He cups my face in his hand and tilts it up so we’re gazing into each others’ eyes. Then he kisses me with such depth of feeling, it brings fresh tears to my eyes. I break away first because I can barely stand how much it hurts, and hide my face in his chest.
We stay like that, locked in each other’s arms, until I fall asleep to the sound of his deep, even breathing.
In the morning, he’s gone again. Once again, fresh sweet peas sit in a glass of water beside my bed. But this time, there’s something else. A haiku, handwritten and left on my pillow.
Isn’t it simple?
Whatever we are, or not,
There is only you.
I read it over and over, my eyes filling with water. Then I tuck the poem carefully in my wedding album and pick up the phone to call Suzanne.
It’s time I find out where Theo lives.
23
“Well, well, if it isn’t Usain Bolt,” says Suzanne drily when she hears my voice.
“Hi, Suzanne.”
“That was a world-class sprint you made out of church, girlfriend. You training for the Olympics?”
“Yeah, my bad. I’m sorry. But in my defense, I told you I wasn’t a big fan.”
She snorts. “Had I known not being a fan meant you’d start cackling like a psychopath and burn rubber the second the poor pastor started talking, I’d never have brought you!”
I knew I’d have to eat some crow, so I apologize again, hoping to unruffle some of Suzanne’s highly ruffled feathers. “You’re right, I was completely out of line. It was disrespectful and uncalled for. I’m really sorry.”
“What you should be sorry for is all the gossip you started. Now everyone thinks you’re a nutcase!”
“Everyone is right.”
Suzanne doesn’t even pause to draw a breath before she answers, her voice dismissive.
“Oh, please, honey, you’re not crazy. Besides, if you were, you wouldn’t think so. The truly insane think they’re completely normal and we’re all off our rockers. Trust me, my uncle Roy was locked up in the loony bin because he was such a nutter. Screaming bloody murder about government surveillance and spiders coming out of his skin. Compared to him, you’re a shining example of sanity.”
I start to laugh. “That makes me feel so much better. As long as I’m not as nuts as Uncle Roy, I’ve still got a chance.”
“Exactly. Everything’s relative, babe.” Her voice sours. “Now here’s the part where you apologize for not calling me back for almost an entire week after I left you a bazillion messages.”
I adopt a solemn tone and try to sound as contrite as possible. “I’m sorry about that too. I’m very, truly, sincerely, utterly, and completely sorry—”
“Oh, for God’s sake, stop talking,” she interrupts crossly. “I accept your terrible apologies.” She sighs and changes the subject. “Have you eaten yet? I was thinking of doing brunch at Booger’s.”
“Actually, I was planning on running some errands. And, um…I wanted to ask you where someone lives.”
“Someone?” she repeats, laughing. “Gee, I wonder who it could be?”
“Please don’t bust my balls.”
“Sorry, that’s what ballbusters do. Have you heard from Theo since we last talked?”
When I don’t respond fast enough, Suzanne shrieks. “Wait—have you slept with him?”
It’s my turn to sound cross. “Why does your brain go right there? Seriously, you’re like a fifteen-year-old boy.”
“You did,” she says, a thrill in her voice. “Sweet baby Jesus in heaven, tell me everything!”
“No,” I say emphatically. “I will not.”
“Killjoy,” she mutters. Then, brightly, “Okay, how about this one thing—”
“I won’t tell you anything to do with his prowess in bed or the size of his penis.”
“What kind of a girlfriend are you? And who says ‘penis’? You sound like a doctor.”
“Can we please get back on topic?”
“Oh, you mean the topic of Theo’s home address?” she drawls. “That you don’t have but I do? That you would like me to give you? Without any reciprocity whatsoever?”
I huff out a breath. “Fine. I’ll tell you one thing.” When she squeals happily, I shake my head in disbelief. “Okay, let me think.” I close my eyes, trying to recall something that isn’t too revealing but will satisfy Suzanne’s horny streak. Instantly, I’m lost in memories of Theo’s eloquent eyes, his strong, possessive hands, his incredible intensity.