“He hasn’t yet. I sent it off by courier before I drove here.”
“Now we wait?”
“Nothing else to do but that.”
“You wouldn’t change anything knowing what you know? Even with the hardships you’ve already faced?”
“I’ve been asking myself this very question. The only thing I would change is how I felt. I’d have been more upfront with everyone. That time of discovery was vital to who I am now. As for not being with Cristobal … If I’m honest, I can’t even imagine what that would be like long term. I wasn’t happy when I was gone. Content, busy, and successful for the most part, yes. We both know those things aren’t the same thing as having joy. Being with him is complicated, but I do feel it’s where I’m meant to be. Whether I feel that on my own or the universe hardwired me to feel that way I’m not sure.”
“And it doesn’t bother you?”
“I think it always will to a small degree. But the benefits far outweigh that.”
She nibbles the inside of her jaw thoughtfully. I tried to help you out, Percy. You deserve happiness, too.
A tentative caress through our bond has me closing my eyes. I’ve missed this.
“I accept your apology, dove. I look forward to seeing what else you have planned.”
“Clear your schedule, mi rey.”
“Done, reina.”
“I’ll be by at nine o’clock sharp to pick you up. Dress semi-casually.”
I open my eyes and grin.
“He got it?” she guesses.
I laugh. “He did. He accepted my apology. Tomorrow I’ll initiate step two.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “I’m having fun keeping him on his toes. Usually, he’s the one wining and dining.”
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Recreating our first date, which was basically a day and evening out in New Orleans.”
“That will be fun!”
I nod my head. “What are you going to do about Perc?”
“You like him, don’t you?”
“Yeah, the guy deserves some happiness.”
“I’m going to spend more time with him and see what goes from there.”
“Sounds like a solid plan.”
“I never thought my life would be like this,” she laughs.
“So awesome?”
“So crazy.” She gestures wildly with her hands.
“Girl, you’re an Esçhete. You know we don’t do normal.”
“Yeah, I’ve come to realize how very true that statement is over the past year.”
***