Page 183 of So This Is War
“Over there in the corner,” the other man says.
“Is that the corner he was talking about?” the other guy says.
“Yes, matches the picture.”
What on earth did Levi get me?
I keep the door open as I watch the men open the box, peeling the sides down to reveal a camel-colored oversized leather chair. They set it in the corner, near the window, and then remove a side table that they place right next to it. Then they look around the room for a second until they spot the fiddle leaf fig tree and move it to the side table and place it on top.
My heart flutters.
They then pick everything up and hand me a card before leaving. When the door’s shut, I open the letter and read it.
Wylie,
I wanted to offer you a space where you can curl up and let your art inspire. I know you’re going to create beautiful things, and I can’t wait to see it all.
Enjoy, baby.
Yours,
Levi
I clutch the letter to my chest and let out a deep sigh.
No one has ever done something so thoughtful for me. No prior boyfriend and certainly never my father.. .It makes me feel so cherished. As if what I need, what I feel, is extremely important. As I consider Levi’s apology, his restraint—and then his lack of restraint—his complete focus on me? That’s...incredible.
Oh God . . . I think I might be falling for him.
I’m sittingcross-legged in my chair when Levi arrives home.
He walks through the door, and the largest smile spreads across his face when his eyes land on me.
“You didn’t text me,” he says.
“I wanted to show my appreciation in person,” I say and pat the chair. “Come here.”
He sets his things down, takes off his shoes, and walks over to me looking all kinds of good in a tight long-sleeved shirt and joggers.
He takes a seat next to me since the chair offers enough space for us both, and he puts his arm around me. I snuggle into his chest and lift to place a kiss on his cheek. “This was incredibly sweet, Levi. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he says, resting his hand on my hip. “I wanted you to have a comfortable place to draw, and I thought near the window and the fiddle leaf fig would be ideal.”
I chuckle. “The fig tree was a nice addition. You should have seen them look for it and then carefully place it on the table.”
“I’m glad you said carefully. I told them it was of the utmost importance that they were careful, and I tipped them well, so I’m glad they listened.”
“They did.” I draw small circles on his chest. “This was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.” I look up at him and try not to get emotional, but I can’t help it. “I love that you believe in me, Levi.”
He shifts to look at me as well. “Of course I do. If you’re passionate about something, then I’m going to believe in you and support you. That’s how it should work.”
“You’re right,” I say softly. “That’s how it should work.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works with my dad.
He must be able to tell what I’m thinking about because he lifts my chin and says, “He’ll come around, Wylie.”
“But what if he doesn’t?” My eyes well up with tears, and I hate that I’m getting emotional over this.
