Page 67 of Stolen Kisses

“Theo.” He waits until I’m looking at him. “I can understand where your reaction came from, but she didn’t deserve that. This is the first time in your life that I’m disappointed in your behavior.”

His words sink like lead in my gut, dragging me down, making me feel even worse than how I already feel about my behavior. I’m ashamed of myself, disappointed that I seem doomed to repeat the mistakes of my past. If I can’t move past the hurt from losing Mom and Anna, I may lose my chance to have something long-lasting with the perfect woman next door—if I haven’t already fucked that beyond repair. Then it registers thatDadsaid this was the ‘first’ time he’s been disappointed in me.

“What do you mean, ‘it’s the first time you’ve been disappointed in me’? I’ve always disappointed you. I spent my entire life on the outer because I was such a disappointment,” I whisper, my voice thick with childhood hurt. It’s like being that seven-year-old boy all over again.

His head snaps back as thoughmy words are swords. “Never. You werenevera disappointment to me or your mother. We’ve always been so very proud of you and your talent. The fact that you managed to turn your passion into a successful and thriving business is the cherry on top. My regulars know that the most sought-after location in my restaurant is the setting made by my son.” He thumps his chest. “I’ve always been incredibly proud of you for following your dreams and not feeling obligated to follow the footsteps of our ancestors. Unlike me.” He shakes his head sadly. I can feel his sorrow and missed opportunity radiating off of him in waves.

“What do you mean? You love the restaurant.”

“It was the family expectation that I would follow in my father’s footsteps. When I was young, I wasn’t allowed to follow my dreams. Ihadto go into the family business. I used toenjoytinkering with machines, but it was considered a waste of time, so I gave it away. I moved into the role that I was expected to and left my dreams behind.”

This is all news to me. I thought Dad happily took over the running of the restaurant from his parents. I had no idea it wasn’t his passion. “What about now? You could sell the restaurant and do something you love. You’ve still got time.”

He shakes his head in the negative. “I’ve grown to love it. It’s not so bad.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I will have tothink aboutselling soon. Anna was going to take it over. It actuallywasher passion.” He shrugs. “Without her, there’s nobody else to take it over. It needs to go.”

“When are you thinking of selling?”

“Maybe three more years. Give or take.”

“Fair enough.” I rub my scruff. “I’m sorry it’s come to that. The restaurant’s been in your family for such a long time. Can we keep it in the family and get someone in tomanageit?”

He shakes his head. “No. I think it’s best to let it go.”

We chat a little longer, then Dad gets ready to leave. We stop at the front door when he puts his hand on my shoulder. “I want you to try and work through your losses, Son. You don’t want to miss out on a good woman like Emma. You owe her an apology.” He nods to punctuate his sentence. “Make me proud.” Squeezing my shoulder, he steps through the door and into the night, leaving me to my thoughts.

–thirteen–

–emma–

Wincing, I raise my armsto pin up the final letter of the alphabet for my display. The redness that was caused by my ill-fitting bras has cleared up, but the area is still causing me a dull pain whenever I lift my arm. It’s freaking annoying. I think the underwires must have caused bruising at quite a deep level, so it’s taking a while to heal.

I can’t believe summer vacation is almost over. The students will be back on Monday;excited fresh faces to mold and shape. I know my boys are excited to start back at school. I’m finishing up for the day, admiring my freshly decorated classroom when Kate pops her head in.

“Oh, your classroom looks fantastic. The kids are going to love it so much.”

“Thanks. I love starting the new school year; seeing all of their fresh faces, ready and eager to learn.”

Kate smiles at me, nodding. “It’s the absolute best.” She holds out some folders for me. “Here are the files for your students.”

I grab them. “Thanks for bringing them down.” Tucking them into my satchel, I throw the strap over my shoulder, grab my purse, and follow Kate out.

“How’s married life treating you?” Her smile grows to a mile wide, her denim eyes lighting up.

She stops in her tracks, placing her hand on my arm, so I stopas well. “Oh my gosh, Emma. It’s the best. Oliver’s so … well, you’ve met my husband. He totally fusses over me. I can’t believe this is my life.”

“I’m so happy for you, Kate. He’s a great guy. There aren’t too many guys like him around.” I can’t disguise the disappointment in my tone. Kate knows me so well, easily picking up on my dismay.

“Everything okay with you?” I don’t want to burst her bubble. She’s found a great guy who’sdevoted to her, so what if I haven’t found my guy yet.

“Yeah, everything’s great. Just thinking about everything I need to do when I get home.” I force a smile, hoping it looks genuine.

Her eyes narrow. “I don’t believe you. You know you can talk to me if you need to vent about anything.” My shoulders drop, I should have known she’d see through my charade. She looks at her phone. “You got time for a coffee?” She indicates towardCoffee and Cookiesdown the street.

“Sure. Why not? So long as you’re not in a rush.”

“Oliver won’t be home for another couple of hours. I’ve missed you these past weeks.” We drop our things at our respective cars and arm in arm, we make our way over to the coffee shop.

We order our usual favorites and Kate fills me in on the last few weeks of her vacation. She’s practically glowing as she tells me all about her honeymoon and volunteer stint rebuilding and establishing a school in a remote community. She makes me feel like a lazy cow. Then I remind myself that I’m busy raising two gorgeous boys and I wouldn’t have my life any other way.

---