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Henrik: Hey, I know you don’t want to talk to me right now, but I’m here for you.
Lou: It’s not that I don’t want to talk, it’s more like I don’t feel like discussing the subject. Or maybe I’m ready for it.
Henrik: Are you sure?
Lou: That was . . . It’s hard to understand how in the twenty-first century, men still want to control women in all aspects. They want us to make our choices, but only if it’s convenient for them. And you . . . listened to them?
Henrik: Hey, I was young and stupid—very stupid.
Lou: Yeah, I talked to Paul and he said something similar. He regrets listening to my father. He did and he was divorced before he turned thirty. My parents molded us to always listen to them. We wanted to please them and thought they knew what was best for us. Which unsurprisingly was false. And surprisingly the littlest McFolley who hated listening to our parents is the only one who has her shit together—and she’s genuinely happy.
Henrik: Were you happy?
Lou: I was content and trying to be like my mother. Except I didn’t have a man who adored me like she does. My father might be an asshole but he kisses the ground she walks on.
Henrik: That he does.
Lou: But I got Archie and Tilly. They are precious to me, even when my siblings say they’re monsters.
Henrik: They look cute in pictures.
Lou: I’m not saying they’re not rowdy, but they’re loving. I miss them so much.
Henrik: We’re doing everything we can to get them back to you, okay?
Lou: Did you really mean it?
Henrik: Yes, I’ll make sure you get full custody. He wants to play dirty, I can do that too. In fact, I’ll make him pay for what he did to you.
Lou: No, I mean . . .
Henrik: You need to finish that sentence, Lou.
Lou: You said I was important to you.
Henrik: Very important. So fucking important that I should’ve been more careful with you today. And maybe I shouldn’t force you to be close to me.
Lou: I’m scared.
Henrik: Of me?
Lou: I already told you before, of getting hurt again. That’s why I’m avoiding you, but today . . . that kiss . . . it just felt right, you know?
Henrik: It felt fucking amazing, like heaven. My suggestion is that we take things slow and go at your pace.
Lou: What if it takes me years to allow myself to love again? I mean, the kids need a stable home and . . . you do understand I’m a single mom, right?
Henrik: I do, and I would love to meet them and be whatever you want me to be for them. A friend, a stepfather . . . a paternal figure.
Lou: I appreciate it if we take things slow.
Henrik: Anything for you, Lou-Lou.
Lou: See you tomorrow?
Henrik: I’ll pick you up, chai latte in hand. Have a good night, baby.
ChapterNineteen
