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“I don’t say things like that to myself anymore.” He lifted one side of his mouth in a smile. “At least, I try not to. I’ll be back in a few weeks for Mom’s birthday and I’ll come by.”
“I’d like that. It’s always so good to see you.”
“Goodnight, sir.” Then Leo turned and went to the car. He told Baylor softly, “Change of plans. We return to Chicago tonight.”
“Never thought you were a chicken, Leo,” his driver and bodyguard responded.
“Never thought you were a therapist. Let’s go by the house so I can say goodbye to Mom and Dad. Then we can get on the road.” Baylor mumbled something. “Without commentary, please.”
“Mm hmm.”
Settling against the seat, Leo closed his eyes and tried to slow his heart. He had to get out of town before every ounce of logic abandoned him.
Amelia possessed his whole heart and he began to wonder if it would ever be returned to his chest.
Available signs pointed to no.
* * *
The following day, Leo was getting out of the shower when he received an email from Amelia.
Leo, I wanted to thank you for letting me know about Dad. He’s in pretty bad shape and I’m glad I came. Augusta is another matter. She’s out of prison but I refuse to see her. I don’t care if I never see her again.
Dad said you left because you thought it was best. Part of me was relieved...another part, less so.
I’m sorry, Leo. I’m sorry for all of it.
Amelia
He started to write her back. He wrote several paragraphs that poured out his heart, made his position clear, and devolved into near begging to have her back in his life.
Setting the phone away mid-sentence, he got dressed and made himself dinner. After he poured a glass of wine, he re-read what he’d written and deleted the entire thing.
I’m glad you’re spending time with him. I’m sure it’s good for both of you. I don’t blame you about Augusta.
I’m certain my leaving was for the best. Visit with your father without stress. There’s nothing to apologize for, Amelia. I hope you’re happy. Leo
Then he ate dinner, washed dishes, and went to bed. Staring at his ceiling with his hands folded behind his head, he wondered if he and Amelia ever would find their way back to one another.
At the moment, he felt incredibly lost.
* * *
Throwing himself into work more than ever before, Leo used his clients to numb his obsessive thoughts about Amelia.
He set a reminder in his phone to call Gil every week right after his own parents so Amelia’s father felt less alone.
During one conversation, the older man chuckled and said, “I feel better than I have in almost a decade. I told Amy we talk every week and she said you were the kindest person she ever met. She doesn’t know the half of it. It’s good of you to send your people by, Leo. You don’t have to do that but your mom sure makes me laugh while your dad tries to remain dignified. They make a great team. I’m glad Amy is talking to them again, too. They’re good for her.”
The information stunned Leo. When they hung up half an hour later, he dialed his parents’ house.
The moment his mother answered, he asked, “You talk to Amelia?” She gasped softly. “Gil was happy about it, said it was good for her, so I thought I’d ask.”
Clearing her throat, she replied, “Aye. We talk te her. It started when ye let her know about her dad. She came by te see us and…”
“She was at the house?”
“Leo…”
