“You should’ve thought of that before dropping this bomb,” Jake retorts.
Eric twirls his spaghetti with feigned nonchalance. “You’ll find out in good time.”
“What about you?” Jake turns to me. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“I trust Eric.” My hand comes to rest on his thigh. “Blindly.”
* * *
AFTER DINNER,WE play a few rounds of Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit, and after we toast to the New Year, Eric comes to hug me from behind; we stand by the window, watching the final fireworks go off.
“I was thinking…” he says, his chin resting on my shoulder. “… now’s the time to go for it.”
“What do you mean?”
He takes a deep breath. “Remember when I told you about myself, my dreams, what I wanted for my future…?” I wiggle in his embrace, turning to look into his eyes.
“I remember perfectly.”
“I think now’s the time.”
“Are you serious?”
“It’s time to open my own place.”
“Eric, that’s… That’s amazing.”
“You really think so?”
“Obviously. Please, don’t even doubt it for a second.”
He smiles and takes my hands. “I’ve put it off until now because I was never brave enough to take such a big step. I thought I was worthless, not good enough…”
“Honey,” I say, interrupting him. “You have everything you need. You’re incredible, and I feel so lucky to even play a tiny part in that.”
“A tiny part?” He pulls me close to him, and I rest my hands on his chest, drawn in by the sweetness of his gaze, his honey-coloured eyes reflecting the fireworks outside.
“You play the biggest part.”
I bite my lip, and Eric kisses me gently.
“Are we interrupting something?” Mila asks, approaching us.
“I was actually just about to ask my new floor manager whether she’s busy next Monday.”
“What?” Mila asks, confused.
“I have an appointment to see a restaurant space and I’d love you to come with me.”
“What’s happening? I don’t understand…” Mila is confused.
“I’m finally going to open my own restaurant, and I want you to be part of it.”
Mila’s mouth drops open in disbelief.
“I’ve always dreamed of having a place with my family, and…”
Mila throws herself at him and squeezes him tight. Eric returns her embrace, then glances at Jake.
