Our Way

She laughs. “Haven’t you had enough, Dr. Mercer?”

“Of you? Impossible.”

God, I really should temper it down a bit. I’m fucking this poor woman to death.

“I booked the removal truck for tomorrow night.”

“What?” She gasps. “Nathan, I’

m not ready. I have a million things to sort, and what about—”

“Calm down,” I cut her off. “They’re just going to take the bed, the kitchen stuff, your clothes, and a television.”

“Oh.”

“We will move the rest of our things over the next few weeks. Some of it will have to go into storage. At least this way, we can stay at the new place.”

“You sound eager.”

“I am.”

“All you care about is that bath, isn’t it?”

I chuckle. “It is, actually.”

“Okay then. We have so much to do tonight.”

I cringe. “Yeah, about that. Alex just called. He’s in town for tonight only.”

“Perfect timing, Nathan. Why would you book a removal truck for tomorrow when you have to go out tonight?”

“You’re coming, too. It’s just dinner. Won’t be a late night, and we have to eat.”

“No, that’s okay. You catch up with your brother. I have too much to do. Send him my love.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, of course. Listen, I’ve got to go.”

“Okay.” I hang on the line, waiting to hear my favorite three words.

“I love you.”

I smile. There it is. “I love you, too. Bye, sweetheart.”

* * *

It’s 3:30 p.m. when I walk into the lingerie store. It’s high end, with black carpets and navy walls, huge chandeliers, and silver gilded mirrors everywhere.

The sales assistant sees me, and her eyes light up. “Can I help you, sir?”

“Just looking, thank you.”

“Okay, call me if I can be of any assistance.”

“Thank you.” I put my hands into my suit pants pockets and look around. There are so many options. I have a new addiction to anything soft and feminine.

Like my girl.