Page 61 of The Only Time

“Now, no judging. I can’t make fancy pancakes or anything special. It’s just eggs, bacon, and toast.”

I smile. “Sometimes the classics are the best.”

He gets the food on the plates and places them on the island.

“Thank you,” I tell him as I grab a fork. “I don’t think a man has ever cooked me breakfast before.”

“Really?” he asks as his forehead lifts in surprise.

I shrug. “I guess once you show someone that you know how to cook, you just get assigned that task from then on.”

“I don’t see how that’s fair. So, what time is Layla picking you up today?”

“She said nine.” I look over at the clock on the microwave. “I guess I don’t have much time.”

I wish I could spend more time eating breakfast with him, but I need to run upstairs and get ready. I lean in for a kiss and thank him again before darting upstairs.

On my way up, I realize I’m embarking into dangerous territory with Eric. Going to his parents for dinner, being vulnerable with him, and giving small kisses to each other. I’m setting myself up for heartbreak.

We get to the bridal shop and her mom is already there beaming with excitement.

She kisses me on the cheek. “Mia, I’m so happy you could join us. It’ll be such a fun girl’s day out.”

“I’m so happy you guys are letting me be a part of this.”

“Hello, is this the Williams group?” a blonde woman, who looks to be in her fifties, greets us in a black blazer and pants.

“It is. I’m Layla.”

“Ah, the beautiful bride. Congratulations. My name is Madelyn. We have your private area set up in the back. You all can follow me.”

She brings us to the back where there is a cream couch for me and Stella to sit. There is a fitting stand surrounded by mirrorswith lights surrounding it as well as a private changing area off to the right.

“Okay, so the first thing I want to do is get an idea of what you like,” Madelyn says. “Then I will pull some dresses for you to try.”

Layla goes through what she thinks she wants in her dress while Stella and I listen. When Madelyn leaves to go pull some dresses, we are served champagne.

“Cheers,” I say as I raise my glass. “To Layla getting her happily-ever-after. No one deserves it more.”

“Aw, you’re too sweet. I’m so lucky. I can’t believe I’m marrying the first man I ever loved.”

“We’re thrilled that Josh will be part of the family,” Stella says as she pats Layla’s leg.

I take a sip of the cool champagne, the bubbles fizz and pop like soft fireworks in my mouth. For a moment, I picture what it would be like to be a part of their family, to marry Eric, and my heart flutters with excitement.

I don’t know where it comes from, but it stops me in my tracks. I’m perfectly happy living my life in Cleveland. That’s where my family is. Never once did I consider moving away. But would I do it for somebody I love? My brother Marcus did it to be with his wife Lexi. He now lives in Chicago with her. She needed to be close to her sick mother, and he moved to be with her without looking back.

This is crazy. Eric wants nothing to do with a relationship. He has been clear about that.

But things between us have changed. It feels like he’s changed. He smiles and laughs now. When I’m with him, it’s like his shoulders are relaxed, and he isn’t constantly on edge.

“So, how has living with Eric been?” Layla asks, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Oh, it’s been good. Not really much to report. Just kind of laying low.”

Layla looks at her mother and they both smile.

“What?” I ask suspiciously.

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