Page 93 of Falling for You Again

He smiles at me. “That’s my cue. Let me know if you and Aaron work things out. We’d love to meet you for dinner some night.”

“Thank you. I’d like that,” I say, realizing how much I do want that to happen.

I return to Emi’s side, hoping there’s a chance it will. I like Graham, and I would like to know Oriana better.

“Who was that?” she asks.

“Aaron’s dad.”

She hums. “I thought I recognized him.”

Graham nods at us as he passes on his way to the door, and we watch him leave.

I retreat into my head and find myself sitting on the beach beside Aaron, our toes dipped in the water where the waves meet the sand. It was our last night in Maui and we were watching the sunset. At the time, I was feeling melancholy about returning home and not looking forward to reaching out to Paul and his family, not only to apologize for ruining the wedding but also to explain why I’d run away. I could blame him for demanding I give up my craft, but I was just as much at fault. I should have stood up for myself. I should have communicated what I wanted.

But despite that, I felt excited while on the island, and for the first time in a while, truly happy. I was happy with myself, and I was happy being with Aaron.

Through an unusual sequence of circumstances, I’d met this stranger who, by the end of our getaway, I considered a friend. I felt that way, even knowing we’d agreed to part ways and not see one another again. We had lives to return to. Goals to pursue. Futures waiting for us.

But I never forgot him, and I never stopped thinking about him or what he had said to me on the beach that last evening.

“I still don’t see myself ever marrying—for real next time,” he clarified, and we chuckled. “But if I do, I hope I marry someone like you.”

“Maybe it will be me,” I said good-naturedly.

“Maybe,” he murmured.

We watched each other for a long moment with slight smiles that might have been full of secrets. Then the sun disappeared below the horizon, and we gasped at the sky’s dazzling color palette.

Wishes are usually made on the rising sun or shooting stars. But I made a wish right then that if Aaron and I were meant to be, perhaps we’d find our way back to one another.

Maybe, not so surprisingly, we had.

And maybe, not so surprisingly, we’ve grown since then because we support each other’s dreams and give each other space and are willing to try new things together. Going into business with him and being ina romantic relationship with him isn’t a risk. It’s an opportunity for us to build something amazing. Something as sturdy, beautiful, and lasting as the furniture I create.

I turn to Emi. “I can’t do it. I can’t go to work with you.”

Startled, Emi blinks. “Why?”

“There’s something I need to do. I’m sorry. You went out of your way to get me this job. Please don’t be mad.”

“How could I be mad? I’m relieved. You saved me from firing your ass.”

“Excuse me?”

“If you didn’t figure out working at Stone & Bloom is the worst thing for you by the end of the day, I was going to fire you.”

“You bitch.” I say this to her with the utmost love and respect.

Emi laughs, shoving me toward the door. “Go. Get out of here. I’ll see you tonight. Oh, and I want a full report. Details, woman.” She snaps her fingers.

“Thank you,” I shout and run out of the coffee shop, totally forgetting my coffee.

I sought out Aaron a couple of months ago because my family had been meddling with my future. They’d taken it upon themselves to decide what was best for me and had tried to control my destiny. That’s my job, and mine alone. Just as Isadora advised the other day that the only person who can tell Aaron who is best for him, is Aaron.

I’m hoping he still thinks it’s me.

I race back to my apartment ready to shape my destiny, to grab hold of my future, and to let Aaron know that I wholeheartedly agree with him. I am the right one for him, as he is for me.

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