“Hey handsome. What are you doing? Why aren’t you sleeping?” It was first thing Saturday morning in London, so he was up late.
“I will in a bit. I just need to finish off sending some emails.”
“Sounds like a wild Friday night you’ve got going on there, Mr. Scott.”
He chuckled on the other end of the phone.
“What are you doing? Are you out with Leah tonight?”
“I’m shopping and then I’m hoping for an early night.”
“I’m going to take you to bed early every night when you get here.”
“Is that a promise?”
“It’s a guarantee.”
“I’ll hold you to it. What are you up to tomorrow? Do you have plans?” I’d not even told Mandy I was coming, so Ethan could be out for the day when I arrived at around noon his time Saturday.
“Work. I’ll go for a run. Then I thought I might call the realtor.”
“Realtor?”
“Estate agent, whatever you call it. To see what the market’s like. In case you decide you want to move.”
“I love your place Ethan.”
“Our place. I want us to live in our place. You’re not a houseguest. I ordered you a credit card as well.”
“You did not.”
“I did. What’s mine is yours.”
“I’ll take your penis—that’s all I need.”
“You’re sick.”
“You love me.”
“I do. Can I call you tomorrow? I need to finish this and then sleep.”
“Of course. I love you.”
“I love you.”
I hung up, grinning like a fool.
My smile didn’t fade once on my journey across the Atlantic. I would be back soon enough, to pack up and say my goodbyes but for now, I was headed toward my future.
Even the glum taxi driver who smelled of fried chicken and looked like he hadn’t washed his hair since 1987 couldn’t dampen my mood. He hauled my case onto the pavement, or sidewalk as I would have to get used to calling it—and didn’t offer me any change. Whatever. I was here and I was grateful.
Ethan
It was coming up to lunchtime and I was still going through emails. I’d managed a run and a shower, but apart from that it had been all about work for me. When Anna got here, I wanted to make sure I had enough time for her, especially in her first few weeks. I hoped work calmed down a bit.
My phone started to buzz and my girl’s picture flashed up.
“Hey, beautiful,” I answered.
“Hey, yourself. How was your morning?”
“Crap. All about work. How was shopping. Did you buy anything? Hang-on someone’s banging on my door. Jesus, is the doorman asleep? Who the fuck is bothering me?”
I swung the door open and my jaw hit the fucking floor when Anna looked back at me. “Hey, if I’m carrying bagels and coffee am I still technically bothering you?”
“What the fuck?” I grabbed her and put my arms around her.
“Can I put this coffee down so I can hug you properly?” she mumbled into my chest.
I released her and she handed me the coffee as she started to maneuver two huge suitcases from the hallway.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I heard you needed a houseguest?”
“Anna,” I warned her.
“Well, I thought we agreed I’d move in, so I’m moving in.”
“You’re moving in?”
“Yup.”
“Now?”
“Unless you’d prefer me to get a hotel?”
I realized I was standing in the doorway. “Let me get those,” I said, passing her the coffee back so I could get her bags.
“Are you here for good? Have you finished work?” I asked as I pulled the two concrete laden suitcases into the apartment.
“Yes, I finished yesterday. Paul told me on Tuesday. It’s been killing me not telling you, but I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“I can’t think of a better one. But I wish I’d known. I could have planned something.”
“Like what? A ‘Welcome to New York’ banner?”
I raised my eyebrow at her and hoisted her over my shoulder and carried her into the bedroom as she squealed. I threw her back onto the bed and pinned her arms to the bed.
“I’ve missed you,” I said looking at her.
“I’ve not been gone a week.”
“I’ve still missed you. I’m sorry I was grouchy when you left..” It was all fine now. I hadn’t quite got up the nerve to take the ring back. Maybe I’d send Rory. But I understood now that her marrying me wouldn’t change her commitment to me and our life together.
“I’m glad,” she said. “Can we take a shower? I feel yucky after the flight.”