I shake my head. I can't get ahead of myself. I'm only offering her space. She isn't moving in. She was very clear about that. I want her around constantly, but I have to respect her wishes.
Most of this stuff is crap--tacky silk flowers, uncomfortable office chairs, matching desks from some furniture chain. There's a picture on Samantha's old desk, a photo of the two of us at the beach. It was a week after we got engaged. We don't look happy, not really. I still remember the day we took this. She went out for "drinks with the girls" that night.
That was her code for going to fuck my father.
I want to tear the photo in half, but I can't bring myself to throw it away. It should be for Samantha. Even if it will overwhelm her with guilt.
It takes a few hours, but I strip the room down to its bare essentials. There's a desk and a task chair, a couch, a bookshelf that will soon be teeming with Alyssa's messy stacks of plays.
The orange light of sunset streams through the windows, painting the walls in a soft glow. There's something so perfect about the room like this. It's light. Hell, I feel light. The memories that were dragging me down are gone.
The ghost of Samantha is out of this room. This is only the first step. I can tear down everything in this house that she ever touched.
This can be my home, mine and Alyssa's. The only memories that will matter will be the ones we make.
The front door opens. Alyssa. I hear her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.
"Lucy, I'm home," Alyssa squeals in her best Desi Arnaz voice.
I step out. She's in a gorgeous dress, made up like she's coming from an important meeting. She slides out of her heels. "God, these things are so uncomfortable. Why don't I wear Keds all the time?"
"Because they're a very important part of your seduction outfit."
She smiles. "You look like you're up to something."
"I have a surprise."
"A sexy surprise?"
I shake my head.
She fakes a pout. "Such a tease." She shakes her head, a wide smile on her lips. "Is it a startling surprise? Because I think I'll need a cup of coffee first. I'm exhausted."
"Did you stay up late watching movies with some asshole who refused to turn off the TV?"
"Yes," she says. "But I only did it because I wanted to get in his pants."
"How did that work out?"
She moves towards me, wrapping her arms around me. Her eyes are on mine. Her hands are on my back. "I'll get him today."
I bring my lips to hers. It's so soft and sweet, and I can feel the need pouring between us.
I pull my eyelids open and stare at her. I love her so much. I have to get this right.
"Are you ready to see and believe?"
She laughs. "See and believe what?"
I take her hand and lead her to the former office. "I want you to feel like this place is home, even if you technically live someplace else. I want you to feel like you can take up as much space as you want."
"Luke, what are you--"
I push the door open. It isn't much right now, but it is hers for the taking. "It's yours now."
Her eyes go wide. "But yesterday... how the hell did you clean it out so fast?"
"Magic."