Page 47

Two taps on the door startle us apart. “Wake up, Jordan will be here in an hour, Emma,” Levi shouts through the door.
“I’m up,” I shout back, trying to calm my racing heart.
Banner groans, lifting his head up to stare at the ceiling. “For fucks sake.”
“You okay?”
His smile is forced when he looks down at me. “Yeah. I’ll let you get ready. I’d better go meet Tom.”
“Okay,” I tell him shakily, quickly grabbing my underwear before rushing out of the room.
Levi’s standing with his arms crossed just outside, startling a small squeak from me. I put my hand to my chest.
“What are you doing standing there?”
“Did I interrupt something? You two sounded out of breath.”
I roll my eyes. “No. We were talking about something. And stop acting like my dad.”
“I know you love him. I know he loves you, too. What I can’t figure out is if you two know it.”
“I wish people would stop saying that. What if you’re wrong and I make a fool out of myself?”
He scoffs. “Honey, I’m gay, not stupid. You couldn’t cut the sexual tension between you two, it’s that thick. Just make a move, put the poor sod out of his misery.”
“I’ll think about it,” I promise, shutting the bathroom door behind me before he can say anything else.
*** *** ***
Banner is gone by the time I leave the bathroom. I sigh, stepping into my room before Jordan gets here.
My gaze flicks to the bed when I see it’s made. I smile as I walk over, finding one of my flowers laying on top of a note.
Emma,
Please don’t be mad at me. I know what I said upset you, but I don’t want there to be secrets between us. You’ve confided in me with so much. I would hate for you to find out down the line when we’re married with kids, and have you hating me for not telling you. And you asked me. I couldn’t lie to you.
I will bring you Indian for dinner, so don’t eat.
Forgive me.
Banner.
I read the letter three times before I realise a few tears have fallen and I’m smiling. I can’t tell whether he’s joking about the marriage and children, but I can’t hide the effect those words have on me.
I quickly grab my phone from the bedside table and type out a text to him.
Emma: I’ll always forgive you.
It takes a few minutes for him to reply, but when he does, I smile.
Banner: What are we calling the kids?
Emma: LOL
Banner: I reckon we should have 4. 2 girls and 2 boys.
Emma: Next you’ll be telling me we’ll have dog, a tree house, and a big wedding.