She bit her lip, her eyes getting a little shiny. "It's just a hoodie, Luke."
"It's not just a hoodie." I sat down beside her on the bed, taking her hand. "It smells like you. And when I'm in LA missing you at three in the morning, I'm going to put this on and pretend you're there."
"You're going to make me cry before you even leave."
"Sorry." I kissed her knuckles. "But it's true."
She leaned back on her hands, watching me fold another shirt with what I'm sure was terrible technique.
"You're doing it wrong," she observed.
"There's a wrong way to fold a shirt?"
"You're creating wrinkles. Future Luke is going to be very disappointed in Present Luke's folding skills."
"Future Luke will have a maid who knows how to iron."
"Future Luke sounds lazy."
I looked over at her. The afternoon light streaming through the windows catching in her hair, the easy smile on her face, the way she looked completely at home here in my space, and for a moment, I just had to stop and appreciate her.
"What?" she asked, catching me staring.
"Nothing. Just... I'm going to miss this."
Her smile softened. "Miss my superior folding critiques?"
"Among other things." I sat down beside her on the bed. "Your terrible coffee. Your off-key humming."
"I donothum off-key."
"You absolutely do." I pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. "And I'm going to miss it so much.” She leaned into me, quiet for a moment. Then, I continued. "So... Bob and Mabel want us to go out tonight. Apparently, we need to 'show the world our love story' and be seen looking happy and in love."
"A public date?"
"Yeah. Dinner at Commander's Palace. They've already tipped off a few friendly photographers." She looked up at me. "Nothing too intense. Just us being us, but with an audience."
"That sounds... romantic?"
"About as romantic as a dentist appointment," I admitted.
"Well, when you put it that way, how can I resist?" She wrapped her arms around my neck. "Our last night before you leave, and we're performing for photographers. Very us."
"We'll make it fun," I promised, nuzzling against her. "And after, it's just you and me. No cameras. No performance. Deal?"
"Deal."
* * *
Commander's Palace was stunning,all white columns and Victorian elegance. We were seated at a prime table near the window, perfect for the photographers lurking outside, and Anna looked gorgeous in a deep blue dress that made her eyes shine.
"Smile," I murmured as our waiter approached. "We're madly in love, remember?"
"Right. Madly." She took a sip of water, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Should I gaze adoringly at you? Laugh at your jokes even when they're not funny?"
"My jokes are always funny."
"See, that right there—" She gestured with her fork. "That's the kind of delusion I'm supposed to find charming."
