Page 118 of The Rest is History
She and her family are in good shape now. And it alleviates the dull ache in my heart slightly to know I played a small part in that.
The doorbell goes, and I sigh and haul myself off the sofa. I check the video phone linked up to the front gate.
Jesus Christ.
It’s El.
I press the button to open the gates and head straight out to meet her, the dogs jumping around me, barking with excitement. They beat me to it, throwing themselves at her,hurling their bodies around in ecstatic circles as she bends to hug them and rub their ears and stroke their fur.
I approach with caution. ‘Hello.’
‘Hi.’
She straightens up. She looks like heaven in a long, pale pink sundress with buttons all down the front. Lord, give me strength. What is it with this woman and easy-access dresses?
‘I need to talk to you,’ she says.
I nod. ‘Come on through.’
I lead her awkwardly into the house. Last time she was here, we were very much together, so having her here and not being able to go to her, to touch her, is fucking brutal. I’m not sure why she’s here. She’s already thanked me for putting her forward for my job in an awkward and painful exchange earlier this week.
‘Do you want a drink?’ I ask.
She shakes her head. ‘No. I’ve come to ask you something. Three things, in fact. And I’d appreciate it if you’re truthful—you just need to answer yes or no.’
She takes a seat on the sofa and I raise my eyebrows.
‘All right.’
‘Sit.’
She points next to her. I settle a safe distance away.
‘Okay.’ She takes a deep breath and looks me squarely in the eye. Fuck, she’s beautiful. ‘Is it true you can’t have children?’
What thefuck? Where did that come from? ‘El, I?—’
She holds up a hand. ‘Yes or no.’
I sigh. ‘Yes.’
She nods to herself. ‘Good.’
Good?‘How did you find that out?’
‘Emmy and Stacey may have come to see me today.’
‘Jesus Christ,’ I mutter. Traitors.
‘Second. Is that why you broke up with me? Because you can’t have kids? Be honest.’
My gaze roams over those beautiful green eyes, currently reflecting the emotion spreading through my entire body. I nod. ‘Yes.’
Her chin quivers, and she presses her lips together before continuing. ‘Third. Do you think you might… love me, at all?’
I gaze at her without blinking. ‘Sweetheart, I love you more than I ever believed it was possible to love anyone.’
Her entire face crumples, and she covers it with her hands. ‘Oh my God.’
