Page 154 of Tell Me What You Want

“Oh, love, I’m so sorry.”

Eric smiles and pulls me close again.

“Don’t be sorry. That’s what I need from you, for you to be yourself.”

With tenderness and joy, I take his face in my hands.

“How are you?”

“Good ... better now that I’m with you.”

“And Flyn?”

He makes a face.

“Good. He was good when I left. We’ll see how long that lasts.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back tonight?”

“It was a surprise. And besides, didn’t you just tell me a few minutes ago to call you, even if it’s just to hear me grumbling? Well, here I am, in the flesh.”

We both laugh.

“What do you say—will you ask me to come in?”

I close the door behind him. I help him take off his heavy blue coat and lead him to the couch. When I sit next to him, I realize he’s thinner, but he still looks good.

“Do you want something to drink?”

“Some water, please.”

I get up, grab the pitcher, fill it, and go back to him. When I sit down, he points to my plate.

“What’s that?”

“My dinner. Want some?”

“What is it?”

I’m pretty amused by how he’s looking at it.

“Chocolate chip crêpe.”

“Chocolate chip crêpe?”

I laugh.

“Sometimes when I sit for Luz, she doesn’t want to eat. I discovered a long time ago that if I add chocolate chips to any food, she’ll eat. And tonight, since I didn’t really feel like cooking, I decided to imitate her.”

“My God, baby,” he says, grinning, “I’ve missed you so much!”

“Me too.”

Eric just looks at me, and I can’t take my eyes off him.

“Why don’t you hug me?”

“I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

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