He’s here in Santorini.
It looks like he hasn’t slept in days—his hair is messy, just like he has run his hands through it many times. He’s wearing comfy-looking navy blue loungewear and his glasses instead of contacts. The bags under his eyes could be designer bags based on their size. Walking closer, I notice how Eli hasn’t shaved in days. His stubble is getting thicker. All I want to do is touch it and feel all that under my fingers.
There are no words to say as we stare at each other, until I feel a tug on my left hand. Glancing down at my hand, I see Leo looking between Eli and me.
Of course, the twins don’t know who he is. “Leo, Chris, this is my friend Eli from America.”
Exchanging hellos, the boys and Eli all stare at me. Motioning them to come inside, I press play on the movie and tell the boys to watch it. They listen to me, no arguments or anything.
Walking to the guest room, I expect him to follow me. When he doesn’t, I spin quickly around and send a questioning look at him. He shrugs his powerful shoulders, and I want to sigh.
“Eli, let’s go to my room and chat. The twins can stay there and watch the movie without us,” I tell him. He follows me to the room. I expect him to tell me why he’s here, but he just stands there looking at me. Not liking what’s going on, I send another look at him. That’s when I notice the letter he is holding in his hand.His letter. The one that I had forgotten.
“Let me read this to you, Rose. After that, we can talk more,” Eli murmurs, his voice deep. He moves to sit on the bed beside me and opens the letter with shaky hands.
After a long moment, he starts reading.
28
ELI’S LETTER
THE DAY AFTER THE FIRE
Dear Maggie,
It's tricky for me to be vulnerable with my feelings and other people. It has only cost me in the past. But please, give me a chance to explain how I feel right now.
The only reason why I have trusted Ollie and Jax with my life is that they are in the same boat as me. It helps to know that I’m not alone whenever I feel lost.
That’s what I thought before you came into my life. Now I want to do better for you, especially after seeing you in that hospital room earlier today. I feel like you need to hear what I have to say too.
You see, not showing my whole hand to you earlier is one of my biggest regrets so far. The connection we share is one of the most incredible things I've experienced in my lifetime. Our night together is one of my favorite memories forever.
That night, all our talks, kisses, and touches.
Everything basically.
Damn, girl, you make my broken heart beat so fast I think it might be coming out of my chest soon. It might too if I'm not able to see you soon. It'll be knocking on your door asking where you are. Please hurry up and get back to me before that happens.
I beg you, Mags.
Being with you was like everything fell into place for the first time. It was something magical. That's why I'm beyond upset that I can't see you more.
Our little moment in the hospital just earlier today makes me want to cry for the first time in five years too.
I feel so hurt that it hurts even more.
Does that make any sense to you?
And then I saw you in that hospital bed looking like I needed a gallon of super glue to fix you up again.
Maggie, that moment goes to my top ten list of the moments I'll never be able to forget, even if I want to. I just needed to hold and love you that moment. I didn’t even get a chance for that.
How fucked up is that?!
Oh yeah. I mentioned the big L-word.
Love.
