Chapter 36
Teddy
La Fete is The Benson’s signature restaurant. A very expensive restaurant. But anything me and Ariel get is on the NYPD which is why I order the most expansive steak on the menu. The second reason I order it is because fuck them . Honestly they put Ariel and her father through hell when he was framed. Ariel may have forgiven them, but I’m going to make our stay here as expansive as possible. Call it the money they owe for emotional damages.
“This steak is delicious.” I say with my mouth full because I was raised on a farm, and the taste of the steak caused me to forget my manners. Ariel laughs. She got a salmon which looks very delicious.
“I meant what I said today about forgiveness today.” She says suddenly serious. “When writing my speech I remembered my dads many lessons, but mostly the one on grudges and forgiveness. Holding a grudge against you has made me incredibly sick to my stomach, and it’s because I still love you, and I want to forgive you. The things you’ve done have been more than enough.” She pauses and I sense a but coming. “But I’m not ready to just hop right back in with you. That’s what we did last time. We were two broken people who leaned on each other, and we moved too fast. I want to move slowly this time.”
“I accept, and well look at us already on a date.” I smirk. I agree with her. Last time we moved too fast and we got hurt, her more than me. She giggles and we continue eating in comfortable silence.
Later, I lay in my separate room, wishing we could’ve gotten a room with one bed. I read plenty of books after Ariel had left, and I have heard of the one bed trope. What I would give to be living one of those out right now. God listen to me. I sound fucking obsessed. Which I am and will admit it. Ariel consumes me, and I long for her touch when she’s away.
Tossing and turning, I try to find a comfortable position when I hear a scream. I waste no time rushing to Ariel’s room. My heart aches when I see her gripping the sheets, and twitching in her sleep. She’s had plenty of nightmares, I should be used to it by now, but seeing her in pain will never be easy. I go over and get in bed with her and holding her in my arms. “You’re okay Ariel. It’s just a dream. You’re safe.” She wakes with a gasp, and when she sees me, she cries into my chest. “It’s okay baby. I promise things will get better.”