Acts of Desperation(38)

“Why do you still keep a picture of her in that book?” I asked, breaking the silence.

He thought for a moment then chuckled. “I used to tease her about it all the time. She’d read it over and over and over. I don’t know why she liked it so much, but she always said it was her favorite.”

“Did you ever read it?” I asked.

“No.”

“Never?” I asked.

“Never. It reminds me of her and it didn’t feel right to get rid of it. I don’t even know what it’s about.”

I laughed and shook my head. “It’s about a girl who’s battling depression while struggling to become a writer. It’s kind of sad but hopeful in the end. I haven’t read it since high school, but I remember liking it.”

“Huh, I guess that makes sense. She always said she wanted to be a writer,” he said.

“You never asked her why she always read it?” I lightly slapped his chest.

“I was twenty. What twenty year old guy talks about books?” He chuckled then lay quietly. “I’m sure she would have been a great writer though.” His voice had grown solemn.

I sighed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“No, it’s ok. It feels good to talk about her.” He reached down and covered us in layers of his soft bedding. “Did…” He breathed deeply. “Did he ever hit you?” he asked.

“John?” I shook my head. “No, nothing ever like that. He was a little possessive, but, looking back, I was blind to a lot of things.” I closed my eyes and listened to the lullaby drumming in his chest. I sighed as he began gently stroking my hair. “Hmmm…that’s nice,” I purred.

“Tired?” he whispered, but then I fell asleep.

I woke up to the smell of maple bacon and coffee. I peeled my stiff body out of bed and borrowed his tooth brush to brush my teeth. I knotted my hair into a messy bun, my scalp giving me a harsh reminder of yesterday’s attack. Then, I went into his closet and grabbed one of his oversized t-shirts. My nose led me down into the kitchen.

“That smells good,” I said.

He smiled at me then grabbed a mug and filled it with coffee. He put it down in front of me and gave me a quick kiss. “Morning, I like your outfit,” he said with a grin. “The food should be finished in a few minutes. Hungry?”

My stomach responded with a loud growl. “Very,” I said, sliding onto one of the stools opposite the island.

He laughed. “Sounds like it.” He turned back to the bacon crackling in the skillet. “So I was thinking, why don’t we get away for a bit?”

“What?” I said, sipping my coffee.

“Let’s go somewhere…a little getaway. Just you and me. What do you think?”

“Sounds appealing, but I have a couple case conferences lined up this week,” I said.

“You can get someone to cover those. Go in tomorrow and clear your week, I’ll set up the rest.” I watched him in his loose athletic shorts and, I guessed, a vintage t-shirt based off the fraying collar while he flipped the bacon with a fork. Grease splatter all over the counter and up into the stainless steel fume hood above the range. He was too cute and seeing this little glimpse into his domestic side made me smile.

After we ate his simple yet satisfying breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast, he asked, “So what do you have to do today?”

“I should go home and help Liz with the door. And, as much as I’d like to avoid it, I need to tell my parents what happened. You?” I asked.

He picked up our plates and took them to the sink. “I have a little work to take care of,” he said.

“On the weekend? Don’t you ever take a break?” I asked.

“Why do you think I’m the best, baby?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Well, then I should get going. I’m not sure if there’s going to be much room for me here with you…and your big head.” I grinned and padded back up to the bedroom.

“Uh eh, you can’t just say something like that and think you can run away.” He shut the water off to the sink.

“Sure I can…because I am. It’s not like there’s anybody stopping me.” I laughed and picked up my pace, smiling at him over my shoulder.

He chased after me, and I giggled all the way to the top of the stairs until he caught me and spun me around.

“Wanna take a shower before you go?” he asked through kisses.

“I probably should, I’m pretty dirty,” I said, smiling against his velvet lips.

After a nice long, hot shower, I gathered up my things and headed home. When I got to the back door, I saw Liz had cardboard in place, covering the broken pane.

“Hello,” I called.

“Up here! Just got out of the shower.”

I went up to Liz’s room and waited on her overstuffed, goose down bed.

“I take it your evening went well,” Liz said, stepping out of the bathroom in her fluffy pink robe and with her head wrapped in a towel. “You gonna spill it or what?”

“He loves me.” I smiled wide.

“Of course he does dawling, what’s not to love? I told you you’d find him. I’m really happy for you Sem,” she said.

“Thanks.”