Page 60 of Until He Confesses

“Distance could have been a strain on your relationship, and I understand you not being ready enough to tackle that challenge then, but times have changed.”

“Mom," I groaned.

“I'm just saying," she said. "If you do meet him again and there's something there, don't be too stubborn-headed to consider it. I know how you usually are with making your mind up and being ironclad. But life doesn't always go that way, and you should be able to flow and bend like water.”

“So, I should suck up to him because he's wealthy now?” I asked and she refuted this.

“No, but if your heart still has any longing for him and the opportunity presents itself, then don't look away from it. I saw how much the breakup affected you. If you didn't love him so deeply, it wouldn't have hurt so much. It's hard to completely destroy something that was so meaningful.”

I had called my mom for some comfort away from thinking about Lucas, but instead, I was plunged deeper into the situation. I knew she wanted to hear what I had to say, but if I indulged her, the conversation would go on for much longer. So, I simply agreed with her.

"Yes, Mom, I'll give it some thought," I said, and the conversation ended peacefully.

I had no intention of doing what she suggested, but when I checked my phone later and saw that Lucas had responded to my message, my heart skipped a beat.

28

LUCAS

Sending her the picture was impulsive, but I couldn't resist after seeing her message asking if I was asleep. I was seated on the deck, enjoying the chill, even though the yacht was big enough to hold at least eight people. I preferred being alone and was moored to the dock. I had intended to instruct the captain to set sail upon my return, but I wanted to wait until morning just in case she sent me a message. When she responded, she said.

"That's breathtaking," and I smiled.

"It is. I'm on the deck."

A while later, she replied to my message asking if it was too late for her to come over. I was amused by her predictable behavior, but there could have been things underlying that made her accept my invitation to come over, but I didn’t want to think of it.

"I'll send a car," I wrote back and arranged it in no time.

A while later, I heard her arrival as she was led onto the yacht, but my eyes remained closed. When she finally arrived, she didn't say a word. I could feel her presence and strength and couldn’t help but take a deep breath of it.

"Are you asleep?” she asked.

I opened my eyes and saw her standing above me. I watched her and then sat up.

"No," I replied and tapped on the space beside me. She took her seat, and we met each other's gaze.

Then she gave a sheepish smile.

“I guess you won in the end,” she said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I'm here.”

I smiled.

“You're not here for me, you're here because of the view, especially since it will be gone tomorrow.”

With this one statement, she was able to relax and laugh, leaning back a little while I turned to ensure that the cushions were properly placed for her.

We didn't speak, just enjoyed each other's company until I turned to ask, “Want something to eat? The fridge is stocked.”

“I can imagine,” she said as she gave it some thought. Then she smiled and nodded. “Sure, let's go scavenge.”

I got up and then held her hand to help her up and we returned to the kitchen. Not a few minutes after we had opened the refrigerator, one of the kitchen’s stewards came hurrying over, but I assured him that we would be fine and sent him on his way.

“Remember the ham and egg sandwich you used to make for me at my parent's house?” she asked.