One Wish

Cupping my hand over his, I say, “Always.”

“I’m guessing my father didn’t like you questioning his integrity.”

I think back to the shocking news he blew without even realizing it. I could hazard a guess as to why Eli’s dad chose to sleep with Kendra, but what excuse does Kendra have? It just adds to the long list of shallow, underhanded moves she’s pulled over the years. It’s plainly obvious to me now that Kendra doesn’t have an ounce of love for anyone. I can’t even believe she has an ounce of love for herself, either. Just like Gregory, I pity her. And just like Gregory, she will die without the love of Eli by her side.

Such a waste.

“No, he didn’t like me questioning his integrity one bit, but it had to be said. I did think I was wasting my time with him, but despite everything, I could tell he has love for you. He just has a funny way of showing it.”

I also think he may have regretted his decision to sleep with Kendra. I could see the rigidness in his body and the pain in his eyes as he let that piece of information out. Through his rage, he made a terrible and stupid decision. And Eli never deserved any of this. I think… I hope, that Gregory realizes this now. It’s just a little too late. I just hope he manages to somehow swallow his pride over the coming days or weeks and reaches out to his son. He has a lot of amending to do.

“That’s my dad all over, though. He gets angry at Mom for things, but I can see in his eyes that he still loves her.”

Through all that’s been said, I didn’t even think about the impact this would have on Sophie. Has Gregory cheated on her before, or was it just Kendra he allowed in for that cowardly moment of revenge? Despite what she thinks of me, and the fact that she has never stuck up for her son, I feel bad for her. I also feel bad that I coerced Eli into this only for him to be turned away from his dad… yet again.

“I’m sorry I made you do this… for nothing.”

“Hey,” he replies, cupping my chin between his thumb and forefinger, capturing my attention with his deep-set green eyes. “You never made me do anything. If I really didn’t want to do it, then I would have said so. I knew you were right. I don’t think I would ever forgive myself if I never had tried. At least I can say I offered him an olive branch. If he wants to take it at some point, then great, but I’m not going to spend the rest of my life feeling guilty.”

I smile softly back at him. “I’m glad to hear that.”

And I really am. After Gregory’s revelation, he doesn’t deserve anything more. I’m going to keep his and Kendra’s indiscretion a secret as I believe there is no reason to upset Eli even further. He has enough on his mind to deal with as it is. Couple that with the fact that Gregory is dying and his mother will be left a widow. There is no good reason to tarnish her memories with the information I have. No good reason at all.

Just like I hope Gregory will, I shall take it to the grave.

I just hope that it isn’t sooner than I want it to be.