Chapter 14 Full Court Press #7
That landed directly in the center of his chest. Because suddenly he understood something that unsettled him deeply.
‘Carry makes me feel grounded. Erica made me feel remembered. But Veronica makes me feel seen for who I am,’ he thought as he got lost in her blue eyes.
And for the first time since Houston, Greg realized that was exactly why she frightened him the most. He looked up to engage her eyes, then slowly spoke soft, but true.
“Veronica,” he paused as she returned his gaze, focusing everything now on this moment.
“I do love you, and there is no denying that. I’ve publicly acknowledged that we are dating, but you know my past with Erica, and you know that I almost married Carry.
” She looked like she was about to respond so he held up his left hand from the table, palm toward her.
“I’m in a position I never expected to be.
I thought Erica had made it impossible for me to ever feel love again, but you waltzed into my life that night at Club Euchre, and so did Carry.
I’m torn within as to how I can proceed because each of you bring something different to the equation.
Tessa gave me some excellent advice on the plane, to ask myself which one of you completes me. Now, we’re here, not alone.”
Veronica reached across the table to take his hands, studying him quietly across the candlelight, her blue eyes softening. “Greg,” she asked gently, “what are you really trying to tell me?”
He opened his mouth, then stopped again as if the answer wouldn’t fully form.
He leaned back slightly in the chair, lowered his head for a moment before bringing it back up.
He looked deep into her eyes as if trying to tell her what his heart was feeling without saying a word.
“I don’t know if I even know how to explain it yet,” he admitted quietly.
“When I’m around you, things feel…” He paused again searching for the words.
“Larger somehow. Like life stopped just being about surviving day to day; it suddenly becomes something much more than that.” He shook his head lightly. “That probably doesn’t make any sense.”
“It makes perfect sense,” Veronica whispered.
“I’ve felt that too, Greg. Ever since our first dance at Club Euchre.
What I thought Quinton had taken from me was restored to me that night the first time you looked me in the eyes on that dance floor.
” She paused now, searching for the words, peering in as if the silent communication could say what her words were unable to convey.
“That was the first night since Oslo that I didn’t feel like the performer.
You made me feel like a woman again. A woman who could see the opportunity for love. ”
“Maybe that is where it started for you,” he admitted somberly as he dropped his head lightly.
“But for me,” he began then slowly lifted his head.
“I needed that chat with Aunt Janet, and all the talks I’ve had with Aunt Willamina, Tessa and David.
Even my PA Janet.” He smiled brightly at her.
“For me, this is the moment where I started to feel like I was something other than brilliant businessman or asset manager. I feel like there is a possibility that we could build a real future.”
“A future?” Veronica whispered, as a smile began to form on her lips.
“Possibility,” he softly corrected. “I have to be honest. I felt that Erica and I always had a future together, and Carry made me feel like we could have a home and family together.” He pulled his hands back from hers, ran his right had through his hair and blew out an exasperated sigh.
“Honestly, those feelings with Carry haven’t ever stopped, and after Erica revealed her miscarriage, I am more confused than ever where our relationship stands.
” He could see the tears starting to form in her eyes.
“We said honesty, and I know now that even if it is painful, it is required.”
“We did say honesty, Greg.” She gently dabbed the tears with her napkin. “As much as it pains me to admit this,” she paused. “I’m glad you trust me enough to open up completely like this. I’m finally seeing just how complex your heart is, and how much damage was done before.”
“Madam?” the waiter called as he entered the area.
“Yes?”
“Are you ready for the entrée now?”
“Certainly,” she said as she regained her composure. “We were just having a very tender moment together,” she added, trying to sound more confident than she was.
“Very good,” he said as he brought the entrées over and placed them on the table. “I’ll be back with the desserts in about fifteen minutes.”
“Thank you, Dante,” Greg said with firmness. “Please keep this to yourself.”
“Absolutely. We are very discreet here,” he assured, then walked away.
“Veronica, I don’t want you to feel pain, or hurt,” Greg began. “But I can see there’s been so much more to you than I ever realized before. It changes the equation for me.”
“A good change or bad change for me?” she nearly insisted.
“Very good, dear. Very good.” He smiled at her. “Why don’t we enjoy this Chilean Sea Bass you ordered for us, and try to make the most of the rest of this evening.”
“I’m sorry if I seem a bit shaken,” Veronica admitted.
“After Quinton, I’ve never been sure how to work my own heart.
You stirred feelings in me that I’d kept repressed, hidden even.
I want to share everything with you, Greg.
I don’t just want to be a possible future.
I want to be the future. Your future.” Her words lingered between them as they continued eating, neither one quite sure how to move the conversation forward from there.
“You’ll love this dessert,” she finally suggested, breaking the silence.
“What did you order for us?” Greg asked with curiosity.
“My own favorite,” she proudly proclaimed. “Grandma Virginia always made a peach cobbler and served it a-la-mode. They make it here, almost like hers.”