Match Point

Chapter 31: Heads Will Roll

Heads will roll

On the floor

Looking glass

Take the past

Shut your eyes Realize

- "Heads Will Roll," by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

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Lettie

"Angel," my mum said as I waited with my parents in line for food. "I know there... you have so much going on, but it's nice to see you so happy with Alex, and I'm glad you have someone like him with you through all of it," she smiled, rubbing my back.

I nod. I'm exhausted from the whole situation, but having Alex, his band, Kiara, Landon, Niamh, and Miles's support has been so reassuring. "Thanks, Mum."

"You know you can call us too; we promise to take your lead with everything, too."

"I know, and I appreciate you both so much," I said, leaning into her touch and gently putting my head on her shoulder. "I guess it's been trying to figure out how to balance a relationship with someone that is very private yet so public. Then, pile everything on top of it with my store and Simon..."

"I know you're not going through it alone, as you also have Kiara, Landon, and Niamh... and I know your first instinct as an adult wouldn't be to come to your parents, but we still worry about you. You're our baby," my dad chimed in, putting his arm across my mother and myself as we moved up in line.

"I know... I guess I still worry you'll be mad at me," I laugh, stepping out from my mother's hold to look at them both. "Like you'll question my decisions. Closing the shop that you were skeptical about me buying and opening at first, going to work despite everything... I just don't want to disappoint you both."

My parents looked at each other. "Titia, we are still your parents and worry, but you've always been right about what you choose to do. I'm glad you have such amazing friends, and Alex is with you through it all," my dad said. His calling me Titia made me emotional.

I was named after my dad's sister, Laetitia, who passed away before I was born. My aunt, Titia, which she was called the most. She got that nickname because my dad when he was a baby, couldn't say her name correctly. My aunt Titia was also best friends with my mother. It wasn't often my dad called me Titia, but when he did, I knew he was serious.

"He'll be away again soon. I'm going to spend my birthday with him, and I'll be with him for a few days since it's also our anniversary. But between then and after that, I promise you'll want to stop hearing from me," I laughed, tilting my head back to stop the tears from falling after my dad called me Titia.

"When can we come to the new house?"

"We want to have you over to the house once it's unpacked. Maybe in the next week or so, but even if it's not all the way there, you should come by. I'll triple-check Alex's schedule, too."

We moved up so that my parents could order their food. Once they ordered, we stepped to the side of the queue and looked for a table. My dad saw some people get up and jog to steal their table. I walked over with my mother in tow and sat down.

"What was Miles trying to get at with that whole marriage thing? Is he thinking of proposing to Niamh?"

"Of course, he wants to marry Niamh," my dad says, sounding almost proud.