And perhaps this thing between us isn’t temporary. I lean into his kiss, blissfully unaware that the end is around the corner.
Chapter 23
Cora
Saar
Proof of life, Cora!
Celeste
Let her honeymoon (wink emoji).
Sorry, I’ve been busy.
Saar
Doing what?
Lily
Mr. Stone.
Celeste
Xander
How did you know? (evil emoji)
Saar
TMI. We haven’t seen you in a week. Can’t he spare youfor a moment?
Celeste
Let her make up for her celibacy years.
Saar
Okay, but let’s have coffee soon.
The bistro is still closed, but let’s try somewhere else next week.
“Are you going to the bistro today?” Xander kisses me, droplets from his shower cooling my skin.
I stretch in my bed, the morning sun streaming through the window. “Yes, I’ll go soon. I just need a bit of alone time first.”
I don’t tell him I’ve been writing every morning, my creativity bursting at the seams. I’m not sure why I bother with the stories, but my creative escape brings me joy.
He frowns. “Do you want me to stay elsewhere for a night or two?”
I sit up. “Don’t you dare. I missed you when you were in San Francisco earlier.”
“So the alone time is…?”
He retrieves his clothes from the living room, where we still have an obstacle course built from hispossessions. Laying his suit on the bed, he starts dressing.
“I’ve been scribing a bit.” I shrug, swinging my legs over the edge. “Just some silly stories.”
