Page 108 of A Forever Love

“There might be someone we know,” she whispers. My fists tighten involuntarily by my side, and she immediately places her hand over mine. “I just want Dad to hear it from me and not from someone else.”

How could I be mad at that?

My tiny smile is genuine as we step inside and choose a table at the far end of the bakery. After we receive our order of coffee for me and waffles and a pumpkin spiced latte for Merida, I ask, “Now, tell me why you won’t be here next week.”

“It’s not finalized or anything, but an opportunity came up yesterday.”

Sensing her hesitation, anxiety starts to gnaw at my stomach. Is she leaving again? Did I already mess up somehow?

“I haven’t made up my mind yet—”

“Mere, can I please request that you get to the point fast? I’m driving myself crazy wondering if I’ve once again done something to make you leave.”

Her eyes widen and her jaw drops. “No. Oh, God, I’m not explaining it right. I’ve been offered a three-day trip to London as part of the internship. Kristy will be there too.”

“London?” The thick, dark clouds dissipate, and the sun shines again.

“Yeah.” Merida nods. “Why are you grinning like a kid who just raided a candy jar and got away with it?”

“Because I’m happy.” I take out my phone and show her the schedule for Charlie’s event. “Charlie has been selected for an international math competition, and naturally, Kristy doesn’t want him to go without security, nor does she want him to miss this opportunity, especially when he’s finally making progress. What I didn’t know was that she’s bringing interns along for the trip. Are you the only one joining her?”

Merida shakes her head, and when she glances down, I realize it’s none other than Brandon.

But after last night, my bitterness toward the man has waned. He was there for Mere when she needed him most, and I’ll be forever grateful for that, even if I don’t like the way he feels about her.

No man likes another man pining over his girl.

“I hadn’t planned on joining Charlie and Kristy, but now I can’t wait to show you around London, mittens.”

* * *

“What do you mean we’re going early?” Merida takes a sip of her latte, and we huddle on her balcony couch under the plush purple blankets.

“I informed Kristy that I’d like to arrive a day ahead to ensure all security arrangements are in order. Since I’m flying in on an empty jet, I suggested you come with me. She agreed, but it’s just a proposal. You decide.”

“Are you seriously leaving the decision up to me?” She peers at me over her bookworm mug. Her freshly washed red hair has been let out of its braid and cascades around her like a curtain, filling the air with the scent of her new mango shampoo.

“Why are you so surprised? I never want you to doubt for a second that you don’t have a choice or that I have any sort of upper hand in this relationship. Yes, I might have told you what to do and what not to do when you were a kid, but we are not the same people anymore. You’re no longer the little girl I used to babysit. You’re my girl now, mittens. I never want you to feel like I’m making decisions for you, even unknowingly.”

“Did you see Brandon again?”

“I don’t understand.”

Merida lets out a huff. The night air is chilly, and her breath forms a white cloud before her. “Brandon used to tell me that your shadow is making decisions for me.”

A silence stretches between us until I can’t contain the words inside me. “You know he loves you, right?”

This time, she doesn’t look up. Instead, her eyes close as she places her chin on her arms, resting over her knees and facing the dark night. “He always knew that all I ever loved was you.”

I place a hand on her shoulder, and she leans in until her head rests over my chest. “There’s been enough left unspoken between all of us, and that only causes pain. Whenever you’re ready, talk to him about this.”

“You won’t mind?” Her eyes shimmer in surprise, and something like relief washes over her face.

“I’m not proud to admit that I’ll never be friends with the man, mittens. How can I like someone when I know how they feel about the love of my life? But he’s always been good to you. He’s been there for you when you needed someone. I’m not going to stand in between your friendship. But of course, if he ever tries to make a move on you, that’s where my cordiality ends.”

“Thank you.” She lifts her head and places a kiss on my chin. Her arms lock behind my neck and she straddles my thighs, something that she now does with ease. “I have one more question.” The grin on her face elicits one from me too.

“I’m listening.” I place my feet on the couch, and as soon as my knees point to the ceiling, she slides forward until her ass rests right on top of my crotch. Mere gasps. “Did something distract you, mittens?”

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