I Don't Forgive You

Four

November 3rd 2022

I finally managed to finish my book, it took me longer than I was expecting because it's apparently much harder than you think to get someone to publish a book. I even sent the book to what felt like every publisher in the world. Probably an exaggeration but it was definitely over a hundred. No one was willing to publish it, so My Mamans best friend Lilah actually suggested getting a few copies printed and finding a local bookstore to sell it.

Lilah's plan actually worked. I got roughly 100 copies printed and managed to convince a local book store called 'Claude's Librairie' to sell it, in return I help out in the store some days. I've sold roughly half of the printed copies, my Maman and Lilah also sell a few in the bakery and florist.

I even let my Maman read the book and surprisingly she never mentioned Lyle once, to say it was a huge relief is an understatement. Obviously I never used real names in the book but the names Ryle and Lyra aren't exactly a huge leap from the truth.

Today I'm picking Delilah up from my Mamans bakery and taking her to the beach, she's 4 now and since the first time I took her to the beach when she was just 1 year old I haven't been able to keep her from it. "Momie can we go to the store for snacks first" this was a regular question from Delilah before any beach trip. Always hungry. "Of course we can belle fille, try not to run off though." I reply as she runs into the store. That girl never listens to me.

"But I wanted those cookies!" I hear Delilah shout from the next aisle over. I quickly make my way to her, the poor stranger doesn't stand a chance against her. Delilah always gets her way, not because she's spoilt, she's just very persuasive. "Hey belle fille, you can't just snatch cookies from strangers, we can get some next time." I haven't even noticed the stranger that Delilah snatched them from, I'm too embarrassed at the behaviour of my daughter. Although in her defence  she gets it from me.

"Don't be silly, what's your name Cherie?" The man asks, crouching to Delilah's level. I quickly look up to the man, his voice it's strong but calming at the same time. "I'm Delilah, but you can call me mini Ly after my Momie." Her infectious smile appearing as the man hands her the cookies she was so desperate for.

"I'm so sorry, let me give you something for the cookies?" I can't help but notice how tall and handsome this man is, he's got to be nearly 6 foot with the way he towers over me. "Ne sois pas bête belle, ta fille est adorable." I can't help but stare at him, he's gorgeous, but also because I have no clue what he just said, my French is still rusty, even after 5 years of living here. "Sorry I don't understand, my French is not so.... Bien." I reply with a giggle. "I said it's no problem beautiful, your daughter is sweet." He replies with the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. I cant help but blush at him calling me beautiful, I've had plenty of compliments before but from this man. WOW.

I hope he doesn't notice the rosy colour my cheeks have gone, I have to look down at Delilah to try hide it. "Merci, but we better get going, Delilah here is eager for her beach day." I grab Delilah's hand, ready to make our way to the counter so we can pay but as I turn around the man quickly responds. "It was lovely to meet you both, oh and if you need some French lessons I would be happy to teach you." And then he winked at me. He WINKED at me. God this man sends chills up my spine but in a 'please take me to bed and do bad things' kinda way.

I was too busy blushing to respond as Delilah was eagerly pulling me away so we could finally get to the beach. Until I fell. Flat on my ass. "Oh no Momie, are you okay?" I wanted to scream out in pain, but I didn't want to scare Delilah. I must have tripped over myself as Delilah was pulling at my sweater, I've always been a bit clumsy. "I'm okay belle fille, my ankle just hurts a bit." I reply as I reach for her hand to give it a comforting squeeze.