Page 144 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Okay. I’ll turn my two weeks in on Monday.” Oddly enough, I’m going to miss this job, but it hasn't been bringing me anything but stress lately. I’m not happy there; I’m comfortable.

But now, heading into this new chapter, I feel better already.

I’m paving the path I’ve wanted to walk down since I was young, and I don’t feel guilty about it. I only feel excitement about what’s to come.

“You’re going to be amazing, Ells.” Alissa smiles at me before biting her toast.

Leo leans down to hug me from behind again. I never expected him to be this touchy in a relationship, but I like it. “I’m so proud of you, Ella.”

I smile, loving this man who nuzzles his head into my neck before kissing the top of my forehead and sitting next to me.

And for the rest of the morning, I hang out, laugh, and smile with my best friend and my boyfriend as we chat and live our lives together.

Best morning ever.

44

You're Learning Already

“Darling, will you breathe?It’s going to be fine. It’s just your family.” I try to grab her hand, but she’s wiping her palms on her skirt.

“Says you, Leo. You’re the one who lit a stress cigarette earlier.” I can only nod, because she’s right. I’m nervous to meet her family for the first time, but from what I know about them, I’m sure it will be a fine night. Ella hates when I smoke, so she grabbed it from me and stomped on it before we got into my car.

Her mum isn't around anymore—at least not as much as she was a few months ago—and I’m glad all that has been sorted. I know how much it weighed on Ella, and I’m glad to see the happiness back on her face.

I’m glad to see her glowing like she used to, and I can’t believe this beautiful, powerhouse of a woman is mine to kiss wheneverI want. I grab her hand as I turn onto her street, pressing a kiss to her knuckles to try and calm her nerves.

She’s calming mine just by being next to me.

I park the car and swing around to open her door for her.

“Leo, I can do it myself,” she says, grabbing the dessert she made for tonight.

“I know you can, but it doesn't mean you have to.” This girl will nevernotargue with me, and Iloveit. I crave it. “I love how independent you are, but you can let me help you sometimes. Iamyour boyfriend.”

She only rolls her eyes at me. “If you must, then I can’t stop you.” I follow her to the door, my hand behind her back the entire time in case she slips. It’s a bit icy out; December in Virginia is a bitch and a half weather-wise.

Ella opens the door to her house and, instantly, I’m hit with a warm familiarity. This placefeelslike a home, not just a house.

It reminds me of my home back in England, and I make a mental note to call our parents tomorrow before the new year. We talk every day now, but I still miss them. It was another adjustment, being so far apart again. I’ll never get used to it.

And they keep asking me about Ella. We had a call with them a few days ago, when I formally introduced her as my girlfriend, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They welcomed her with open arms, especially after she dropped everything and came to England with us when Dad wasn't doing well.

They’ve loved her ever since, and she finally got to meet my father. They clicked instantly, and I went to sleep that night with a huge smile on my face and her tucked into the side of me.

“Dad? Lizzie?”

“In the kitchen, Ells!” I hear a voice say.

I follow her, taking off my shoes and leaving them at the door. When we get into the kitchen, Ella immediately steps into actionand starts stirring things. I’m unsure of what to do, so I stand in the doorway and try not to look like I’m freaking out.

I’ve never met a girlfriend’s family before. In fact, I’ve never reallydatedanyone, at least not as seriously as this current situation.

Her sister wraps her arms around her, a huge smile on her face, before Ella hugs her dad and then turns back to me.

“This is Leo, my boyfriend,” Ella says with a smile, and I reach my hand out for her father to shake.

“It’s nice to meet you guys. Ella doesn't stop talking about you both.”

---