“Hey babe!” she says in a singsong tone. I’m sitting at a makeshift workspace in front of one of the long windows in the apartment. I close my laptop when she wraps her arms around me and leans over to kiss my cheek. “Guess what?” she asks.
I shift in my seat and look at her, waiting for her to tell me. “Hurry!”
“The casting director called me today…” she stalls.
“Savannah,” I growl. “And? Come on!”
“And I got the part!” she screams. I stand and hug the hell out of her, then give her a big kiss.
“I’m going to be Mary Poppins on Broadway! A freaking dream come true!” The excitement radiates from her, and I’m so unbelievably proud. This is my girl—still feels surreal.
“That’s like the lead role of all lead roles,” I say, and she’s happily nodding in agreement.
“I know! Donny is freaking out, well because of that and because William is moving in this weekend.” She chuckles, which makes me smile thinking about how that wedding changed all our lives. “Still can’t believe they’re exclusive and that Donny is finally settling down.”
“Love makes you do crazy things,” I tell her, pressing my lips against hers. The kiss deepens, and I hum against her mouth. “I’m so fucking proud of you, baby.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you. I didn’t think I was good enough. I never thought I’d be considered for an understudy and especially not the lead. I think I’m still in shock.”
“You’re talented, Sav. Never doubted it for a second.” I flash her a wink.
“Thank you, Hayden. Thanks for all your support the past few weeks and for believing in me, after everything. I have a feeling this is going to open a lot of doors for my career. It’s going to be a new beginning for us,” she says, pulling me closer.
I smile, meeting her eyes, and tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear. “There’s so much more to come. This is just the beginning of our forever. I love you so fucking much.”
“I love you too,” she tells me, smiling so big. Our lips crash together, and I know exactly where this is leading—celebratory sex.
Epilogue
Savannah
One Year Later
Waking up with a smile, I stretch out my arms and realize Hayden isn’t next to me. Peeling my eyes open, I see his side of the bed is empty and frown.
I hate work trips.
Even though it’s the middle of June and high schools have let out for the year, he had to return to California for a business meeting. While it’s only for the weekend, I still miss him anytime he’s gone. It’s just not the same without him.
Hayden: Good morning, beautiful! Hope you slept well. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
A smile splits my cheeks as soon as I read his text message. The absolute best way to wake up is with him on my mind.
Savannah: Morning! I miss you! Come home now!
Hayden: I miss you too, baby. I’ll be home ASAP! What are your plans today?
Savannah: I’m supposed to meet Donny in Times Square at two. But I’m thinking about canceling. It’ll be full of tourists anyway. Maybe I’ll just play with myself in bed all day until you come back to me…
Hayden: Well I wasn’t planning to walk into my meeting hard, but thanks to you now I am…
I can hear his groan in my mind and laugh as I think about him adjusting himself.
Savannah: Ha! Sorry about that ;)
Hayden: I’m sure you are.
Savannah: Text me after your meeting! I’m gonna hop into the shower. I’ll be thinking of you…
Hayden: Goddammit, Sav.
I chuckle, throwing the blankets off and walking to the bathroom. It’s only ten, which means I have time to take a long, hot shower. Times Square on a Saturday in the middle of June is going to be tourist central, but Donny has some street performing gig he wants me to watch. He does it for extra cash with a few other people we’ve done shows with before.
Donny: You still coming today?
I read his message after I wrap a towel around my body and contemplate my answer before responding. I’m off today, which is a miracle, and another reason I’m bummed Hayden’s traveling this weekend. There’s nothing else to do, but I could spend the entire day in bed binging Netflix for once.
Savannah: I don’t know… I’m feeling sad and lazy.
Donny: You can be sad and lazy on the sidelines watching me. Plus, I need you to record it for my Instagram.
Savannah: Can’t William do that for you?
Donny: He’s in Cali this week, remember? He comes home Monday, though :)
I laugh at his smiley face, knowing exactly what that implies. They’re so sickly in love, and I’m actually really happy for him.
With a groan, I type out a response.
Savannah: Fine! You’re buying me dinner then.