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“That’s not true. Right, Levi?”
“Kinda is, Princess.”
“Hey!”
Both Levi and Dan burst out into laughter and continue teasing her until Levi reminds Daniel of his earlier threat.
Me, on the other hand? I’m caught by the weight of Daniel’s arm on my shoulder. By the way he glides his fingers up and down the bare part right beneath my short sleeve. By the ease and possessive way he does it, making everyone see instead of hearing about us.
If it’s only for this, coming to London, to home, to Astrid and Levi’s house is worth it.
I would go through a thousand awkward meals if he’s right by my side.
That thought soon vanishes and so does my small smile when a shadow falls upon us.
“Long time no see, Nicole.”
My throat dries and I feel myself falling.
Not even Daniel’s hold can keep me anchored in place.
One of the reasons I left and was ashamed to even look back is staring down on me with his usual calm that I only saw shatter once.
When he found out that my mother caused his first wife’s death.
Uncle Henry.
“I called him on the way here,” Astrid offers and her voice sounds far away, as if it’s underwater. “He wanted to see you.”
Why? Just so he’d blame me? Kick me while I’m down as she likes to do?
I can take that from her but not from him.
Not from the father figure who taught me how to ride my first bike and put a plaster on my knees when I fell down.
Only so I would realize I was only a substitute for his dear Astrid. A silver medal. A second choice.
Maybe that’s what I am to Daniel, too. Levi has his dear Astrid, so he settled for me.
I jerk up so fast, four pairs of eyes focus on me. I try to keep my composure but I have a feeling that I fail as I blurt, “I have to go.”
My movements are stiff and uncoordinated as I practically jog out of the gazebo and to the house.
Where did Jay go again? We need to leave, like right now.
I spend a few minutes contemplating if going upstairs would be rude, then recalling I shouldn’t even be worried about that.
Steps echo behind me and I wish Daniel followed me and will now take us home.
No, I don’t mean that his flat or mansion have become our home. They aren’t.
They shouldn’t be.
When I turn around, however, it’s not Daniel who’s staring at me. Uncle Henry has followed me and is now closing in on me.
I turn around to run.
“Nicole, please.”
