Page 78 of Loving Leo

“This time?” I ask as we move forward.

“Oh yes, you know. He’s never had anyone serious, but the guys he hung around were never that nice to him.”

I don’t like that, not at all. He deserves the world. Only the best of everything.

“But you know how it is. The dating world is criminal.”

“It is.” I say grimly, still stuck on the fact that anyone could be anything but nice to Leo. I guess I wasn’t all that nice in the beginning, but we weren’t dating.

“And at my age, forget it. I’m happy to die alone.”

A laugh leaves me and Charlotte grins up at me. “So anyway, where to? Please pick somewhere cheap, as I refuse to let you pay for me.”

“But it’s my treat.”

She eyes me once more and then sighs. “Fine. Just this once, but don’t tell Leo. I don’t want him to think I’m using you.”

“He’d never think that. He adores you.”

Her cheeks flush and she tugs the jacket closed a little tighter. “I wasn’t the best mom, but I’m glad he knows he’s loved.”

“You were a great mom. Trust me I can tell.” I don’t mention the fact that I can tell because my own mother was cold and unfeeling. That I had never once felt the love that I can see Charlotte has for her son from my own mother. She may have been busy trying to keep food on the table and a roof over their head, but she cares. She loves him. She did all of that for him.

“Thank you for that.” She says softly, eyeing me as I lead her into a restaurant, letting the hostess take us to a table. I’m hoping she lets that conversation drop but instead she leans her elbows on the table and cocks her head.

“Tell me more about you, Heath.”

“About what?” I ask as I take a swig of ice cold water, giving myself brain freeze.

“Your parents. Do you not get along with them?”

I sigh and run a hand down my face. “No. And that’s why I cansay with confidence you’re a good parent. Because mine are not. They gave me anything money could buy, but it always came with conditions. And the older I get, the more I realize that they don’t love me. I’m just an object they can brag about at parties.”

She looks distraught by that. “Oh, Heath, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“So you might have been busy with work and not around all the time, but trust me when I say that Leo feels loved and that’s more than I can say for me.”

Her eyes are slightly damp as I say that and she brushes aside the tears as she glances away. “I could have given him something different.” She sighs softly and I’m intrigued. My face must show it because she continues, “There was a man when Leo was one year old. Rich as hell. Handsome. Sexy.” She blushes slightly, “He wanted me, but…”

“But what?” I ask curiously.

“But he didn’t love Leo. He tolerated him, but he didn’t love my son and I just couldn’t do it. I always wondered if I made the right choice. He wouldn’t have been a good, present father, but I wouldn’t have had to work. He would have provided for us. Leo would have gone to the best schools and not wanted for anything.”

I want to hug her, but I remain seated, “You made the right choice.” Her eyes look at me hopefully and I nod firmly, “You did. Money, it’s nice. I know it is. It’s not fair that you had to work so much just to barely survive, but that would have been worse. That would have been selling your soul.”

Her eyes are watery as she nods slightly, seeming to accept what I’m saying. “Thank you for saying that.”

“You’re welcome. Now take a look at the menu and order whatever you like. My treat.”

She sighs, reluctant to give in, but she eventually does. After placing our order, she leans back in her chair and eyes me. “Well in exchange for this lovely lunch, ask me anything you want to know about Leo and I’ll dish.”

My eyes widen and I let out a chuckle. “He’ll be so mad if you do.”

“Oh don’t worry, I won’t divulge the serious stuff, but I do have some funny stories.”

I place my napkin in my lap and adjust the silverware on the table.

“Fine. Lay it on me.”

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