Next week we have to stay for an extra day in Sydney, because Friday I’ll be having another scan and some blood work to see how successful the treatment has been. My headaches have practically ceased, so I’m confident we’re going to get good results. Well, I pray we do.
Things have been different between Carter and I this week. He’s really stepped back, which makes me feel so much better. He still fusses over me like a mother hen, but he seems a lot more relaxed. I’ve had a pretty good week as far as the side effects go. I still feel dreadful, but my nausea isn’t as bad so I’ve been able to keep most of my food down.
Mid-Saturday morning, Carter asked me to be showered, dressed, and ready by lunchtime. I didn’t ask why, I just presumed we were going out to eat. We do that often when I’m feeling okay.
I’m wearing a new pair of jeans and a nice top when he comes upstairs just after midday. I bought some new clothes last week because I’ve lost a few kilos since treatment started. Most of my clothes I can still wear, although they’re a little big on me now, but my jeans? No. I like them to be fitted.
“Grab your purse,” he says when he enters the apartment. “I’m taking an extended lunch break.”
“Where are we going?” I ask when he gives me a mischievous smile. He’s up to something, I can tell.
“The Day Spa.”
“What?”
“You said you didn’t want to go alone, so I’m going with you.” I can’t help it. I start laughing. Carter Reynolds at a day spa. This I gotta see.
“I thought you said a Mani/Pedi wasn’t your thing.”
“It’s not, but I want this for you, so I’m prepared to hand them my balls at the door. Don’t worry, I’ll collect them on my way out.” We’re both laughing as we walk down the stairs, heading for the car.
After parking down the street from the Day Spa, he walks around to my side to open my door. I’m still shocked that he’s actually here with me. I love that he would go to any lengths to make me happy.
While Carter closes my door and locks the car, I stand on the sidewalk and tilt my head back letting the sun’s rays hit my face, making my skin prickle. Although we’re in the middle of winter, it’s a beautiful sunny day. I feel my lips curve up after I inhale a large breath, taking the fresh air into my lungs. When I open my eyes, I find Carter staring down at me, with a sweet smile on his face.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yeah. Just enjoying being outside.”
“It’s good to see,” is all he says, leaning down to kiss the top of my head.
Lacing his fingers through mine, we make our way down the street. I can’t tell you how good it feels to be out in the fresh air and sunshine again. I’ve been cooped up in that apartment way too much lately. A simple thing like being outdoors, was something I once took for granted. Not anymore. It’s funny how you realise just how important the little things are once they’ve been taken away from you.
“You sure you want to do this?” I ask.
“Positive,” he answers. “You need this, babe.”
“Have I told you how much I love you today?”
“Yes, but I’ll never get tired of hearing it,” he admits as he pulls our linked hands up towards his face and places a kiss on my fingers. “So feel free to tell me again.”
Carter pushes open the door of the spa, moving to the side so I can enter. I only make it a few steps before I’m stopped in my tracks. Tears instantly rise to my eyes. Oh. My. Fucking. God. Turning my head to look up at Carter, I find him gazing down at me with the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. “Surprise,” he says. Surprise is an understatement. I can’t believe he would do this for me.
Tears are now streaming down my cheeks as she rises from her seat in the foyer, closing the distance between us before engulfing me in her arms. I’m so overwhelmed. “Meg,” I whisper as I wrap my arms around her waist and squeeze her tight. I can’t believe she’s actually here in the flesh.
“I fucking missed you,” she cries, tightening her hold on me.
“I’ve missed you too. Like you wouldn’t believe.” I’m so overcome with joy right now.
She pulls back to make eye contact with me. Even though we’re both crying, we have huge smiles on our faces. She hugs me to her once more. We hold each other for the longest time. I don’t want to let her go.
Eventually, she takes a step back before reaching up and pinching my arm. “Ouch,” I say, frowning at her. “What was that for?”
“I can’t believe you’ve been sick and you didn’t tell me, bitch.” I can clearly hear the hurt in her voice.