Usually, in the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets, I couldn’t hear my own thoughts. But today, not even the symphony of cars honking, and strangers yelling was enough to quiet my mind.
It hadn’t helped that I looked up information on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement websites whenever I got a chance. They were on the lookout for sham marriages between US residents and foreigners. If they suspected anything, they could interrogate us. I was half expecting that, honestly, considering the timing of it all. But I hoped we’d only be going through a normal procedure, and not the Stokes interview. Apparently, the questions were so detailed that even real couples had problems answering them.
During my lunch break, I walked the few blocks from my office to Central Park, sitting on a bench that was hidden from the sun by the thick foliage of a tree. I had to take off my suit jacket; the July heat was suffocating.
As usual, the view calmed me. Something about the lush green lawn and people sitting on it, relaxing, was soothing. I came here from time to time during lunch break. My other lunch distraction was the Met, especially when they brought in new collections.
On Tuesday, I was miffed to find an email from Hunter with an attachment. It was a ticket to a rock-climbing hall that had recently opened in town. I called him immediately.
“What’s with the ticket?”
“You like rock climbing, and this is the best place for it in town. You need to blow off some steam.”
“Hunter, I’m fine.”
“You’re not. You
’ve been my friend for fifteen years. Trust me to read you.”
My fingers were a little shaky around the phone. My heart was racing. Could he also tell why I was so nervous? That I wasn’t just afraid we’d be found out, but that the prospect of living with him, kissing him scared me?
“Thank you. I’m going to give it a try, but only if you come with me.”
“Climbing? Hell, no. This is a gift for my fiancée.”
My stomach flipped at the word. Silly stomach.
“No one knows yet, so no need for the ticket.”
“Yes, there is. And this is something you need to get used to.”
“What?”
“Being showered with gifts.”
“Why?”
“You’re doing me a favor. I intend to make everything go as smoothly as possible for you. And I won’t accept a no.”
“You won’t accept it?” I teased.
“No. Just have some fun, Josie. You deserve it.”
I was seeing a whole new side of Hunter. He was right, of course. I did need to blow off some steam. I was working my butt off at the law firm because I was hoping to be promoted to partner by the end of next year. And now with this additional stress, I was not myself.
I went climbing later that afternoon, and it was glorious. When I arrived home, I picked up my phone, intending to scroll through Instagram, and discovered a message from Hunter. He was inescapable. He’d always been this way, only now, after the kiss, it all felt different. My stomach flipped each time he called or texted.
Hunter: Are you free tomorrow in the evening?
Josie: Yes. Why?
Hunter: I was thinking we should pick a ring.
Josie: Already?
Hunter: Amelia’s birthday party is on Saturday, remember? It would be good to have it by then.
Oh... he was right, of course.