“Finn, there’s someone here to see you.” Our receptionist’s voice buzzes through my office speaker. I’m not expecting anyone, but Presley mentioned lunch today, so maybe she’s here to surprise me.
It’s been two weeks since our reconciliation, and I haven’t taken a minute with her for granted. The only time we’re apart is when I’m at work or school. Otherwise, we’ve taken every opportunity to make up for time lost during our break-up.
I think back to before everything went to shit, and I went to Baton Rouge. That morning, crawling into bed with her and feeling that our bond was so strong, nothing could go wrong. But I didn’t have a clue. Now, there’s a noticeable difference in Presley’s behavior, a lightness to her that wasn’t there before.
Everything about her now is magnified. Her smile is brighter, her laugh is richer, and her devotion is deeper. From the time I wake up with her in my arms until the time I fall asleep the same way, I feel her love all the way to my soul.
The first week, she asked me to join her at her Support Group. I was nervous, scared of her regressing, but I was wrong. The minute we walked in, I knew she’d found a place to connect with people who had the same circumstances as she did. It was unlike anything I could have imagined. In my head, we were walking into a room filled with sadness and heartache, but I was dead wrong. Instead, these people were full of life and laughter. They enjoyed sharing their stories and remembering their loved ones with memories that maybe would be mundane to others, but to them, they were bittersweet.
I learned that night, Presley was not only well-respected, but also well-admired. Several of the men looked at her with hunger in their eyes when we walked through the door. My possessive instincts kicked in immediately. Before she could introduce me to anyone, I slid her to the side and kissed her deeply, one hand threaded through her hair and the other on her ass, holding her close. When I broke away, her lips were swollen and pink, her eyes hazy. She gave me a knowing grin but didn’t say anything.
Other than the meetings, we’ve kept to ourselves. Family and friends have begged us to join them, but we’ve been able to dodge all requests and stay secluded.
“Sorry, I should have said there are two someones here to see you,” the receptionist corrects herself. “And one of them is about to jump out of her skin to get to you.”
Whitney…
I shut down my computer and head to the front. I round the corner and see Jeff first, reading a plaque on the wall. There’s a high-pitched squeal, and I brace myself in time to catch the flash of purple jumping at me.
“Finn!” Her little arms clutch around my neck.
“Hey there.” I spin us around and listen to her giggles.
“Surprise! Me and grandpa came to surprise you.”
“It’s a great surprise.”
“Winnie, I’m not sure Finn should be lifting you. Remember he was hurt.” Jeff looks at me worriedly.
“It’s fine. I’ve been cleared to start working out next week. Light weights, so she falls into the under-fifty pounds.”
“Sorry to barge in like this, but I was hoping to chat with you without Presley. Normally, it would be a school day, but there’s some sort of teacher training,” he explains.
“No, this is great. You guys want to get some lunch? There’s a great place next door.”
He agrees, and I tell the receptionist I’ll be back soon.
We walk to the small café while Winnie talks non-stop about Christmas coming up in a few weeks. Once we’re seated and order, Jeff takes out his phone and headphones and gets Winnie set up with a game to keep her occupied. Then he looks at me with a seriousness I’ve seen before.
“I swear to God,” I raise my hands in the air, “I haven’t done anything to hurt her. I left her in the kitchen this morning, bent over her computer working on an article.”
“Such the smartass, huh?” He breaks in with a sarcastic smile. “I’m here for something else.”
“What’s that?”
“Well, first, I want to tell you congratulations on graduation. We’ll be at the party next weekend.”
“Presley told me you’d be there. I still have extra tickets if you want to come to the ceremony.” I wiggle my eyebrows, knowing his answer.
“Appreciate that. I sat through three high school and two college ceremonies. Plus, I have a lifetime of grandkids’ events. Think I’ll skip this one and have a cold beer waiting for you at the party.”
“Fair enough. I’d skip it, too, except my parents and Presley would freak.”
“Yep, think you’d better suck it up and deal.”
I nod in agreement.
“But I came here for another reason, a more important reason.”