Page 191 of Dear #47, You're the Worst
Juliet runs her hands down her dress, flushed. “I love you both so much.”
A waiter comes by, brandishing a silver tray. “Hors d’oeuvres?”
“No.” Tom clears his throat again. “I think it would be wise if we planned a time to talk this through when it was just the three of us, Juliet.” I scowl at him, making him raise his hands. “Or the four of us, if Hunter needs to be there.”
“Perhaps we could all go to dinner this week,” Melissa says. “I don’t want our private affairs aired out here. But… we are glad to see you thriving, sweetheart. Even if you are in some little PR job and not a name partner at your own law firm. That’s… okay.”
A growl escapes my chest, but Juliet’s hand lands on my lapel, stopping me from making my displeasure known.
“Thanks, Mom. I would love to go to dinner, just the four of us. I’ll text you and we’ll set something up.”
I expect a hug between them, but I’m disappointed. Melissa just steps forward and squeezes Juliet’s arm. “Okay, darling. I’ll look forward to that.”
“It was nice to see both of you.” Her dad clears his throat awkwardly. “Well, we should let you two circulate.”
Juliet exhales hard, like she’s been holding her breath for an hour. Her hand finds mine, squeezing tight, and when she looks up at me, her eyes are glossy. “Thank you,” she whispers.
“For what?” My voice comes out rougher than I mean it to.
“For saying what I couldn’t. For… seeing me.” She presses her lips together, like if she says more she’ll unravel right here in front of everyone.
My chest pulls tight. I don’t know how to take her gratitude without fumbling it, so I just nod once, thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Always, Firecracker.”
She leans in a fraction closer, like she wants to say something else, but before she can, Jett’s booming voice cuts through.
“I was looking for you. The new social media girl wants all three Huxley boys together in a photo. I say we take one where we all stand side by side and hold Juliet up like she’s a queen reclining on a bed. What do you say, Miss Monroe?”
“I think that sounds great.” I look down at Juliet. She nods.
“Let’s do it.” She seems ready to dismiss the heavy topics we’ve just been talking about for the time being and have a little fun.
Jett steers us toward the step and repeat they have set up in one corner, where Silas waits, brooding. Juliet stays close, still holding on to my arm. I pull her hand to my mouth and kiss the back. She can hover right by me whenever she wants.
Later, back at the apartment, Juliet walks in and heads straight for the bedroom without saying a word. I give her a minute before following her.
She takes off her shoes. She looks beautiful right now, distracted from her routine. Stripped bare.
My eyes burn into her. I’ve never loved someone. What if I do it wrong? Am I feeling it right? It’s overwhelming, like being swept away by the roaring sea.
Then she turns and smiles at me. Suddenly, like magic, my fear recedes. Her deep brown eyes are soft but steady.
“I turned down that job offer,” she says.
“I know.”
“Are you disappointed? That I’m not the woman who would take the bigger opportunity?”
“Are you kidding? I’m relieved. Selfishly completely relieved that you’re staying.”
“Why?”
“Because I can’t imagine my life without you in it. What we have right here is worth more than any job title or salary increase.”
She rolls toward me, pressing her face against my chest.
“I love you,” she says. “Even when my mother makes me feel like I’m seventeen again and nothing I do is good enough.”
“You are good enough. You’re more than good enough.”
