Page 39 of Forever

Where was he going with this? “I’m happy with Matt. I don’t feel stuck. In the slightest.”

James laughed. “I’m not talking about you and Matt. I’m talking about Mr. Pruitt. He’s taken steps to make up for his wrongs.”

“Hekilledhis wife. That is not the same as just getting a divorce and owning up to his mistakes.”

“Yeah, not exactly the same. But I think you’ll feel a lot less stuck if you try to forgive him. It might put you at ease. You don’t want to stay still forever, Brooklyn.”

For some reason I wrapped my arm in front of my stomach. I looked down. I wasn’t sure why I’d done that. It was something I did when I was pregnant with Jacob. Because I wanted to keep him safe. I dropped my arm.

“I can stay still for a bit though.”

He nodded. “I wish I could stay still for a bit longer, but I have a class I have to get to.” He stood up, rounded the counter and pulled me into a hug. “For the record, I don’t think Matt cares whether you ever step foot out of the house again. He just wants you to be happy.”

“I know.” I pressed the side of my face against his chest.

“And I’m not trying to pressure you either. I was just here to talk. To let you know that we’re all here whenever you’re ready.”

“Thanks, James.”

***

Talking to James made me feel calmer. He did understand. I think he understood better than I even understood myself.

“Mr. Nigel!” Jacob yelled.

I turned around from the stove to see Nigel walking in through the door he’d installed in the middle of my living room. He had a huge basket in his arms.

I tried to give him a stern look, but I was pretty sure I failed. “Nigel, we talked about this.”

“I did knock,” he said.

Oh, did he?I’d been so lost in thought.

“Besides, I talked to Master Matthew about it. Not you. And I know you don’t mind me coming and going as I please.”

I mind a little.But I didn’t mind how happy Jacob was to see him. The two of them walked into the kitchen.

Nigel put his basket on the counter, and then grabbed Jacob and put him beside it. “Your sous chefs are at your service, mademoiselle.”

“What is all this?” I asked and looked into the basket. It was full of spice bottles.

“Matthew likes his food spicy.”

“I didn’t realize.”

“That’s okay. I’ve got you covered.” He started pulling the spices out of the basket. “All the spices.”

“But I want to play trucks!” Jacob said.

“What was that, Mr. Jacob? I didn’t understand you.”

“Camions!” Jacob said and pointed to his toys.

“Much better. You play. Your mother only needs one professional sous chef on this lovely afternoon.” He put Jacob back down on the floor.

Jacob hurried back into the living room.

“What did Jacob just say?” I asked. “What does camions mean?”

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