Page 51 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"Well," I say, not knowing how to say it other than to just say it, "I like her."

"We all like her," Dad says. "She's a bright young woman and is quickly becoming part of this family."

"I don't think that's what Jon means," Mom says, giving me a sideways glance.

***

When we all meet for breakfast an hour later, Sharon is quiet. She's dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt with a happy face on the front. Her hair is loose around her shoulders. She looks beautiful.

"I get to see the dinosaurs today!" Noah exclaims, hardly able to contain his excitement.

My parents are acting surprisingly normal as if our conversation from earlier this morning never happened.

"What are your plans for today?" Dad asks, cutting into his poached eggs.

"I'm going to see the dinosaurs!" Noah exclaims. "Is it time yet?"

"We can leave as soon as you finish your breakfast," Mom says.

I glance at Sharon, who's offering Noah a forkful of eggs.

"I was hoping I could take Sharon on a tour of the Empire State Building."

That gets her attention. She glances at me, and the earth stops spinning until she smiles, letting me know we're okay.

"I made reservations for dinner at Keens," Dad says. "We can meet there at seven. That gives you the entire day to explore the city."

"Are you sure?" Sharon asks. "You don't want me to go with you to help with Noah?"

"No," Mom says. "We'll be fine. You go ahead. Have a good time."

***

"About last night," I say as we begin our walk in Central Park.

"You don't have to say anything," Sharon says. "I meant it when I said I don't regret it, but it can't happen again."

"I wasn't going to apologize for kissing you."

"Oh," she says.

"I apologize for scaring you."

She stops walking and turns to me. Her green gaze is full of understanding and compassion.

"What you go through is terrifying, and it's not your fault."

"And another thing," I say, using courage I didn't know I possessed. "I can't promise I won't kiss you again."

"Jon, I just moved across the country with your family. I want to keep things as uncomplicated as possible."

"Once I tell you exactly what happened to Jimmy, none of this has to be complicated."

She starts walking away, and I follow.

"Sharon," I say, reaching for her arm, "please wait."

"Why? Why is it so important that I know what happened? I don't understand why you insist on telling me something I have no interest in hearing. Especially since I've told you this before."

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