In that space where the texts and phone calls were shorter and more far in between. But even still…she always hit me back. She made sure she didn't miss her morning and night calls with Melo. And even if she called just to say hi and she missed me…she always found time. That meant something to me. Despite what was going on in her world of, me and my son were still a priority for her.
I hadn't seen her in a week, and I honestly missed her so much it felt physical. I had gotten spoiled with those sleepovers, waking up to her in the morning and the random pop-ups. I was just grateful she was making time for me tonight.
As always, I offered to pick her up, but she declined. Said she wasn’t sure how long it would be and she didn't want disturb Melo's sleep. I had fallen asleep when she finally gave me a call a little after one a.m.
"Hey handsome," her soft voice melted over me. She didn't even know what she did to me.
"Hey, beautiful," I exhaled with a smile.
"Did I wake you?"
"Yeah, I fell asleep but I'm awake now."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay, baby," I said quickly. "I'm alright. Where are you?"
"…Outside."
I sat up, already throwing my blanket off of me. "I'm coming."
"Okay."
Sliding on my slippers and my robe, I walked towards the door. Gianna was standing right there, with her back turned, looking up at the sky. She turned as soon as she heard the door open. I felt my insides melt when I saw her face. Without a word, I stepped out pulling her into my arms, wrapping my arms snugly around her body. Her arms wrapped around my torso, her head resting on my chest.
We didn’t say anything, just held on tightly to one another. I pulled my head back to kiss her. A gentle peck at first, then nudging her lips open slowly with my tongue. "Fuck, I missed you," I breathed against her lips.
"I missed you too," she whispered. "I'm sorry I've been so preoccupied."
"It's okay." I rocked her gently in my arms. "You're here now. That's all that matters."
Kissing me a once more she dragged her hands down towards my hands. "C'mon." she pulled me forward.
"Where are we going?" I smiled, letting her lead me off the porch.
"You'll see." She smiled sweetly.
She led me a few feet in my yard and pointed to where she had laid out a large purple blanket and two throw pillows.
I looked at her with a mischievous smile. "You wanna do it in the yard?"
Gianna laughed softly. "I mean…we can." She squeezed my hands. "But not yet." Her head turned back up to the sky. "Look at how big that moon is tonight," she said quietly. "And the stars…man…" she shook her head voice lowering in awe. "I've never seen so many. Or at least I've never noticed." She broughther head back to me. "Look at them with me?" She swung our arms together gently.
She was so damn adorable.
"Of course, babe. I would love too." I brought her hands to my lips and kissed the tops.
We laid back on the blanket, close, our hand finding each other's and interlocking. I brought her hand to my chest and laid it there. The night was perfect. Warm. Breezy. The moon bright and full. And she was right…there did seem to be more stars than usual.
"I hope you're not mad at me," Gianna said softly.
My head turned to face her. "Why would you say that?"
"Because…I've been busy," she exhaled, turning to face me. "And we know why."
I shook my head. "No. I'm not mad, beautiful. I'm just worried about you is all."
She smiled gently. "I know. But I'm okay."
