Page 114 of DadBod

“I know.”

“You know? Now? Or the next time you find out something you don’t like, are you going to scream at me in public?”

“I know now.”

Shaking my head, I get onto my sore feet. “I’ll read your letter.” And boy was it a good one. I should frame it for all to see, except those words were for my eyes only.

Dear Elizabeth,

I love you. I know I don’t show it the right way or maybe not at all, but I’m writing it down, so according to Calvin, it makes it law. I don’t disagree. What I said at the restaurant about your brother was wrong. I shouldn’t have discussed that with you at our place of business, or maybe not at all. I should have waited until you felt comfortable enough to tell me about it. I’d still like to know what happened, in your own time.

I read somewhere that to prove you love someone you should come up with a grand gesture. That’s difficult because while I know you, I don’t know all of you. But there is something that you will appreciate. Starting next month, we will no longer serve baby animals. I haven’t broken the news to Antony yet, but he’ll get on board. He’s wanted to add some original seafood recipes to the mix for a while. I hope you don’t have a sentimental attachment to sea bass. (That wasn’t sarcasm. I really hope you don’t.)

Shakespeare wrote in King Lear: “I love you more than words can wield the matter, Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty.”

It’s not from Romeo and Juliet, but it’s by the same guy, so I thought it fit. I hold this quote close to my heart because my mom said it to us at bedtime every night––I don’t use it lightly. It’s true now too. I love you more than words, sweet Elizabeth. Give me another chance, honey. Please.

Yours,

Romeo Edward James

“Thanks for the flowers and candy.”I’m off to put everything in the backroom, except, when I return, Rome’s still sitting at my booth. “Rome. Why are you still there? I’m not here to keep you entertained.”

“I’m hungry. I’d like the veal please.”

He’s making a joke about baby animals? And after what he said in the letter? Did he not mean what he said? So much for a grand gesture. “That’s not funny.” It’s not. Not one bit of me is laughing at any of this. He’s fucking with me––my life, and I don’t have to put up with it. Pulling the letter out of my apron pocket, I slap it onto the table in front of him. “I quit.” And by that, I mean, more than this stupid job.

On my way back through the kitchen, I untie my apron. The second I see her, I yell, “I’m leaving. Sorry, Jeriann.”

“Elizabeth.” Rome’s right behind me. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sure you are.” Picking up my purse, I’m tempted to leave my gifts behind. Thinking better of it, I grab the box of candy. Since Rome’s blocking my exit to the front, I take the icky alley exit. The smell out back is not good, and Jeriann was right, there’s some people loitering about that appear a bit sketchy. None of them are part of our staff, because they’re all busy.

“Elizabeth?”

I whip around to face him. “Leave me alone, Rome. I want to go h-home.” I lose it. The tears that I’ve been holding onto for days won’t be held back anymore.

His arms wrap me up, and while I know I should pull away, I don’t. I let him hug me because I need it. Because I’m heartbroken about Rome. But the main reason is I found out my brother is up for parole again due to prison overcrowding, and I can’t bear the thought that they’re going to turn him down again. If he gets denied, it’ll break him. I know it. I’ve read between the lines in his letters. He’s losing hope. A guy I always looked up to, who always protected me against bullies growing up. A good guy who made some bad choices. God. He just needs another chance.

“Shh. Honey. I’m sorry. I still can’t read the room. I promise. I’ll do better. Please. Give me another chance.”

Hearing those four words breaks more than my heart. I can’t very well expect my brother to get a second chance if I can’t do the same for the people I love. But I’m still pissed about the veal thing. “You know how I feel about the baby animals. It’s not funny to me. Not one bit.”

“I’ll take the baby animals off the menu forever if you give me another shot.”

Well, shit. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I can ask.”

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