Page 22

Brooklyn

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

"Zeus said Athanasios is now responsible for the security guards watching over us," I say.

The kids just left for daycare, and I sit at the kitchen table while Eleanor prepares our breakfast.

After my comment, though, she stops and looks at me. "Why?"

I hide a smile. "Maybe because of what he said: that he’s going to start pursuing me."

She shakes her head, but I notice she hides a smile as well. "Is that what you want, my dear?"

"I don’t know. I’ve never been pursued before, so I can’t say."

"Brooklyn Foster, you know exactly what I’m asking!"

"I do, of course, but I don’t really know how to answer. When I got involved with Moses . . . or whatever his real name is, it all happened so fast. I barely had time to be courted. We only went on one date, and I think my loneliness steamrolled everything in its path. I gave myself to him too quickly, and looking back, I don’t think I was ever in love with him, Mom."

"I don’t think you were, either."

"Why didn’t you tell me?"

"I thought you were happy, Brooklyn. I’ll never forgive myself for being so wrong about that scoundrel. Me, of all people, who lived with one for so long."

She’s referring to my father, and I can’t even defend him because, honestly, Eleanor is being generous. Out of love for me and Madison, she endured much more than any other woman could have.

"When I found out I was pregnant, I was terrified, and then Moses . . . that bastard . . . told me it was the best news in the world. I thought I’d finally recover everything I’d missed in the past."

"But you didn’t?"

"No. Not even the initial physical attraction lasted. I didn’t like him touching me anymore. Now I see that even if he had been the most honest man in the world, I still would never have loved him."

"I can’t forgive myself for not seeing through him, Brooklyn."

"Don’t blame yourself. By the time I got involved with him, I was already an adult."

"Yes, but there was a significant age gap between you two."

"There’s an even bigger gap between me and Athanasios."

"I know, but he’s a friend of the Kostanidis family. Zeus would never let him get close to you if he weren’t sure his intentions were serious."

"Wow, this sounds like a conversation from another century, talking about 'serious intentions.'"

"The truth is, my dear, we’re all afraid of you getting hurt again. I think it will take time for us to relax."

"Call me stupid, Mom, but I trust him. I’m not saying I want anything serious or anything like that, but I believe in Athanasios’s honesty. He hasn’t promised me anything. He just said he wants me."

"And do you feel strong enough to start a new relationship?"

"Is anyone ever really ready for that?” I take a sip of my coffee. “I didn’t have much of a choice. The attraction I feel for him came on like a tidal wave, and all we’ve had so far is one kiss."

"And what about the time he said he’d give you?"

"It ends tomorrow, but I’m thinking of calling him in a bit."

She raises an eyebrow. "Anxious?" she asks.

"That too, but the main reason I want to take the initiative to call him is that I have no doubt he’ll keep his promise and come after me, as he said. Whatever is happening between us, I want it to start on an equal footing. I know he’s not expecting me to call, and that’s precisely why I’m going to."

"And are you going to ask him out? Or if he asks you, do you feel physically ready for it?"

"I haven’t thought about asking him out yet. I don’t think I’m that brave, but I do want to reach out to him before tomorrow. As for feeling physically ready, the new neurologist I saw yesterday said my progress is well above average. Have you noticed I can walk longer on the treadmill now? I’m also standing without feeling as much pain afterward. I think my muscles are well on their way to recovery."

"That’s the beauty of being young, my dear. Everything heals quickly."

I get up to grab my phone, but her voice stops me.

"Brooklyn?"

"Yes?"

"Be careful. My intuition tells me he’s a good man, but don’t see more in this relationship than what’s there. Physical attraction isn’t love."

"I haven’t decided on anything yet, Mom. After all, it’s not just about me but about Silas and Soraya too. I just want to talk to him a bit. Athanasios makes me feel alive again."

" Again ?"

"Yes. Even before that horrible night, I was already very unhappy, lost in a relationship that was a mistake. Then, the tragedy happened and I fell into a coma. When I woke up, I knew I’d been given a second chance. I want to make the most of it, but this time, I’ll tread carefully."

"Do what your heart tells you, but again, try not to get hurt."

"That’s the plan, Mom."

I leave the kitchen and walk slowly to my room. My steps are steady now, and I feel proud of myself. I’ve been disciplined with my exercises.

I enter my room and close the door. Picking up my phone from the nightstand, I sit on the bed and scroll through my contacts, my heart racing.

It rings twice before he answers.

"Brooklyn?"

"Yes, it’s me."