“I think you should,” Gwen smiles, leaning against the doorway.
“Josh is waiting. I should go.”
The words feel heavy the second they leave my mouth. I don’t want this night to end, but it’s past 2 a.m., and we’re both exhausted.
“I’ll see you Friday,” Gwen says as she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me into a hug.
Having her this close does things to me, and I pull back before I change my mind and stay.
I press one last quick kiss to her lips.
“Or at my new favorite bakery,” I add with a wink.
Gwen smiles, watching me as I walk away. When I turn the corner, I hear her door close, and the finality of that soft click hits harder than I expect.
It’s only a two-minute walk to where Josh is parked, and the second I get in, I let out a long breath.
“Good sigh or bad sigh?” Josh asks as he pulls away from the curb.
“The best,” I reply, a smile spreading across my face that I couldn’t wipe off even if I tried.
I catch his grin in the rearview mirror. I don’t know if he’s happy for me or quietly making fun of me, but honestly, I don’t care.
My head is somewhere in the clouds, and I’m perfectly fine staying there.
The drive feels like it lasts two seconds, and suddenly we’re outside my building.
“See you next week,” I say before stepping out of the car.
I remind myself to be quiet as I head inside. Lisa’s a light sleeper, and the last thing I want is to wake her at 2:30 a.m.
I kick off my shoes in the hallway and tiptoe to my bedroom. Once the door is closed, I turn and fall straight onto the bed.
The first thing I do is grab my phone.
ME: Why are you so perfect?
Her reply comes almost instantly.
GWEN: I am far from perfect, but thanks for the compliment.
I smile at the screen before typing back.
ME: Not to me.
ME: You are gorgeous, sweet, funny, sarcastic, loyal… and so much more.
GWEN: You’re making me blush.
ME: Wish I were there to see it.
ME: I don’t think I can wait until Friday. What time does the bakery open on Monday?
GWEN: 06:00.
ME: Oof, that’s early. I’ll be late, but I’ll be there.
GWEN: Me too xx
