Page 122 of Eleanor & Grey
“What if there’s nothing there? What if Eleanor doesn’t feel it back?”
“She does.”
“How do you know?”
“Because when she looks at you, it’s like the whole world lights up inside her. So trust what you’re feeling, and don’t let doubt creep in. Sometimes in life you just have to leap, Greyson. You have to take the leap and just trust that you can fly.”
She smiled a smile just like Nicole’s, and that made me happy and sad all at once.
I exhaled slowly, feeling my heart racing throughout my body.
She was right.
She was always right.
“Thank you, Claire.”
“Always.”
“I just...” I cleared my throat and shifted around in my shoes. “I don’t think I’ve ever said this to you, but I just want you to know that I’ve always looked to you as my mother. I’d never really had a motherly figure in my life until you, and from day one, you welcomed me into your life with open arms. You’ve given me guidance when I needed it. You talked me off the ledge when I was ready to jump. When I hit my lowest, you didn’t leave my side. You fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself. You stayed by me, and I don’t think you know what that means to me. I don’t think you understand how much of an honor it is for me to call you Mom.”
Tears filled her eyes as she walked over and wrapped me into a hug. “You are the son I always prayed for.” That choked me up more than she knew. After a moment, she pulled back and placed her hands on my cheeks. “Now go,” she whispered, her voice filled with nothing but love. “Fly.”
47Eleanor
Once I’d received my cardigan from Greyson and the girls, I wouldn’t take it off. I wore it out to my birthday dinner with Shay. When we made it back to the apartment, I curled up on the couch with my newest novel, and even though I wanted to dive deep into the world of my characters, I couldn’t. My focus was shot, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Greyson.
Out of all the gifts I’d ever received, that dragonfly cardigan was at the top of my list.
After time passed and I’d only gotten through eight pages of my novel, I put the book down for the evening.
When my thoughts wouldn’t remain silent, I pulled out my phone and began typing an email.
FROM: [email protected]
DATE: August24, 10:34 PM
SUBJECT: Dragonflies
Greyson,
I just wanted to thank you for today. You have no clue how much today meant to me... how much this cardigan means to me. I would come over now to thank you again in person, but I would start crying like a crazy person, and I don’t want you to have to deal with that.
I love it so much, Grey.
I’m going to treasure this forever.
Also, today I was talking to Karla, and I realized something that might help you with reconnecting with her. It might be a small step, but maybe it’s something worth looking into. She feels lost, and she feels like you don’t really trust her in a way. I think showing a little trust might go a long way, even if it’s just letting her take care of Lorelai for a few hours a week. She’s really great with her sister, and I think it might make her feel a bit more independent and useful in a way.
Again, just an idea. Feel free to ignore it. I just wanted to pass it on.
Ellie
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FROM: [email protected]
