Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T AFRAID TO STAY
Norah and Elliot grew closer.
Slowly.
Carefully.
They spent evenings at the theater.
Worked on renovation plans.
Shared meals.
Talked about music.
Books.
Architecture.
Elliot told her about his childhood.
The loneliness.
The sensory overload.
The pressure to behave like Enzo.
Norah told him about her own life.
Her father's illness.
The years she spent helping support her family.
The dreams she'd postponed.
One evening, Elliot asked:
“Why did you become a waitress?”
Norah smiled sadly.
“Because bills don't wait for dreams.”
“What was the dream?”
She looked toward the stage.
“Community arts.”
Elliot nodded.
“You'd be good at it.”
She laughed.
“You don't know that.”
“Yes, I do.”
“How?”
He looked at her.
“Because you notice people.”
Norah felt her cheeks warm.
Elliot continued.
“You noticed me.”
She smiled.
“I'm glad I did.”
For a moment, they sat quietly.
Then Elliot asked:
“May I kiss you?”
Norah's heart raced.
She nodded.
“Yes.”
He leaned closer.
The kiss was gentle.
Unhurried.
And when they pulled apart, Elliot smiled.
A real smile.
Norah realized she was falling in love.
Not with the Russo name.
May you like
Not with the money.
But with the man who had spent his life being underestimated and was finally learning to take up space.
