So good of heart, handsome, kind. Maybe, fate has a plan we are not aware of yet, no? She is conspiring to bring you someone who is worth the wait.” Her eyes shift to me in a not so subtle gesture, but thankfully, Apollo is looking at his meal.
“I believe that,” Apollo says softly, slowly turning to me. “I’ve learned in my years on this planet, life is unexpected. You can try all you want to make things go how you want them to, and sometimes it works out. Other times, you just have to believe that you’re in the right place at the right time, and that your person will be there when the time is right.”
I swallow hard, nodding. “Yes, love is on her own timeline, no?”
“I think so.”
When I shift my eyes back to my mother, she smiles knowingly and sips her wine.
After dinner, Apollo insists on helping us clean up the dishes, praising my mother’s cooking. She excuses herself, leaving me alone with the object of my desire.
“That was really nice,” Apollo says.
“Thank you for coming. She is very pleased now.”
“It’s always nice to spend time with your parents. I guess I’ll have to subject you to mine at some point. They’re actually in Greece right now, on vacation.”
“Lovely.”
“Yeah.”
We stand across from each, gazing into each other’s eyes, until I break the silence. “Would you like to see something funny?”
“Yes.”
“Come.”
I lead him up to my bedroom, stepping to the side to let him enter. He chuckles, immediately looking around the space. “It’s 2010 again.”
“They changed nothing. Even my Bruno Mars poster is still on the wall.” I point to the other wall by the closet. “And David Beckham.”
Apollo laughs, sitting on the edge of my bed, running his hand over the purple material. “It’s kind of cool.”
I sit next to him. “Yes.”
“But you don’t fit in this room anymore.” He shifts to face me. “You’re too glamorous, too pretty, too...grown.”
“Merci. It is a bit awkward. I need a little more room to sleep.”
“Well, we can find a place soon.”
“Yes.” I take a moment to just experience this. Apollo Onassis is in my room, sitting on my bed.
“Did you ever sneak a boy in here?” he asks.
I laugh. “No. I was not like Lucien. I followed the rules. Besides, I had no boys to sneak.”
“Bet you would now.”
My body heats up, and I’m very tempted to throw him down, but instead, I stand. “I have something to show you.”
“Okay.”
I walk to my closet, stepping inside and coming back with the purple beret he gave me when I left for France. His eyes widen then soften.
“You kept it.”
“It reminded me of home. Of you. You were always a pleasant memory.”
“That’s really sweet, Felix. I’m excited to make new memories with you now.”
“So am I. Does Thursday still work for you?” I ask, changing the subject away from topics that will get me in trouble.
“Of course.”
“Wonderful.”
I walk him downstairs, and at the door, Apollo hugs me, holding me tightly.
“Tonight was awesome. Please thank your mom again for me.”
“I will.”
“I’m looking forward to hanging out again.”
“Me too. Very much.”
Apollo kisses my cheek, stealing my breath in the process. “Night, Felix.”
“Night.”
I watch him get into his car, waving before he backs out. Once he’s gone, I shut the door and lean against it. There was chemistry. I know it. I just have to try.
Let the wooing begin.
Apollo
On Thursday, I finish putting on my shoes, then grab a glass of water as I wait for Felix. His text said to dress nice but not too nice, so I chose a pair of black slacks and a baby-blue button-down shirt. I hope he isn’t planning to go somewhere expensive, an ongoing battle I have with his brother. Lucien makes okay money in Los Angeles, but a lot of his work is pro bono or for small nonprofits, so he’s set aside an amount from his trust fund he calls his play money. He blows it on expensive clothes and food but lives modestly and doesn't own a car. Balance, he calls it. I’ve yet to learn how Felix manages his money.
The doorbell rings, bringing a smile to my face. As I walk to the door, I don’t lie to myself and deny I was overly excited for this all week. I’ve seen him briefly here and there, with visits to the bakery I've never made before. I’m highly aware that everyone probably notices, but I also give zero fucks. I like Felix, and