Page 106 of Promise Me

Which is a load of shit if you ask me, considering they have both gone on to thrive in their careers and are both well-known and cared for by the people here in Lovers. Luca runs the construction company that does all the work in Lovers, and Leo is one of two Parker kids who have taken over running the marina by the lake.

That said, Luca’s company has done all the remodels around town for almost all the businesses here, so why is this one different?

“She never objected to using your company before,” I say, and all of them turn to me.

“We need to catch you up,” Miles shakes his head. “The last remodel was four years ago while Mr. Parker still owned the place.”

“O-kay.”

I sense there’s more.

“Shay moved back about a year before you did once she graduated with her business degree. After Shay took over, the building hasn’t needed much, give or take a few repairs here and there. Those are single day jobs Shay can easily avoid Luca with.”

I nod. I’m aware that each Parker kid was required to attend school and get a degree in the field they wanted to manage when it came to the marina. Their father was very clear that he would sell or hire others who were more capable. If his kids wanted to continue the family business, they had to earn it.

So, it seems Shay did her part and is now back and making the rules.

“And she won’t hire you because …”

“Fuck if I know,” Luca spits. “Because her brother hates me, so she does by association.”

“Really, I would think that since you and her?—”

“You know what, let’s talk about something happy, yeah? So, you and Sadie are getting close?” Luca cuts me off, and I can’t help but laugh.

That is, to his point, a much happier topic. Yet it’s still one I’m not sure how to answer outside of the standardyes. I guess all I can hope for is that they don’t ask any follow-up questions.

But even I know that the chances of that are low.

“Well, we definitely aren’t fighting like we used to.”

“I can’t believe she got you to go back to the rink,” Miles says.

I nod.

“Onto the actual ice,” Dad adds. It’s a statement not a question, but still, I keep nodding.

“How was it different for her compared to us trying to help you?” Luca asks. The softness in his voice tells me he genuinely wants to know and that he isn’t mad. He tried harder than anyone else. The difference is simple: He’s not Sadie.

“We drove by the rink when we went to go get the new couch in Wind Valley a couple of weeks ago. She was out of the truck and basically running to the door before I caught her. I wasn’t about to let her go skating with a head injury like hers. By the time we got to the doors, I confessed I hadn't been in a rink since the accident, and she just stood there with me until I made a choice.”

None of them speak, but their eager eyes tell me they want me to go on.

“I guess I just thought that here I was choosing to pretend my past didn’t exist, and all the while I was standing next to a woman who would give anything to remember hers.”

Luca nods. “So, you went in.”

“Yes. The high school team was just exiting the locker room, and suddenly not only had I stepped foot into the rink, but I had kids wanting to talk hockey and asking for tips. It was surreal. It was nothing like I expected.”

“I’m glad Sadie was there. She’s been good for you,” Dad says quickly. He clears his throat—it’s his tell-tale sign that he’s getting emotional. Talk fast and clear his throat after.

“I think she might be a little too good for me,” I admit.

Miles starts to chuckle. “Good. It’s about time you figure it out.”

“Why don’t you look happy about it?” Luca asks.

I let out a breath. God, I'm getting sentimental, but these are my people. No matter how much I pushed them away, they have always been here, and they will always be here. So, it only seems fitting that I tell them exactly how I feel so that I won’t be alone in this again.

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