CHAPTER 25 #3
She pauses, emotion thickening her voice.
“But today, when I saw him walk into this room holding your hand… I saw that light come back. It was shining so brightly, it lit up his whole face. I’ll admit, I was taken aback at first, almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
But then he held you close on the sofa… and the way he looked at you, Sebastian, it told me everything I needed to know. ”
Emma’s emotion is so heartfelt, so real, it makes my chest tighten and my heart swell almost painfully, until Remi cuts in with zero subtlety.
“Mum!!” he groans, pulling me back against his chest with that possessive instinct of his that never fails to make me melt. “Leave Sebastian alone! Don’t start getting all clingy, you’ll scare off my boyfriend!”
At that word, boyfriend, my insides turn to complete mush.
“Oh, give it a rest, Remi,” I tease, grinning up at him. “Your mum wasn’t bothering me at all. On the contrary, she was telling me about you, which I find very enlightening.”
Then I turn back to Emma with a playful smile. “Please, feel free to continue…”
I only say it to wind him up, and it works like a charm.
“Seb, I swear,” he groans again, dramatically. “If you give her an opening, she’ll dig out every embarrassing childhood photo she owns, and we’ll never make it out of the house today.”
Emma laughs and lifts her hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, I’ll behave! Besides, you two only have a couple of days here, right? It’s only fair you make the most of them before heading back to work.”
She tilts her head with a knowing smile. “So? Any plans for today?”
Remi glances at me with hopeful eyes, then turns to his mum. “I was thinking of taking Sebastian to the coast,” he says. “It’s such a gorgeous day, we could cycle there and have a picnic on the beach.” Then he looks back at me. “If that sounds good to you, baby… uh, Seb.”
I can’t help but blush at the sweet nickname he always slips out, then nod enthusiastically. “I’d love that, Remi. Honestly. I haven’t had many chances to go to the seaside, and I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
His whole face lights up, and without a second thought, he pulls me into his chest and presses a kiss to the top of my head, completely unbothered by the fact that his family is watching. They look on with such fondness that another lump forms in my throat, this one full of gratitude.
Even Maude gives her brother a subtle nod, and I realize, with a quiet swell of emotion, that it’s her way of saying she approves.
After the harshness of my mum’s words and my dad’s refusal to stand by me, feeling so much warmth and unconditional acceptance from people who barely know me fills my chest with a kind of joy I never thought I’d be lucky enough to feel.
Growing more at ease by the second, I turn to them with a hopeful smile. “Why don’t you come with us? I’d really love to spend the day together.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Emma says, her voice all softness and affection, “you’re such a darling!
Thank you, that’s so thoughtful of you. We’d truly love to, but we’ve been away for a couple of days and have a few things to catch up on.
Ben needs to check on the house, and Maude could do with some proper rest, she’s got a meeting in Penzance tomorrow, haven’t you, love? ”
Maude nods and adds quietly, “I’d really like to join you, but the fair was… a lot. I need a bit of peace. If it’s alright, I think I’ll head up to my room now.”
She gives a small nod of farewell and disappears down the hall without waiting for a reply. She looks completely spent, like her energy’s been drained and she’s in need of quiet to recharge. I understand that feeling all too well.
Emma watches her go with a flicker of concern, then turns back to me.
“You’ll have to forgive Maude, Sebastian. She can come across as a little distant, or even disinterested at times, but I promise you, that’s not who she is.”
“Please, don’t worry, Emma,” I say quickly. “There’s nothing to forgive. I actually really like her. It’s obvious she cares deeply about all of you.”
Emma’s eyes soften as she smiles. “You’re a treasure, Sebastian. We’re so glad you’re here with us, aren’t we, Ben?”
She glances fondly at her partner and reaches for his hand. Ben, who’s been quietly taking everything in, nods and wraps an arm around her in a quiet, steady embrace that speaks louder than words.
I can’t help but admire him, a grounded, reassuring presence in a family full of vibrant, magnetic personalities. The Elliotts have an undeniable charm, but subtlety isn’t exactly their strong suit.
“I don’t know how much Remi’s told you about Maude,” Emma continues, “but for someone neurodivergent like her, certain environments can be incredibly overwhelming, especially crowded ones. The Cornwall Fair is huge, with people everywhere, locals and tourists alike. Honestly, I was surprised she joined us this year. She only came because, well, apart from numbers, the one thing she truly adores is horses.”
She pauses for a moment, then lets out a soft sigh.
“She’s managed really well these past few days, but I know how much energy it takes for her to deal with that kind of sensory overload. It completely wipes her out. Right now, the best thing for her is a bit of peace and quiet.”
Ben gives her a gentle squeeze, wrapping her in a reassuring hug.
“Of course, love. It makes perfect sense. If it’s alright with you, I’ll nip home, drop off our bags, and check everything’s in order. Then I’ll come back and cook you a proper shepherd’s pie, with chicken, potatoes, and peas. How does that sound?”
Emma lights up, kissing his cheek fondly.
“Oh, Ben, that sounds absolutely perfect. While you’re out, I’ll help the boys put together their picnic.”
She turns to us, practically glowing. “Then how about dinner together in the village tonight?”
“I’d love that, thank you, Emma,” I say at once, genuinely delighted.
“We should take Sebastian to the Logan Rock Inn,” Remi chimes in enthusiastically. “Get some crab, maybe a bit of fresh seafood. How does that sound, ba… Seb?”
This time, Emma and Ben don’t even try to hide their amusement. They burst into laughter, and I feel my cheeks go up in flames.
Remi wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder and pouting in that irresistibly bratty way of his.
“I don’t know what you’ve done to my son,” Emma says between giggles, “but he’s a changed man. Honestly!”
Then, with a teasing wink, she kisses Ben on the cheek as he grabs his things and heads for the door.
Once we’re alone, Emma disappears into the hallway cupboard and emerges with two wicker baskets we can strap to our bikes. Meanwhile, Remi and I move together through the kitchen, preparing lunch in a quiet, easy rhythm.
We slice up some crusty bread and stuff it with thick cuts of roast ham, lettuce, and mayo.
Every now and then, we sneak in soft kisses, just brief touches of lips, half-holding our breath in case Emma walks in.
Not that she’s under any illusions… she must have noticed I didn’t spend the night in the guest room, which is just next to hers.
She hasn’t said a word about it, though.
And yet, I still don’t feel quite ready to be openly affectionate in front of others, not completely.
Maybe it’s a lingering side effect of hiding my sexuality for so long.
I didn’t realize, back then, how much it was wearing me down.
But now I can see just how deeply it’s shaped the way I move through the world.
I’m starting to think the panic attacks I’ve been having aren’t just about my parents; they’re the fallout from years of carrying that weight. Always watching myself. Always bracing.
Remi, thank God, doesn’t carry that same burden. He’s held my hand, hugged me, kissed me, in front of his family, with no hesitation at all. If anything, he seemed proud.
And that quiet confidence of his? It’s been doing wonders for me. It makes me feel seen. Chosen. Loved. And for the first time in a long while, I’m proud of myself too, for standing up to my parents, for walking away, for choosing something better.
I haven’t called May yet. She's probably left a hundred voicemails, but I’m not going to let her ruin this little holiday. When we’re back in London, I’ll tell her she’s fired… assuming my parents haven’t already done it for me.
I’ll need a new manager, of course, and I’ll have to make a decision about staying in the UK long-term.
But honestly? The idea doesn’t scare me anymore.
Not now. Not when I have Remi and a group of friends who truly care.
I don’t want to go back to the empty version of my life in Paris: all career, no joy.
The idea of a long-distance relationship doesn’t exactly thrill me. I’m sure Remi and I could make it work, but why put ourselves through all that when I could just finish my degree here in London?
There’s no doubt in my heart about what I feel for him. None. I just don’t want to overwhelm him by unloading all my hopes and uncertainties. He’s already given me more than anyone ever has.
For now, the best thing I can do is treasure this time with him and his family. Whatever the future holds, we’ll face it together.
I’m pulled from my thoughts by the light tap of a finger against my temple.
“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, hmm?” Remi murmurs.
Then he leans in and kisses me gently, threading his fingers through my hair. That’s all it takes, he grounds me instantly. No one else has ever had that effect on me.
The kiss deepens quickly, growing heated, until we finally pull apart, breathless, just in time to hear Emma’s footsteps approaching.
She finds us leaning against the kitchen counter, flushed and slightly panting, and lets out a delighted laugh.
“You two are just too sweet. Honestly. Can’t stay away from each other for more than a heartbeat! I do wonder how you’ll manage once you’re both back at work…”
Remi and I glance at each other, sheepish but smiling.
“Speaking of work,” she goes on, “as I mentioned earlier, Maude’s off early tomorrow, and Ben and I are reopening the clinic. I hope you don’t mind having the house to yourselves until evening?”
“Not at all, Mum,” Remi says quickly, his voice laced with mischief. “We’ll cope just fine…”
Emma chuckles. “Oh, I’m sure you will,” she says, popping the last few items into the picnic baskets: bottles of water, some fresh fruit, and a couple of wrapped slices of cake for good measure.
Once everything’s ready, Remi grabs an old blanket from the chest by the door. Then he takes my hand and leads me out to the garage, where the bikes are waiting.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to take my mum’s bike,” Remi says, pointing to a rather bright pink one.
I frown. “What’s that supposed to mean? Just because my suitcase is pink doesn’t mean it’s my favourite colour…”
Even though… Well , it kind of is. But I’m not about to admit that now.
“Oh no,” he replies, all wide-eyed innocence. “It’s not the colour, it’s just got the lowest frame.”
I don’t let him finish. Arms crossed, I glare at him.
“Excuse me? Are you body-shaming me right now?”
He bursts out laughing.
“I’m not short, I’m just vertically challenged, thank you very much,” I add, trying and failing to keep a straight face.
“You’re adorable, that’s what you are,” Remi murmurs, leaning in to whisper against my ear as he wraps his arms around me again.
And just like that, I melt into him. His mum was right, we really can’t keep our hands off each other.
If we’re not careful, we’ll end up stuck in this garage all afternoon.
Eventually, with a bit of willpower, we manage to separate. I do end up taking Emma’s bike; it is the only one low enough for me, after all.
We strap the baskets to the back, then pop inside to say goodbye. Emma’s at the sink, washing up.
“Have fun, boys!” she calls over her shoulder. “Just don’t stay out too late, we’ve got a dinner reservation for half past seven!”
“Don’t worry, Mum, we’ll be back in time,” Remi says, kissing her on the cheek.
I hesitate for a moment, not sure what to do, but Emma turns, dries her hands, and pulls me into a warm, heartfelt hug.
“I’m so glad you’re here, sweetheart. I haven’t seen Remi this happy in ages. It’s clear you’re someone special.”
I nod silently, too overwhelmed to speak. Then, on impulse, I lean in and kiss her cheek before following Remi outside.
He’s already in the garden, helmet on, waiting for me. As soon as I reach him, he hands me mine. After checking the fit, he insists on fastening the strap himself.
I want to roll my eyes and tell him I’m not a child, but I don’t. I let him because I know these small gestures mean everything to him. And to me.
Finally, we set off, riding side by side along the coastal road.
Before us unfolds the most breathtaking landscape I’ve ever seen.
The sky is a brilliant shade of cobalt, blending seamlessly with the deep sapphire of the sea.
Golden cliffs drop dramatically into the surf, framed by curling white waves and soft clouds that seem painted into place with delicate, deliberate strokes.
The breeze is cool on our sun-warmed skin as we cycle leisurely beneath the blazing summer sun.
And somewhere along that winding road, I realize something simple and profound: I’ve never felt this happy in my entire life.
And the reason why is right here beside me, pedalling in jeans and a plain white T-shirt, his blond curls spilling out from under his helmet, catching the sunlight like threads of gold.