Eira
Did you finally find that rich art gallery owner you mentioned?
Lucas
Not exactly. The stable wants some kids books made up about basic horse care.
Less thrilling than drawing me naked, I’m sure. But one commission closer to full-time illustrating.
Eira
Yes, please. You don’t know how badly I needed that kind of good news today
Sending her a lengthy chain of heart emojis, my own falls heavy into my gut. I hate knowing she’s having a hard day and, even though we’ll talk on the phone tonight, I can’t be there to pour her a glass of bourbon and run her a hot bath. I can’t be there.
Fuck, I hate that.
The house is dark and desolate when I pull my truck into the driveway. A light on in the cabin catches my eye, and I let out an involuntary huff when the car parked outside clearly isn’t Eira’s. It never is, but I can’t help myself from feeling a tiny speck of hope every time. Holly’s secured a fair number of bookings, and as annoyed as I am about occasionally having to help with the wood stove or get a car without proper tires unstuck from the end of the driveway, the income’s chipping away at the weight on my shoulders. If she’s right, it’ll be even busier during the spring and summer months, and I won’t need to stress about feeding animals next winter regardless of the hay supply.
A small black cat sits in the big living room window, and she stretches her front paws along the windowsill when she sees me coming up the steps. A resounding, “you’re late” meow blares through the quiet home before I’ve even had the chance to take off my shoes. Then suddenly she’s purring and circling my feet.
“Oh, bullshit. You’re sucking up because I’m late feeding you dinner.”
Another meow. Sassier.
It’s a challenge to walk to the kitchen without tripping over her, since she insists on weaving between my legs. In a past life, she might’ve been a herding dog.
“Cool your jets. You and I both know you won’t touch the kibble if I don’t add that foul wet stuff first. If I fall and break my wrist, you’ll be fucked since you lack the ability to use a can opener.”
Her meows grow louder with every passing second, and I shoot a glare at her, taking my sweet fucking time dishing upthe grub. When the bowl clangs on the floor, the devil cat nearly takes my hand off to get at it. I gave her extra wet food tonight, knowing she’s one to hold a grudge about me getting home late.
I grab my phone and lean against the counter. Gnawing my cheek, I stare at my realtor’s contact profile, debating throwing all this away to chase after her. Given my tendency to throw caution to the wind and fly by the seat of my pants, I’m probably the only person who would be surprised by me suddenly uprooting my life.
I’ve never changed my life plans—or made new ones—because of a woman. But I’ve said before that I’d bet the farm on Eira Davies. And now I’m prepared to make good on that. I just need to figure everything out discreetly before I say a word to her, because making a promise as big as this one will absolutely break her heart if it doesn’t work out.
Lucas
Miss you
Eira
Not as much as I miss you
Lucas
How much do you miss me?
Eira
My neighbours are probably getting real sick of hearing me moan your name
Lucas
What I wouldn’t give to be your neighbour.
Eira
Maybe I should book a weekend at the cabin and we can roleplay?
