Page 71 of Love Unwritten
“Since when have I been the type to give false compliments?”
I’m too stunned to reply.
“So what would you pick?”
I decide to throw him a bone and answer since he is clearly doing this for my benefit. “It’s not like I’d want to stop singing, but never playing an instrument again isn’t an option. They make my soul sing in a way.”
His head tilts in silent curiosity. “What’s that like?”
“What’s what like?”
“Having something that makes you feel alive.”
I struggle to come up with a suitable reply, so I stick to silence as I process his question. Does Rafael not have anything that sets his heart on fire, or has he closed himself off from the opportunity of ever feeling that way?
I’m not sure, but I’m afraid of what might happen if I search hard enough for an answer.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Rafael
Ellie eventually fell asleep, which I didn’t think was possible, especially given how anxious she was about the whole flight. Her body gave out once the adrenaline wore off, and she chose my shoulder as her pillow while the one she bought remained on her lap. I could push her away, but I’m still feeling guilty after her earlier admission, so I remain still as a statue while she leans on me.
When Nico strong-armed me into inviting Ellie on our summer trip, I assumed she had agreed because of the all-expenses-paid vacation, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Like me, she is here for Nico. Travel anxiety be damned.
Her dedication to making the most of this trip for my son fills me with gratitude so strong, it overwhelms me—as does the idea of Ellie doing more for Nico than his mother ever has.
If my ex-wife had a similar fear, I wouldn’t find her anywhere near a plane, let alone powering through a ten-hour flight for our son.
“How long is she going to sleep for?” Nico whispers through the hole between our seats.
“I don’t know,” I reply in a soft voice.
“Shouldn’t we wake her up soon?”
“We still have a few more hours left.” I sneak a glance at the woman I once found annoying as she cuddles up to my side, pressing her warm body up against mine.
It doesn’t take long until her soft snores slowly lull me to sleep too.
Someone’s hand clamps around mine, and I jolt awake.
“What the…” I look down to find Ellie’s fingers locked between mine. The plane shakes as we hit a bit of turbulence.
“Rafael.” Her panic-laced voice sparks me into action.
“It’s fine.”
“It’s not freaking fine!” Ellie’s already-ashen face pales even more as the plane shakes.
“Is she okay?” Nico whisper-shouts.
“She will be in a little bit. How about you?” I ask him.
“Yup! It’s like that space ride in Dreamland.” Nico speaks in that upbeat voice of his, which helps me relax a bit. Ellie doesn’t seem to share the same sentiment, as her grip on my hand tightens until it tingles from the lack of blood circulation.
Blood circulation. Right.