let you know that your meal is on the house tonight. He sends his condolences in regards to your parents.”
“Tell him thank you,” I say, realizing I haven’t been back to this restaurant since they passed. We always came here when I visited on break from boarding school. It was one of the rare occasions that we actually did something as a family unit. So I have fond memories of this place and Mr. Sim.
Leo reaches under the table, grabbing my hand and giving it a squeeze. “It gets easier. I’m not sure how you do it. I at least had Sol when our parents passed.”
“You’re a really good man with how you stepped up for her. My parents always threw money at things instead of taking the time to get involved. It meant nothing, but I think it’s all they knew. I went to the same boarding school as my father. It’s this chain that keeps going, and I want to break it.”
