“Well even then, I have no plans, so if you need me, call me, and I’ll come in,” Kate says.
“I know, and I love you for it, but get out of here. Get a pedicure, your hair done. Have the days off you deserve.”
She leaves after my proclamation, I go about taking down the decorations for Valentine’s Day. The shop is going to look naked, much like it does after Christmas. I hate that I missed our signature drink, it was raspberry mocha latte with a hint of mint. Especially not seeing the customers’ faces when they take their first sip. But, I don’t regret my time away with Luke either.
Once everything is down and put away for next year, I start closing down the coffee shop, the best thing I did was making the hours from seven o’clock in the morning to four o’clock in the afternoon. I’ve toyed with the idea of extending the hours, but I’m not comfortable with it just yet.
It doesn’t take very long to shut everything down, thank goodness for Kate. Everything is well stocked and ready for tomorrow.
Jet lag is a real thing, even if we didn’t change time zones, I’m exhausted. Of course, that could be because neither Luke nor I barely slept. Both of us were constantly turning to one another all hours of the night.
I head upstairs, grab my phone and see who’s staying where tonight. If I had it my way, I’d drive to his place. My bed may be just as big, but his bed is much more comfortable.
28
Luke
It’s been a week of Kinsley and I going back and forth between places, something I hope to rectify and soon. I pick up the phone to make sure Mom is still coming this weekend.
“Hello, my favorite son,” she says on the other end, I can’t help but chuckle.
“Hey Mom, I’m your only son.”
“You know what I mean, well, really you’re my favorite child,” she says next.
“I’m your only child.”
“I’m just stating the facts,” her laugh is infectious, something I haven’t heard in too long a time.
“Are you ready to host the masses?” She asks. We’re hosting a get together here with Kinsley’s parents and my mom.
“Yeah Mom, we’re all set. Kinsley’s parent are already making their way back. They’ll be staying at her place, you’re staying with Michelle, and Kinsley will be here with me,” I tell her.
“Are you sure you’re okay with me staying with Michelle? I know you asked before, I just didn’t want to impose on you and Kinsley,” she says to me.
“You stay wherever you want, we have room here, but if you’d rather stay with Michelle, it won’t hurt my feelings, promise,” I laugh, because it might actually be a better idea. There’s only so much noise I can muffle from Kinsley when she comes.
“As long as you’re sure. I’ll call you when I make it into town, love you,” she says closing down the conversation.
“Love you, see you soon,” we hang up, I put down the phone, and make my way to the front porch to wait on my woman.
I know it’ll only be a matter of time until we’re living together, her side of the bathroom is littered with her woman stuff. I love waking up on the rare occurrence she’s not here and seeing how she’s left a stamp on my home.
A throw blanket of hers is now on my couch, a few coffee mugs of hers are in my cabinets. Yeah, I love the fuck out of Kinsley.
Speaking of Kinsley, she pulls into the driveway. She’s up and out of her car, running towards me. I can see nervousness written all over her face, I’m not sure if she’s happy to see me or if she has some news to share with me.
“Luke,” she launches her body into mine. I steady my body and pick her up as she wraps her legs around my waist.
“Hey baby,” I whisper out, her head is in the crook of my neck, where she breathes deeply, before getting down.
“We have so much to do before this weekend. Is your house clean? Because mine is a mess, I kid you not for as little as we’re there. It’s bad, so bad. I’m taking tomorrow afternoon off to scrub it top to bottom,” her voice is almost frantic.
“I have a cleaning lady that comes in every Friday, babe. But, if you picked up after yourself during the week, it wouldn’t be a pig sty,” I tease. We always joke about the state of her apartment, it’s just who she is, and I love her regardless.
“On a serious note, do you need help this weekend, groceries or anything?” she asks.
“It’s covered, already. I’m getting off around noon tomorrow to hit up the store. Anything particular you’d like?” I ask.