Page 23 of You Had Me at Merlot

Leighton nodded. “I’m so sorry. Does that mean lung cancer?”

“Yes. God, I hate that word.”

“Me, too.”

“They’re gonna start treatment right away. His new doctor said they caught it at a good time, but I just can’t imagine my little dad going through this. I just want to protect him, you know?”

“I do. I’ve been there with my mom.” Her gaze dropped to their hands and back. “We lost her to ovarian cancer six years ago. But I have a different feeling about this. Your dad is going to be just fine.”

“I hope so.” Jamie’s blue eyes were still glistening with tears when she met Leighton’s gaze. “I’m sorry about your mom.”

“Thank you. She was a great mom. We laughed all the time growing up. I was lucky.”

“She sounds wonderful.” Jamie disentangled their hands and stood, walked a few feet, and turned back. “I just can’t believe this is happening. It feels like there’s an elephant sitting on my chest.”

“Be gentle with yourself. Do you have to work anymore today?”

Jamie shook her head. “I can hand over the reins to my evening staff and head home. I’ll change and then visit my parents.” Her gaze fell to the rose next to Leighton on the bench. “You brought a rose?”

“I broughtyoua rose.” She stood and extended it to Jamie. “It’s not much, but I wanted you to know I was thinking about you. Can I walk you home?”

“I’d really like that.”

Jamie scooted inside, and Leighton, alone on the pavement,closed her eyes. There was no way she could tell Jamie that there was a department store about to take over her storefront and Leighton was part of the team. Not on a day like this. She pinched the bridge of her nose, deciding she had no choice but to stand down.

They walked the few blocks, quietly discussing all their favorite parts of living in the city.

“When I wake up after it’s snowed the night before. The streets are beautifully blanketed and mostly untouched because no one’s up yet.”

“A perk of your job,” Leighton said. “You get to see it first. I like Central Park in the spring. Sometimes I’ll stop and watch a random softball game, just because.”

“This city does have some great park action.”

It was at that point in the walk that Jamie quietly took Leighton’s hand and threaded their fingers in a move that was natural, wonderful. They walked the remaining six blocks, holding hands and stealing quiet glances. Finally, they arrived at a building with four steps leading up to the entrance, and Jamie gestured to them. “This is me.”

“Delivered safe and sound. Can I have your phone?”

Jamie handed it over with a questioning stare. “I wish there was something scandalous for you to run into, but alas, no.”

“A shame.” Leighton laughed. “But I’m putting my number in here in case you need anything, okay?”

Jamie grinned. “So now I have your digits.”

“If you send me a text sometime, I’ll have yours.”

“You’re on.”

Jamie headed up the stairs and turned back. “While it was embarrassing to cry in front of you, I’m really glad you were there today.”

“Me, too. I hope things get easier. Take care of yourself, Jamie. I’ll see you soon.”

“I hope for that as well.” She lifted her hand in farewell and disappeared inside the building.

Leighton blew out a breath. It wasn’t what she’d planned on, but she was glad she had been there for Jamie in a difficult moment. As for her big confession, well, it would have to wait for a more appropriate moment.

Hours later, just as she went to turn off the lights in her apartment and head to sleep for the night, her phone notified her of a message.

Thank you for today. Always, Jamie.

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