A Different Kind of Forever(58)

“Sharon did?”

“Um huh.”

“And you said?”

“I said we had tons in common.”

“That’s true.”

“Um huh. Then Sharon said I was in love,” she murmured.

He held his breath. “And you said?”

“I said maybe,” she breathed, as she fell asleep, and he lay next to her, staring into the darkness.

She awoke once, near dawn, and went into the bathroom for more aspirin. When she climbed into bed, he opened one eye.

“Drink more juice,” he said.

She nodded as she slid back to sleep, “I did.” When she awoke again, the sun was shining weakly and she was alone. She looked at the clock. It was after ten. She lay still, her head barely throbbing. Good. She got up and went into the bathroom. She stood under the shower until the last of the headache was gone. She stepped out of the shower, dried herself off, and put on gym shorts and a tee shirt. As she went into the hall, Michael called from the kitchen.

“Get back in bed. It’s too wet to sit outside. It rained all morning while you were still asleep. I’ll be right in.”

She climbed back into the bed, plumping the pillows behind her. Michael appeared with a tray, laden with coffee cups, muffins, and the morning paper.

“Oh, God, look at this.” Diane watched as he set the tray in the center of the bed. She grabbed a mug and sipped coffee gratefully. “This is so delicious. And I need this so badly, you have no idea. And muffins? You went out to the bakery in the rain? You are an angel. Really.”

He carefully got into bed beside her. “So, how are you? How’s the head?”

She reached for a muffin. “So far, so good. I think you saved my life last night with the juice. I feel almost normal. Thank you so much.” She broke apart a muffin and glanced up to find him watching her.

“You were celebrating rhizomes?” He asked.

She laughed softly. “We were sure as hell celebrating something,” she said ruefully. “God knows what I said last night. Half I don’t remember, and the other half was a crock of shit. But I did have a good time, I remember that.” She chewed her muffin and sipped more coffee. When she glanced at him again, he was very still, gazing at her thoughtfully.

He leaned forward. “Do you remember what you said to me last night? About being in love?”

The blood rushed to her face. She could not look at him. She nodded. “Yes,” she whispered. “I remember. Oh, Michael, I wish I were sure.”

“I have never felt more positive about anything in my whole life.”

She looked at him then. “What?”

“I’m in love with you.”

She caught her breath.

“I’m in love with you,” he said again. “I think I have been from that very first day. There hasn’t been a moment in months that I haven’t thought about you, wanted to be with you. You are the sweetest, truest, best thing I have ever found, and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you.”

“Oh,” she whispered, as she broke into a smile. She felt a rush of happiness. She stared down into her coffee, then back up at Michael. He had a half smile on his face.

“I’m overwhelmed.” She put the mug back on the tray. She was still smiling, feeling young and silly and happy. “Michael, I just – oh, my.” She reached out and grabbed him, pulling him toward her, kissing him, small, excited kisses on his lips and face. She was half laughing, and he took her by the shoulders, kissing her deeply.

She stopped laughing. “I don’t know, Michael. I think I am in love with you. But I’m not sure.” She stroked his cheek. “Is that going to be enough for you?”

“Are you kidding? It’s fine, it’s great.” His eyes were bright. “I’ll take it.” He kissed her again, and she sank into the pillows.

“I need to celebrate again,” she whispered.

“Again?”

“Long story. Move the tray. Kiss me again.”

He did.



The next week she stopped by her house and there was a message from Sharon for her to call.

“I need new toes,” Sharon complained. “Let’s get a pedicure and have lunch. I haven’t seen you in days.”

Diane looked at her feet. “Good idea. Actually, I think I need a total tune up. How about TonyO’s?”