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"Eli has been sad all morning, Ms. Goleman. I really think you should reconsider this and sort out whatever issue you have with Mr. Gray," Angelina says, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.
"I have to visit my family. I'll call often and I'll come over for dinner when I get back."
"That's not enough."
"I'm sorry. Please take care of Eli."
She studies me for a second then nods.
"Okay, Ms. Goleman."
I walk toward the two people I've come to love so much in the space of one month.
"Hey."
Declan turns. I watch his hands, expecting him to reach out and touch me. He doesn't, but his eyes don't stray from mine. He says it's too soon to leave since the ceremony was just yesterday, but I think it's best I do it today; get it over with.
A smile curves the edge of my lips.
"Emma has been blowing up my phone. I need to be on my way before she starts calling the cops."
He nods. Eli grunts.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off? With Eli?"
I glance over at Eli. He's staring at his sneakers, his face red. I hate to see him like this. He's not said a word to me all morning and even refused breakfast.
"My car is here. I'll make the trip myself."
I take a step forward, then another. Declan sighs and his eyes darken.
"I'm sorry, I can't stay any longer. We both must move on and find ourselves. You have what you've always wanted now and… me," I chuckle. "Allard is off my back for good. I--" my voice trails off.
Declan shakes his head, staring at me with a cocked brow. When I say nothing more, he nods his head repeatedly and covers the space between us.
"Huh?"
"You know what I'm trying to say, Declan. Please don't make this any harder than it is. Please."
He laughs. His face becomes stoic.
"You're saying I have what I've always wanted. But that's not the truth, Felicity. I've told you I don't care about the position as much as I care about you. Being the Managing Director was what I've always wanted, but then, when I met you, I realized I've been chasing the wrong thing. You're all I need, Felicity, there's no moving on for me. What in heaven's name do you expect me to move onto?"
My phone vibrates. Without taking my eyes off him, I accept the call and put the phone against my ear.
"Please tell me you're on your way, Felicity."
"I'm not, but I'll be leaving now."
"Hurry up. Everyone's here. Father bought wine and he's been checking the front door all morning."
I smile at the thought of my father looking forward to seeing me. After Eli and I started to do things together, I felt the stress in my chest lift tremendously. I even gathered the strength to call my father. For the first time, I was able to tell him directly how horrible I felt growing up without him being there for me, and how much my sisters are still needing his attention, guard, and protection right now. He was shocked that we felt that way. He simply thought he wasn't needed in the house. When I told them last week that I would be visiting, he said he wanted to talk more. So we talked a few more times.
"Tell him I'll be there soon. I promise," I say and hang up, then cross my arms over my chest. "I have to go now."
Declan nods and scratches his chin.
"I don't feel good about this, Felicity. I think you're making a mistake." His eyes glide to my suitcases. "How about you pack just the basics in an overnight bag, leave your suitcases here, and come back whenever you're done visiting your family."
