Page 38 of Loving Roman
“That’s so freaking romantic.” Heather nudges Noah. “Isn’t that romantic, honey?”
Noah looks between his mom and me, and after a couple of seconds, a smile grows. “You know. I thought there was something different about you last weekend. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.”
Alice smiles at her son. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Roman. I wasn’t quite ready.” She turns to me. “I’m also sorry that I kept you a secret. You mean the world to me, and I don’t want you to think otherwise.”
I kiss her hand. “It’s okay, Alice. I understand this is a big step for you.”
We return to eating our breakfast, and I tell them about the kids under my care. Conversation flows easily, and the atmosphere is friendly and comfortable, which is markedly different from earlier. As much as I’d love to stay and spend the day with Alice and her family, I need to get back to my kids. Oliver and Kate were kind enough to have them over to their place for a slumber party, but I don’t want to take advantage of their generosity.
After cleaning up, I say goodbye to Noah, Heather, and Taco before asking Alice to walk me out.
Leaning my back up against my car, I pull Alice between my legs using the belt loops of her jeans. Her hands land on my pecs, and she looks up at me with a gorgeous smile. I notice for the first time that she seems a little less burdened, and her smile appears a little wider.
Touching my forehead to hers, I catch her eyes. “I had a really great time last night and this morning. If it weren’t for the fact we got gatecrashed, I would have been ready to go again, too.” I smirk at her, reminding her of her words after she came out of the shower.
She giggles. “Oh, I don’t doubt that for a minute. I had a great time, too. Any idea when we can do it again?”
I release a long sigh, because I don’t know when I’ll be able to get away again. “I’m not sure. Leave it with me and I’ll work something out.”
She tilts her head to the side. “I don’t mind coming over and hanging out with you and the kids. It doesn’t always haveto be an overnight thing. I just want to spend time with you.” She presses her hand over my heart.
And that right there is the reason I know she’s meant to be a permanent fixture in my life. I just need to work out a way to make it happen.
20
–alice–
I wonderif knowing someone for only two months is too soon to fall in love?
I’ve been thinking about this more and more. It feels silly to question my feelings, but I’m overwhelmed with how big they are for Roman in such a short amount of time. I’m forty-seven years old, for goodness’ sake. I should be more in control of my emotions. Instead, I feel as though I’m a teenager, being led by my heart instead of my head—it’s scary.
What if I open myself up to the possibility of a future with him and something happens?
What if I lose him?
How would I cope?
I don’t think I could put myself through that devastation again.
I’m pulled out of my thoughts when Gloria, my boss, leans against the side of my desk and drops a familiar file in front of me. I suck in a breath, hoping she didn’t sense any bias in my report. She taps the folder.
“Thank you, Alice. This was a very thorough report. I don’t think we need to follow up any further. This indiscretionis recorded on his file, but I think he can stay exactly where he is with no further reprimands.” She looks over the petition as though she’s looking for someone, before leaning in and lowering her voice to a whisper. “Personally, I want to high-five Jack. Looking out for hissistersthe way he did. I felt proud of him.” She clears her throat and looks over the petition again. “Of course, we can’t condone violence of any kind, but I know for a fact that my brothers would have done exactly the same thing if something like that had happened to me.” I nod in agreement while the knots in my stomach release.
I’ve been waiting to learn the results of my report. I didn’t feel the school dealt with the other boys appropriately; they received an additional one-day suspension, and that was it. Even though I wasn’t supposed to share what I learned from the school with Roman, I suggested he should follow up with the principal.
He threatened to involve the police if they didn’t put harsher penalties in place for the boys. The school did nothing further, so Roman is working with Marcus to deal with the situation through legal avenues. I have a feeling the school won’t know what hit it. Oliver has taken a personal interest in the situation and won’t stop until changes have been put in place to keep the girls safe from predators.
Something catches Gloria’s attention, and her eyes wander up and down whatever or whoever it is. She straightens and moves away from my desk. I can’t see from my seated position behind the petition, but can hear what’s going on.
“Hello, I’m Gloria. Can I help you?”
“Hi, Gloria.” I know that voice, so I stand. “I’m looking for—” His words cease as his eyes land on me, a bright smile stretching his mouth. “There she is. Thank you.”
Gloria looks between Roman and me as I move out of my cubicle to greet my boyfriend.My boyfriend. It seems such ajuvenile title for someone who’s become so important to me. “Hey. This is a nice surprise.”
“I was running some errands over this way, and thought maybe I could take you to lunch if you weren’t busy.” His hands are tucked deep in his pockets—his signature move when he’s trying not to touch me. My lips tip up without guidance. I love he has the same need as I do whenever we’re close.
Looking back at Gloria, I check if she’s finished speaking with me about Jack’s report. “We were finished. You go. Enjoy your lunch with …”
