Page 86 of Never Too Late
He moved his hand, taking mine within it, and lifted it to his lips. ‘I will say this now and then never mention it again.’
My eyes lifted from our hands to meet his gaze.
‘I am sorry, Kitty. Sorry that I let someone treat you like that. Sorry that I tainted your memory of Paris for so long, and sorry most of all that, because of my weakness, you and my sister lost so many years of friendship. I was a fool. A weak fool. Luck shone on me when my sister forgave me for taking you from her. I don’t expect the same from you. I’m not sure I deserve it and it’s as it should be. But please know, if I could go back, if I could do it all again, it would be very different. I know now that, as much as I loved you, I didn’t deserve you.’
‘Tomas…’
‘But,’ he swallowed, continuing, ‘if and when you’re ever ready to give me another chance, I will spend the rest of my days doing my utmost to deserve you this time.’
A tear dislodged and traced its way down my cheek. His other hand lifted, his thumb tenderly sweeping the tear away.
‘Mum?’ Sash’s voice broke the moment.
33
I looked up in time to see the look she shot at Tomas as she came around the café sofa and sat down next to me.
‘What’s wrong?’ Another icy look was directed at Tomas’s back as he stood and embraced Benoit.
‘Nothing.’ I smiled at her, the action genuine. ‘We were just talking.’
‘And once again, he’s upset you.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Why do you even bother? You moved on! Why are you trying to move back?’
‘Sasha.’ There was a warning note in my voice. Both Tomas and Benoit had clearly heard the words, just as they were supposed to. At least Tomas was. Sasha clearly had more to say, thought about it and instead clamped her mouth into a tight line.
‘Benoit,’ I said, standing. ‘How lovely to see you.’
‘And you, Kitty.’ He bent and kissed me. He’d attempted to call me Madame Collins once. I soon put a stop to that. It was respectful that he’d tried but it made me feel about one hundred years old. I was learning to be in charge of my image, my persona, my name, once again and finding I liked making those decisions.
‘Can I get you another drink?’ He glanced at Sasha, who clearly had no wish to stay but chose to ignore her not-so-subtle signals.
‘That would be lovely. A peppermint tea if they have one?’
‘I’m sure they do. Sash?’
She stood. ‘I’ll come with you.’
When they were out of earshot, I pulled a face at Tomas. ‘I think your godson is getting his ear chewed.’
Tomas gave a smile. ‘I’m not surprised. I think everyone in the café got the message that Sasha didn’t want to stay. Everyone but Benoit, it would seem.’
‘Oh, he got it. He just chose to ignore it. And good for him.’
Tomas looked surprised.
‘Sasha is an only child. We did our best to make sure she wasn’t spoiled but it’s not always the easiest. Occasionally, she has to be reminded that things don’t always revolve around her.’
‘Ah. I see.’
‘Don’t get me wrong. She’s a good girl.’
‘I can see that. I actually enjoyed my time showing her around the exhibition. She had interesting questions and viewpoints. Even if she does hate me.’
‘That’s a little strong.’
He gave me a look and I chewed my cheek. ‘I have to say, I do rather regret telling her the whole story now. Obviously, I had no idea I’d ever see you again, let alone…’
A flash of hope sparked in his eyes and my heart cracked open, a shaft of a love I had long since buried shone out.
