Page 97 of David's Love

She chuckles quietly.

“Yeah, right. What’s so good about it?”

Our eyes meet again, and I ponder a good answer.

“Once upon a time, everything was good about it,” I say silently, and her grin fades.

She slowly shakes her head.

“I hope you’re not still holding it against Anna.”

Just as slowly, I shake my head in response.

“No, I don’t. It was meant to happen how it did, or we wouldn’t be here today. To be frank, I regret nothing, and it’s the first time I can truly say that.”

19

ELIZABETH

David:I have a surprise for you.

Crumpled in a chair at the kitchen table, I read his message twice before typing my reply.

Me: I hope it’s good.

David: It’s always good, baby.

Smiling, I move my fingers.

Me: Why aren’t we on the phone then? Talking about it?

A few moments pass.

David: Because it’s a surprise. And I’d give myself away.

Hmm.

Me: What do you want from me?

My eyes go to the window as the snow keeps falling like feather sheets blown by the wind.

I’m not sure I want to go out.

The idea of getting all dressed up and spending the night in a restaurant or a club doesn’t sit well with me right now.

It’s been a long day, and honestly, seeing him now stresses me out because I could give myself away, too.

I don’t want to be weird about things and offer him hints here and there.

I went too far with digging up information and learning stuff about his past that, in the end, might not do either of us any good.

How could I explain the letters Sylvia gave me?

I know how I feel about these things when I want to forget about my past.

We all have the right to bury these things in our memory and forget about them.

My phone pings.

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