Page 48 of The Lake House

“Awesome. How do you feel about pizza?”

We stop dead in our tracks right in front of a pizza stand. Zio Peppe’s has always been my favorite every year when they bring the fair to town.

“Pizza sounds great.”

I suck in a breath and finally grab her hand for the first time this evening. Her skin is so soft. I lead her up to the counter and someone takes our order within seconds. It’s not as packed as it usually is, which is perfect.

Giuliana settled for two pepperoni slices, while I opted for two meatball and sausage slices.

We take our tray of food and drinks to a table and almost immediately start chomping down.

I watch her as she wipes her mouth with a napkin after her first bite. Her lips look so damn inviting; I’d love to kiss her right this second.

“Zio Peppe’s is so good,” she says, then sips on her bottle of water.

I nod in agreement. “It’s my favorite every time the fair comes to town.”

“I remember it from so long ago when I used to come here to visit my grandparents as a kid. Liv and I would always make sure we stopped by.”

Yeah, and I remember seeing the two of them here, back in the day. I used to always think she was the prettiest girl around.

I decide to ask her something before I say or do something that I can’t take back. Because right now, I really just want to grab her hands, pick her up, and take her to the nearest wall, pinning her against it.

“So, how has it been since you’ve gotten back to town? Any regrets about coming back?”

Her eyes widen. “Regrets?” She thinks for a moment before responding. “No, none. I’m glad I decided to come back. I should have done this a long time ago.”

A thought flashes in front of her eyes, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s referring to her last relationship. I mean, I’m pretty sure that’s what it is, but I don’t dare ask her about it. Instead, I bring the focus on myself. “You know, back when it first happened, I always used to wonder if my choice to stay after Claire left Lily and I was the right one. But then I realized it was the best thing. Of course, at first I wanted to leave and not deal with any of the realities of the situation, but then really thinking about it, I know there would have been no way I could have raised Lily on my own without the support of my family and friends.”

She nods, acknowledging my statement. “She’s so loved. I could see it from that night when,” she pauses for a second, the images of that night coming to the front of her mind, “I first saw you guys.”

“She is. I don’t know what I’d do without them all.”

I see a questioning look in her eyes before she asks, “So what happened, if you don’t mind me asking. Why did Claire just take off?”

I take a bite of my second slice and shrug. “I honestly don’t even know myself. I just think she wasn’t all that happy. I mean, I tried my best to give her everything she could possibly want, but at the end of the day, it just wasn’t enough.”

She frowns. “And she never tried to see Lily?”

I smirk. “Not even once.”

Her eyes widen in amazement. “I can’t imagine never seeing my child, wondering what they’re like, who they are, or... I don’t know. It’s just crazy to think there are some people out there like that. I don’t think I’d be able to sleep at night, not knowing if my child is okay.”

I nod. “That’s the thing. She always knew Lily was in good hands, but I know what you mean.”

“Yeah, I’d have to see it for myself. But still, I just couldn’t do it.”

“You and me both, Giules. You and me both.”

There’s a few minutes of silence that falls upon us, and I’m about to get up and throw away the empty plates and bottles. But before I can do that, she speaks.

“I’m glad Todd left me.”

Shit, I wasn’t expecting those words to come out of her mouth. I don’t know what to say at first about that comment, but then the words escape from my mouth. “I’m sorry he did that to you, but I’m happy you don’t have to be with someone who doesn’t fully appreciate you... because it was always so obvious he didn’t.”

I think my words catch her by surprise as her eyes widen yet again. “It was that clear, wasn’t it?”

I nod slowly. “I’m sorry, Giules.”

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