They’re here, and I hope to hell I can keep a tight hold on them like I do with Daisy.
With that invigorating thought, I solidify my resolve. I know better than anyone the importance of taking space for one’s well-being. And if Daisy is too nice to ask for it, I’ll offer it before she can feel guilty about wanting to enjoy her life with wonderful people who are ready to love on her.
fifty-eight
The drive seems todrag on longer than usual.
Not even playing our favorite podcasts was enough to pass the time.
When I finally pull into my driveway, I groan at the memory of Daisy’s reaction a few hours ago. The look on her face when I told her I was taking off early so she could enjoy her family almost had me eating my words and apologizing for causing that cute crease in her forehead.
But I stayed strong. I must have had a good reason to come up here by myself. Can’t necessarily recall it now as I trudge up my front steps and open my front door, but I’m sure they were good. Decent, even? Somewhat logical?
Nope, still can’t recall.
I’m deep in thought, moving mindlessly for so long that it takes a while to register that there are candles lit in the livingroom. And jazz music playing from the speakers. And it smells like… a home cooked meal.
What the hell did I just walk into?
“Oh good, you’re finally home.” Daisy pops into my line of sight, and I stagger back a step.
Her hair is bundled on top of her head in a loose bun, and she has a cider in hand. She’s wearing nothing but one of my T-shirts and a dark pair of wool socks.
“Want to eat first or shower? I’m sure it was a long drive. Here, I’ll grab your bag for you.”
She moves toward my bag, but I drop it and pull her by the waist into my side, causing her to yelp. “Am I… hallucinating?”
She smiles as she pulls me down gently and places a quick kiss on my lips.
And I finally exhale. She’s here. She’s really here.
But this doesn’t make any sense.
“H-how are you here? I left you at your brother’s… and now?” I point over my shoulder, as if I’ve nailed the general direction of Manhattan behind me.
She tsks as she steps out of my hold, bringing the bottle of cider to her lips. “I must say, I am disappointed that you don’t immediately know. I mean, c’mon. How many times did we watchThe Parent Traptogether in this very home?” She smirks before taking a long sip.
My jaw unhinges. I’m unable to form a sentence, so she carries on. “Oh, you know how it goes. The person with the faster mode of transportation beats the person who is dealing with self-doubt when it comes to the love of their life, yada yada.” She waves her hand up and down at me teasingly.
“Yada yada?” I brush a hand over my mouth, the bristles of my beard keeping my hand from reaching for her until I get this straight. “You got on Nick’s plane. Alone?” I ask, astonished.
She places her bottle on the kitchen island before walking over to me, nodding with an exaggerated pout. “Yes. And there was turbulence. And you weren’t there to punch the air for me.” She tenderly punches my pec.
I pull her into my arms, needing to touch her. Her arms wrap around my back, her nails scratching through my shirt in a way that makes me want to curl into her. “I can’t believe you did that.”
She burrows into my chest, humming. “You have no problem making grand gestures, and neither do I. Not when it comes to you.” She places a kiss to the center of my chest before giggling and meeting my stunned eyes. “Besides, five minutes after you left, all the tías were shooing me out of the house with their tea towels, asking me what the hell I was doing not chasing after my, and I quote, ‘hunk of a man.’” She grins. “By the time I got my shoes on, enough food to last us a week had been packed up and was being pushed into my arms. And don’t worry about our visitors. Nick had already extended Carla’s trip, and her kids are on a flight with her new husband as we speak so they can visit New York City for the first time. All expenses paid by my brother, of course. I think he was feeling a little left out on the spoiling when you footed the bill for everyone to come up. So he had to try and one-up you.”
I huff. “I knew he wouldn’t let that slide.” I run my hands up and down her back, relishing her warmth. “Are you sure you’re not missing out by being up here with me? There’s so much time to make up for with your guests, and I’ve been monopolizing a lot of your time. I promise to learn how to chill out and let you have a life outside of our relationship. Eventually.”
She nuzzles into my hold, eyes closed as she speaks. “You’re cute. But you’re also an idiot.” I pull back to see the amused look on her face. “Luke, I spent most of my life alone. Nick is ten years older, so we’ve always been in different phases of life. If I wasn’tin a classroom, I was by myself. Walking through life with people who were paid to be by my side or others who wanted something from my last name. Being wanted by you and the new people in my life is a privilege. Being overwhelmed with attention is not a hardship, but an answered prayer. I mean, sure, I might mess up here and there and overcommit myself to social gatherings until I learn how to balance it all. But I promise, if I need space, I’ll let you know. You’re going to have to trust that I can speak up for myself now. Just like I know you might not voice your concerns right off the bat.”
I hold her tighter, not knowing what to say, besides the obvious. “You’re right. I should have talked to you instead of assuming you couldn’t speak up for yourself. Hell, I experienced life on the receiving end of your wrath when you thought I’d forgotten to bring your cookies to the stadium.”
She glares up at me. “Yeah, some lines, we don’t cross with me. Specifically, if it involves delicious baked sweets.” I swat her ass, and she rolls her eyes. “C’mon, let’s get you fed before we end up naked.”
My stomach growls right on cue and she shakes her head as she steps out of my hold and toward the kitchen. I start walking to the bathroom as I say, “I’ll wash up real quick, then we’ll eat. But after, I have something I want to show you.”
fifty-nine
