Mum would be so proud and excited. She always believed in my skills before I even did. She used to say that ceramics are beautiful in all their imperfections, that no two pieces could ever be the same. If the last year taught me anything, it’s that our imperfections are what make us unique. Whether it’s a dent in a bowl, a curve you perceive as too large, or a scar on your skin, they set us apart from everyone else.
I hope I’ve made her proud.
I quickly check the utility room before leaving and, as always, spot a stray poop right next to the tray. “Bad Basil,” I mutter, grabbing paper towel and disinfectant spray to clean it up. Nothing says “welcome home” after months on the road quite like a fresh turd waiting on the floor.
Once everything’s cleaned up, I race upstairs to the bathroom to check on the surprise I’ve been keeping to myself for twelve weeks. I can’t wait to see the look on James’s face when he sees what I’ve been hiding.
Confident that everything is as it should be, I snatch my keys off the kitchen counter and head to Heathrow Airport. It’s late, so thankfully the traffic isn’t too congested. My heart thumps erratically in my chest as my excitement builds. The velvety voices of the narrators fill the car as I crank up my latest audiobook, hoping to make the time pass faster.
Twenty-five minutes and two chapters later, I pull into the car park. My hands shake as I lock the car, and my legs are jelly as I head towards arrivals. My fingers twist anxiously as I watch person after person pass through the gate.
When a pair of worn combat boots appear, my stomach drops, and I freeze. I watch, motionless, as James wheels hissuitcase beside him. He’s wearing a grey beanie, a Bound to Oblivion concert T-shirt, and dark jeans. He’s nibbling on his guitar pick, his eyes scanning the crowd until they land on me.
My lip trembles and tears begin to spill. He smiles, a megawatt grin, and his left dimple pops as his entire face lights up. Before I can fully process it, I’m moving towards him. He stops, bending slightly as I leap into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist. I bury my face into his neck, inhaling a deep, shaky breath. One hand supports me under my bottom, while the other tangles through my hair to hold me close.
“Hi, sweetheart,” he says, his warm breath lighting a spark inside me. I cry harder, holding on to him as if he might float away if I let go. I pull back to look at him, releasing his neck as I gently cradle his face in my hands. His eyes still hold the same sincerity and warmth they always did. His hair is longer now, falling just above his shoulders, the ends curling beneath his beanie.
“Did you miss me?” he whispers. I lean forward, crushing my lips to his. Slowly, I pull his beanie off to run my fingers through his waves, tugging gently at the ends. He chuckles when I finally release him. “I’m taking that as a yes,” he says.
“So, so much.”
James
“I love you,” I say, holding her close and breathing her in, jasmine and something else, something sweet.
“I love you too.”
Right here, this is where she belongs—in my arms. The smell of her perfume is the only thing tethering me to the reality that this is happening—she’s really here.
I’m home.
I slide my hands from her soft hair and slowly lower her to the floor. People passing are smiling, a few even crying, at our reunion. I’m having a hard time keeping my emotions at bay myself. I hold her at arm’s length to take her in. My eyes sweep from her trainers to her cute lounge set, the waves in her hair, and finally, her porcelain face. The one that’s occupied all my dreams. She’s barefaced, which is my favourite look.
I grab my suitcase with one hand, threading her fingers through the other as we head towards the car park. Once we’re loaded, I buckle in, and as soon as she starts the car, we’re met with the sound of two raspy, breathy narrators going into detail about a shower sex scene. I roll my lips inwards to keep from laughing. April’s face flushes the sweetest pink as she quickly hits the off button.
“That was good timing,” she mutters.
“I’d say.”
“How was your flight?”
I exhale, sinking into the seat. “Long, but good. Very smooth. I had plenty of legroom, which made all the difference,” I say.
The record company booked business class. I’m used to curling into myself and enduring cramped seats and screaming kids, but this return trip, after months on the road, was total bliss. Kicking back, enjoying a film, and snacking on everything they offered.
“That’s great! I’ve never flown business before,” she says.
“Well, when we have a holiday, I’ll make sure we fly business.”
Her smile is radiant as she bounces up and down excitedly in her seat. “Really?!”
“Of course,” I say, placing my hand over her thigh, giving it an affectionate squeeze. Fuck, I’ve missed her. I’ve missed her beautiful mind, her gorgeous body. After spending seven months having phone sex and masturbating, I never want to wank myself off again.
“This is so exciting!” She wiggles her eyebrows. “So. Tell me. How does it feel?”
I drop my gaze to my hand, inching higher and higher up her thigh. “Just as good as I remember,” I say.
She smacks my hand playfully. “I meant finally being signed. You guys have a record deal!”
