Page 25 of Falling for Ezra Thomas
“Ha, ha. I’m serious, Mom.”
“It was the way he looked at you. Don’t get me wrong, it was subtle and not always there, but sometimes his gaze would lock on you and it was as if he was looking at a star or some other grand thing he could never touch, but he liked how brightly it shined.”
Leave it to a mother to pour on the compliments.
“And you have always been more at ease with him than with other people, even with me and your father. Sometimes even more than with Vivien. It isn’t any one thing that clued me in, but a lot of little things, a lot of small moments, and time spent observing.”
“Are you okay with this?”
“Am I okay with my daughters being involved with men who I know were raised well? No, of course not. My only caution is to take things as they come. I didn’t anticipate him joining the Army, but even that can be worked through. Don’t fall under the false belief that things must be perfect to work, okay?”
“Yeah. I understand. I guess I need a little more time for everything to sink in.” I yawn, triggering my mother’smotherlyinstincts.
“You get some more rest. I’m here if you need to talk about this some more, okay?”
“Yeah. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, too, sweetheart. Talk soon.”
“Bye, Mom.”
I end the call and place my phone on the coffee table. All this time, Ezra and I have been in each other’s orbit and neither of us noticed. Neither of us stopped long enough to evaluate anything about our friendship. It merely existed in the fringe, something cobbled together around his friendship with Vivien. Only, it wasn’t. He was right when he said it was as deep and meaningful, just different.
My mind whirls thinking about what my mother said until it locks on a memory.
It was a hockey game the twins’ first year of college. Beck had just got sent into the penalty box for doing what he did best—throwing a guy into the glass for beating up on his brother. Ezra was on the ice somewhere, and when I finally found him, he was already looking at me. It didn’t make sense back then, and I forgot about it by the end of the game, but he had that look. The one my mother told me about.
When our gazes connected, he smiled softly and nodded a bit. I offered a tiny wave, and he dipped his head and grinned. It was a silly interaction, but looking back, I can’t help wondering what might have happened if I had been more open. More available. A little less focused on achieving my goals.
The truth is, I can ponder the what ifs all I want. I can’t change anything, and I wouldn’t want to. We’re here now, and Mom was right. It might not be easy, but it’s real.
I grab a pen and a pad of paper, ready to send him a response.
Chapter Fifteen
Lorelai
Staying at the cabinhas been refreshing, but after almost two whole weeks, I’m almost out of things to do. I’ve plowed through my stack of books, took up sketching bumblebees for some reason, and I’m learning how to make homemade bread. There’s a lot to be said about the slower life. I’m starting to think it agrees with me more than running around like a soldier—no pun intended—making money for someone else.
But ithasbeen two weeks, and now I’m a little bored. Vivien messaged me that things were going well with wedding planning, so I leaped at the chance to invite her over. I need some time with my sister, and if I’m honest, a little girl time in general.
So when she shows up with Emma, Ella, and Ella’s sister, Abigail, I’m not at all surprised.
“Surprise!” Vivien says, and holds up bags of treats. “I brought backup, because you’ve been up here in this cabin forever, andthere’s no way you still have goodies left. Also, they wouldn’t let me leave without them.”
“I kind of anticipated some extra company,” I say. I don’t know Abigail that well, but since her sister and Silas are dating again, I’ve gotten to know her better. But there’s another woman trudging up the steep driveway a little behind them that Iamsurprised to see. Luna Parsons, Rafe’s ex-girlfriend.
I’ve missed her since they broke up, even reached out to her once but she was at work and couldn’t say more than a few words. Things haven’t been the same without her around, and despite the swooping feeling in my stomach, I’m glad to see her.
“Hi, Luna,” I say and step aside so she can enter.
“Hey, Lore. I’m so sorry I’ve been distant. Things have been…weird,” she admits before she’s barely crossed the threshold. Almost as if I’ll throw her out if she doesn’t have a good excuse.
I close the door behind everyone and breathe a sigh of relief. I didn’t realize justhow muchI needed these girls until they were all standing in a room with me.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here,” I say and grin. “I’ve had a great time up here, but I have to admit I’m getting a little bored.” I shrug and motion for everyone to get comfortable. “Does anyone want hot cocoa? I’ve become an expert. I also have homemade bread for toast, but that’s less…perfected.”
There’s a round of laughter and yes replies, then Luna says, “Did you draw these?” She holds up my sketch pad and my cheeks flush. A bona fide professional artist is holding my elementary sketches of bees right now, and I’m freaking out. Of course, it’s not like I intend to suddenly change careers and become an artist, but Ihaveenjoyed it. I’m embarrassed at how silly they look now that I’m in the presence of greatness.
