Page 143 of Crazy In Love
She had her notebook resting on her lap as she sat in the chair across from me. “What positive affirmation did you share today?”
“I texted my family good morning, and said it was going to be a good day.”
She chuckled. “All right. It’s an improvement. And did you text Emilia today?”
“I text her the same thing every day.” I rubbed my face. “That I’m working on myself. Hopefully she’ll wait for me.”
“She told you that she loved you, so why wouldn’t she wait for you?”
I thought it over. “I think she will. I think we’d both wait forever for one another if we needed to.”
Her lips turned up in the corners as she leaned back in her chair. “And you seem to fully grasp why setting up a life for her across the country without speaking to her first was an irrational thing to do. Do you think you’re ready to explain the reason why you did that to her?”
“I do.”
“And you don’t need to wrap it up in a fancy gift. No distractions. Just words, Bridger. Just tell her how you feel.What your fears are. What your hopes are. That’s all anyone wants from the person they love.”
I nodded. “I understand that, although I do believe you are all underestimating the value of a fabulous toilet.”
She chuckled. “I like this side of you.”
“And what side is that?” I leaned forward, resting my forearms on my knees.
“The side that’s light and humorous. Real and honest. Vulnerable at times.”
“Well, as much as I despise admitting it, this has been helpful. Thank you for making time to see me so much these last few weeks,” I said.
“Our work is not done here,” she said, giving me a look. “But you’ve made some good progress. I think you should share what we’ve discussed with Emilia. Start with that.”
I nodded. “I will. And I know I have more work to do. According to my family, it’ll take a lifetime.”
She chuckled. “Most of us need work and help along the way. And a lifetime of talking is never a bad thing.”
I pushed to my feet, suddenly feeling the need to go see Emilia.
“Go do what you need to do. I’ve been waiting for this moment,” she said as she stood and pulled the door open.
I said my goodbyes and made my way to my truck, then drove straight to the flower shop. I’d heard from the girls how well she was doing. How she’d been hired to design a bunch of vacation rentals. But I knew she was still working out of the Vintage Rose, and I couldn’t wait one more second to speak to her.
It was time.
I parked in back, then made my way to the entrance, pulled the door open, and stepped inside. Beatrice looked up, and she smiled.
“If it isn’t the broody billionaire.” She chuckled. “I’m guessing you’re looking for our girl?”
I walked toward the counter. “I am. Is she here?”
“She’s in the back.” She thrust a thumb over her shoulder. “It’s about time you showed up.”
I smirked. “Couldn’t agree more.”
I walked behind the counter and knocked on the office door, and she called out to come in.
The sound of her voice comforted me in a way I couldn’t begin to explain.
I’d had a dull ache in the center of my chest for weeks.
Emilia Taylor was the reason.
