Page 124 of Love Bleeds Red
“It’s fine, really,” Leon says, giving me a small smile. “There’s still work to finish remotely on the estate conversion. The designers say it’ll be ready to open its doors in about six months.”
“And what did you settle on for the name?” Mom asks, blowing on the steaming mug in front of her.
“The Firefly Center,” Leon says quietly, his eyes finding mine again. “If all goes according to plan, it’ll be a comprehensive support center for trafficking survivors and sexual assault victims. We’re planning residential treatment programs, therapy services, job training, legal advocacy—everything someone needs to rebuild their life. The estate’s location makes it perfect for long-term residential care, and we’re partnering with organizations in London and New York to ensure survivors have continued support when they’re ready to reintegrate.”
Mom’s eyes fill with tears as she reaches for his hand across the table. “Leon, that’s beautiful. And using his estate for it...”
“Seems fitting,” he finishes. “Turning a place that caused so much harm into somewhere that heals.”
“It’s perfect,” I say, barely able to get the words out through my tight throat.
They sip their tea and I think about how much I wish I could tell Polly the news. She’d probably want nothing to with that estate. I know I don’t, but for others it could be life saving.
“Are you going back to the city then?” Mom asks, glancing at Leon above the rim of her mug. “I’m sure you’re eager to get back to all the stuff you left there.”
He looks at me again, brows slightly lifted. “Actually, I was thinking of sticking around town. I’ve had enough of cities for a while.”
I can’t hide my smile.
“Oh, that’s the truth,” Mom says. “Cities are not for me. I’m glad we live close enough for a planned visit, but far enough away that we have peace and quiet.”
“Exactly,” Leon says. “What about you, Bailey? What are your summer plans?”
I find myself fiddling with my shirt under the table. There’s no reason I should be nervous around him. We’ve literally seen each other naked and said I love you’s. It’s just been… awhile. And so much has changed.
One thing that hasn’t though—my parents still have no idea that we were together. Or are. Kind of. I don’t know. It’s complicated.
“Just therapy… I might go back to Burger Palace for something to do. Trying to stay busy but not overwhelmingly so,” I ramble.
“With the court dates coming up… all those appointments… it’s a lot,” Mom says, reaching for my hand now.
There’s a sweet moment between us before Mom’s phone goes off again. She glances at it, curses under her breath, and hits the side button.
“It looks like you’re both busy,” Leon says. He finishes the last of his tea and wipes his lips on the back of his palm.
Why do I find that so sexy?
“Not really,” I say quickly.
“Well, I should probably head out and check into that inn by the diner?—”
“Absolutely not!” Mom interrupts, setting her phone down. “That place is a complete dump. The owner’s daughter is in my book club and she’s always complaining about the plumbing issues and the weird smell in the hallways.”
Leon and I exchange a glance, and I can see amusement flickering in his eyes.
“Mrs. Shea, that’s really kind, but I don’t want to impose?—”
“You’ll stay here,” Mom declares, already standing up like it’s settled. “Jasper’s room downstairs is just sitting empty anyway, and it has its own entrance so you won’t feel like you’re cramping our style.”
My face burns. “Mom...”
“What? It’s perfect! Besides, Bailey could use the company. She’s been moping around here like a sad puppy.”
“I have not been moping!”
“Honey, yesterday I found you staring at a bag of chips for ten minutes,” Mom says matter-of-factly. “That’s moping.”
Leon’s trying not to laugh, I can tell.
