Page 60 of Loving London

“I love you.” She holds me tight. “More than you could ever know. Thank you for coming back to me.”

London never fails to make my heart still.

London

“For the first time in a very long time, I have no regrets, and my soul is completely at peace.”

—London Wright

My legs drape over Loïc’s as we sit in the airport. I probably look needy and clingy, but I just can’t stop touching him.

“Here’s a red.” I place a red gummy bear, Loïc’s favorite flavor, in his mouth.

“Thanks, babe.” He chews the gummy. “I still think it’s awesome that your boss gave you a four-day weekend.”

“Please,” I scoff. “I work my ass off for him. He’d better. Plus, I turned in all of my articles, so there wasn’t a reason for him to say no. I can’t wait to surprise Paige.” I grin.

Paige has been out to visit me a handful of times, but I haven’t been back to Michigan since I left.

“I can’t wait to see her either. I adore her.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “She’s a keeper.”

I lean in and give Loïc a kiss. “Thank you for missing your flight and spending the week with me,” I whisper against his lips.

“Oh, you’ve thanked me. Many times.” A rumbly chuckle vibrates through his chest.

“I’ve missed us. All of us. But especiallythatpart.” I give him a wink.

“Yeah, that part’s pretty great,” he concurs.

“Have you gotten ahold of Sarah?”

“Yeah, I told her I was bringing someone back from Cali and to add one more to the guest list for Evan’s party.”

“No, you have to tell her it’s me. She hates me. She needs to know that I’m coming, so she can prepare herself.”

“She doesn’t hate you. And who else would I be bringing back from LA?”

“You didn’t see her out on the porch that day I came to your house. She didn’t want me anywhere around you. I know you told her that you didn’t want to see me, but she took great joy in delivering the message. Trust me.” I roll my eyes. “Honestly, I would have bet money that you two were married by now. I was sure she’d won you over.”

Loïc laughs. “Well, she definitely tried.”

“I knew it! What happened?”

“Don’t hold it against her, London. I’m the only stable man she’s known in her life. I’m the only man who’s loved her. She just wants to be happy. You can’t blame her. Someday, she’ll fall in love with someone for real, and then she’ll understand that not all love is equal.”

“Were you two ever together?” I ask timidly.

“No.” He shakes his head. “No one else since you.”

I exhale a breath of relief. “And it’s not weird, living with her?”

“No. I mean, we’ve had a couple of awkward moments, but they always pass. It’s been great. I’ve loved helping with Evan. And I know you’re not a fan of Sarah, but please try. She’s very special to me, and she’ll always be in my life.”

“Huh. I’ll try if she tries.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“There’s the London I know and love,” Loïc kids with a chuckle. He says in a serious tone, “I know she’s not your favorite person, but she really helped me get through everything.”

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