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Bradley
We agreed not to buy each other anything for Christmas this year, but I couldn’t help myself. I saw something that reminded me of her and had to buy it. I didn’t want it to be a big deal. So, I waited until we were back on the road to give it to her.
Her eyes widen in surprise when I place the little black box onto her lap. I probably should’ve given the packaging more thought. Her look is filled with shock and a hint of fear. Just a hint, but it’s there.
“I know how it looks, but it’s not what you think.”
“Oh.”
“Open it. I know we agreed, but I thought of you when I saw it. And technically Christmas is over. So, you can think of it as just a gift.”
Her breathing calms, and she relaxes when she views the contents of the box. A smile curves into her cheeks as the gold chain wraps around her fingers. She holds the quarter-sized pendant in the palm of her hand and looks at me.
“It’s a golden sun. I love it. Thank you.” She unhooks it and clasps it around her neck.
“There is one more thing I wanted to get your opinion on.”
“Okay.” Her fingers fidget with the pendant.
“I’ve been thinking.”
Her brows lift slightly. “Uh-oh.” She says playfully.
“What do you think about me getting an apartment when we get back?”
Her smile fades as she thinks it over. “Off-campus?”
“Well, yeah. I think it’s time that I had my own place, at least for the next six months. I only have one semester left of school. It’ll be good to start the transition from campus life, don’t you think?”
“If that’s what you want, I think you should do it.”
The emotions playing over her face are saying the opposite.
“What do you really think?” I ask her.
“What do you mean? It’s really not up to me. It’s your life. I just realized that we’ve never discussed what would happen when you’re done with school.” Her forehead wrinkles.
Is that what she’s worried about? Me leaving her?
“Sure, it’s my life, but I had the impression that we were building toward something here. So, ultimately your opinion matters, especially if you’re moving in with me.”
She takes in a gulp of air and releases it slowly. “What?”
“Will you?”
“Huh?” she asks in disbelief.
“Will you move in with me? The last couple of weeks have been torture. Not being able to fall asleep with you in my arms. Not waking up to your beautiful face. Only seeing you for half an hour a day, sometimes not at all because of work. I want to change all of that. Just think about it.”
“Yes.” She blurts out.
“Yes?” I didn’t think she’d agree so easily.
“I don’t need to think about it. Yes.”
“Good. I was hoping you would say that. I was prepared to convince you if you’d said no.”
“Really. Maybe I should have said no.”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure there will be plenty of other instances where you need convincing.”
“I’ll need a few weeks before I move in. I have to tell Emily and make sure I don’t burn that bridge with her. I’ve grown close to her.”
“I understand. I’ll find a place, and whenever you feel comfortable, move your things in.”
“It’s a promise.”
***
I HAVEN’T SEEN SAM since I dropped her off from the visit to her dads' house. Four days without a glimpse of those beautiful eyes. Hearing her voice every night is the only thing keeping me sane. I can feel myself changing since I met her. She’s opened my eyes to possibilities I never imagined. I recall the days when the only thing on my mind was school, work, and my precious plan to never fall in love. It was a good plan, but I’ve learned that all plans don’t work out the way we envisioned them. Sometimes the unplanned is ten times better. I want so much more than I did before I met her. I still have a plan. I still want all of those things. Only now, I want Sam to share them with me.
I’ve been working overtime at my dad’s company to make some extra money. My mom helped me find a nice move-in ready, one-bedroom apartment that’s only a couple of minutes away from school. The only room not furnished was the bedroom. Since Sam’s moving in eventually, I let my mom pick out the bedroom set; to give it a woman’s touch. She kept it neutral, surprisingly. The black and tan colored accessories blend well with the medium cherry wood furniture. I didn’t tell her that Sam was moving in, but I think she may have figured it out.
My friends, Nathan, Garrett, and Philip, are helping me move in. I told them I didn’t need any help, but after they found out my mysterious girl would be there, they insisted. It’s time that she met them anyway, I suppose. I’m surprised I was able to keep her to myself for this long.
I gave Sam directions, and she’s coming over to spend the first night with me when she gets off work. I can’t wait to see her reaction to the place. I know she said she needed more time, but maybe seeing it will speed up the process of her moving in.
Mom picked up a few grocery items to get me started since she knew that was the last thing on my mind. I don’t even know what she bought, but I’m sure it’ll be good.
My friends were on their best behavior when mom was here. Now that she’s gone, I can see the wheels turning in their heads. I told Sam they would be here so she won’t be surprised. Now that I’m settled in, I’m regretting telling them they could stay and meet her. I want to be selfish for just a little while longer.
The guys are all sitting in the kitchen around the bar, while I grab us each a bottle of water out of the fridge.
“So, what time is your mystery girl going to be here?” Of course, Garrett would be the first to ask. He’s not one to bite his tongue, and he’s not known for his patience.
“Relax, man. She had to work. And besides, no one is forcing you to stay. You’re free to go whenever you please.” I toss a bottle of water a little too close to his head and laugh.
Garrett and I have become like an old married couple. We have the perfect love-hate relationship. We’re never on the same page and always on opposite sides of the fence, but we’ve grown on each other like a good mold. We’re both cautious of what the other is capable of and equally unsure, but don’t mind being around as long as there’s no threat.
Philip is a close second to Garrett in that department. I’ve always said that those two are perfect roommates. Nate is more like me, but we all get along great. We balance each other out. You would think that these guys have been my friends all of our lives by just watching us interact. I would even go so far as to say that they are the brothers that I never had.
Garrett catches the bottle in his right hand, inches away from his forehead, and smirks. “Someone’s touchy this evening. What’s the matter? Afraid of a little competition? Afraid she’ll take one look at me and forget about you?”
“No worries here. She’s not like that. She’s different from anyone I’ve ever met.”
I slide a bottle to Nate and then to Phil. Sam would never go for a guy like Garrett. He is everything that she despises with his womanizing ways and blatant disrespect for women.
Phil tosses the bottle back and forth in his hands. “You know they say those are the ones you have to watch out for.”
His comment irritates me, but I don’t let it show. “Well, they don’t know everything,” I tell him. “You’ll see. She’s that one in a million, the one that got away. And I’m that guy, the one who was lucky enough to find her.”
Thinking about the guy who hurt her causes my fingers to curl and uncurl slowly. I keep the smile plastered on my face. I guess I should thank him for being such a jerk. He lost a good thing when he let her go.
“You look happy.” That’s all Nate says before he lifts his bottle in a toast and takes a drink of his water.
I nod my head in agreeance. I am happy, happier than I’ve ever been.
