My eyes go wide, and I pull back slightly at his confession. "Not good enough for me? Don't be ridiculous. You’re more than enough."
He shrugs shyly. "I know the type of guys you've dated. The money, well-known name, extravagant dates. But all I can offer you is my love."
I tilt my head and flash him a small smile. "You are definitely not the kind of guys I’ve dated in the past, and I’m grateful for that. I've never felt this way about anyone before, which isn’t something I'm used to. It's different with you. Most men just want to use me to get to my parents. Status and materials don't matter to you, and when it comes to who I want, it doesn't matter to me either. You've loved me in ways I've never been loved before. It can't be faked or bought, and I hope you know that because I don't want to lose you."
"Lose me? You'll need to put a restraining order on me to leave you alone," he says with a chuckle.
I sigh, hoping he’s right. "When all of this is over, and we go back to the real world, things will change. I know that, and I'm trying to prepare myself for it. Some people don't want to be in the spotlight, and I don't want the added attention to ruin what we have. It scares the shit out of me, Eli. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I'm scared of losing you and everything we’ve built. I keep telling myself it's all too good to be true, and I don't know what I did to deserve you." I can feel my emotions bubbling, but I need him to know what’s burning inside me.
"Cami," Eli whispers my name. "I've known you for a long time. I've been best friends with your brother since we were kids. I understand what you and your family go through, and I'll be there by your side, no matter what happens. I promise you with everything I am. It’ll take much more than some paparazzi and gossip stories to ruin what we have. And if we go out of town, I could always hide you in the trunk of a car when we leave for the weekends just like Taylor Swift does."
I snort and laugh. "Yeah, I heard that rumor too. She was wheeled out in a suitcase and loaded in the back of a car to avoid the photographers. It's clever actually, and I wish I would've thought of it. Kendall suggested it one time, too."
"Of course she did." He shakes his head and picks up his fork. "I’ve waited this long, and I'm not giving up being with you for anything or anyone. Love you, baby."
"Love you more. You're mine forever, Eli."
"Forever and ever," he echoes. "I promise."
I let out a relaxed breath, and we finish eating. After we’re done, I go into the living room to call my mom while Eli cleans up the kitchen. She answers, and I can tell she's in a pleasant mood by her wide grin.
"Cameron! So happy you called. Eleanor was just putting on some morning tea for me, and your father is outside playing golf on the mini green he had installed a few weeks ago," she says. She's well put together with her hair perfectly done, pearl earrings, and a diamond necklace. I wouldn't be surprised if she's wearing pantyhose as well because my mother dresses up like she's hosting a tea party every day. She’s weirder than those who quarantine in jeans.
Eleanor is one of the maids who helps around the house, and it worries me that my mother has still allowed her workers to come and go. They could easily afford to pay her time off.
She clears her throat, bringing the attention back to her. "I was thinking about you this morning. I miss you dearly, sweetie. I wish you'd come home and see your father and me soon."
"Mom, I know. I miss you too, but I have no desire to set foot in the city right now. I talk to Ryan as much as I can, and it doesn't sound like things will let up soon."
"Honey, we're past the curve. That hunky governor said things are better. I'm sure life will get back to normal soon."
I roll my eyes, but she doesn't notice. He never said that. The fact that our political views don’t always align can be frustrating, but I learned a long time ago to keep my mouth shut to avoid a family feud. "It won't, Mom. It may take years."
"We’ll see," she says in her typical patronizing tone. I watch as she reaches for her tea that's being served on fine china. She even holds out her pinky when she sips, and I almost laugh, but hold back. "So, how's Eli? Where is he?"
I snort. "I swear you have a crush on him, Mother."
As if he was summoned, Eli comes from the kitchen and leans over the back of the couch. "Hey, Mama C! You're looking so gorgeous today," he says in an overly flirty voice.
I turn and shake my head at him. "Why, thank you, Eli. How have you been feeling?"
He takes the phone from my hand, laughing, and chats with my mom. I swear she loves talking to him more than me. I even hear her giggle, and the way he charms her has me chuckling. Popping up off the couch, I walk toward him, and he has the camera turned around facing Bruno, showing Mom how big and well-mannered he is. I shake my head. "He doesn't know how to listen," I whisper-hiss.
As soon as I do, Bruno jumps up on me. He's so heavy he nearly knocks me over, then he starts licking me to death. "Aw, sweetie. I wish you treated Coco like that. You never were much of a dog person."
Bruno is relentless, and once I push him down, I lean over and pet his head. I motion for Eli to give me the cell so we can end this conversation.
"Okay, well, I'll give the phone back to Cami. Chat soon. Bye!" Eli flashes a cheesy grin, then hands it over to me with a cocky smirk.
"He's such a nice young man. So charming and handsome. I love what he does with his hair. Perfect for you, dear," Mom gushes, and I swear I catch her blushing.
"I'm so glad you approve," I deadpan, and Eli does a little dance on the other side of the screen, completely distracting me. His fingers play on the edge of his jogging pants, and he slides them down just a tad lower, and my cheeks burn. I don't even know what my mom is saying because I stopped paying attention.
"Don't you agree, Cameron?"
I try to ignore him the best I can. "I'm sorry, what was that?" I ask, clearing my throat.
"I was saying how disappointed and upset I am that I won't get to see my little girl walk across the stage to receive her diploma," she repeats. “After all the money we spent for you to go there,” she mumbles, and I suck in a long breath, reminding myself not to engage.
Nodding, I give her a forced smile. "I know. Me too."
"Well, hopefully it’ll make graduate school that much sweeter for you," she says.
"Yes. It’ll be extra special when I finally walk across the stage." In two more years.
Thankfully, Mom changes the subject and chats about Ryan and praises all the good work he's been doing. Then she mentions the hefty donations they gave in his name, but I don’t tell her what he told me about not wanting people to know. She voices her concerns but, in the same breath, downplays the situation, which is one reason I get so frustrated speaking with her. I love my mother, but sometimes, she pushes my buttons, even if she's not trying. For decades, she's been living in her own little elite world where money can buy anything and problems don't exist, so during a pandemic is no different. Instead of going back and forth with her, I ignore it and discuss the weather and Chanel.