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“If only I could, Bella. I have to be in London on Saturday and not look like I haven’t slept in days, which with you I’d likely not.”
”Is that a complaint?”
“Not at all. I’d have to be a fool.”
I inch down so I’m wrapped in his arms for the first time in hours. “Being apart is harder than I thought it would be.”
“It does make the reunions more meaningful, but yes. Seeing you then leaving is hard. I hate it.”
He’s right. Leaving is hard and I hate it too.
I put on a brave face. I think he does too. He wasn’t distant this morning, however, I could tell there were things he wasn’t saying. I’m epic at reading a room. The best way I can describe it is if there were walls around his words, but his actions were free. I’m trying not to think too hard about it. That would only drive me insane.
We wait on the curb for his Lyft in silence. The world around us is driving by, walking by, even the birds are flying by. The only thing we notice is each other. His arms are wrapped around me. His left hand is secure around the back of my head, clutching me to his chest. I’m anchored to his back with my fingers flexing over his shoulder blades. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of his warmth. It’s not just a feeling, it’s who he is.
Even as the car pulls up and pops the trunk for his bag, we’re still holding on. “Thank you for last night, and this morning. I’ve missed going to bed with you and waking up with you in my arms.”
“Maybe someday you won’t have to miss it,” I tell him.
“Yes. Maybe someday.” He sighs. “I’ll message you on both sides of my flight tomorrow. It might get too late tonight.”
“I don’t care. Even if it is, send a message anyway. Good luck today. I’ll be with you in spirit.”
“You always are, Ava.”
He kisses my forehead and quickly enters the back seat of the car. I want one last look, like I did when we left each other on the island. He doesn’t give it to me. What I see is him resting his elbow on the doorframe and his hand looking as if he’s trying to rub a headache away. I’ve always seen him so confident and sure. Even if I’m not there with him, I know what the power of positive thought can do. It’s how I can support him now.
I end up in my office around lunchtime. I’m grateful I’m swept right into a lunch meeting with my longest running client. She and I have an easy relationship so our time spent together is ten percent work, ninety percent talk. It was the perfect combination for today.
I’m putting the boardroom back together after she leaves when Aaron comes knocking at my door. “I was hoping you’d still be here. How was your meeting with Melanie?”
“We are never lost for things to talk about. She’s great. She’s got a feature film coming up so we’re getting prepared for connecting what we’ve done in the past to what the studio wants for her. The balance will be there. I’m sure that’s not what you needed to find me for, so what’s up?”
“Okay, you know the red-carpet thing for Skywriter Studios tonight?”
I smile a little on the outside, but larger than life on the inside. “I might have heard a thing or two. The new Julian Stone film, right?”
“Yes, that. I was going to attend with Noelle. She just called and there is an emergency with a project she’s working on. She has to fly out in two hours to New York to meet at the marketing team’s headquarters there. Needless to say, she can’t be in two places at once. So I was hoping you could pull a gown from your closet and be my plus one. There are a few opportunities for networking. There’s one specifically from London who I think you’d really hit it off with. What do you say? You can even take Noelle’s salon appointment for hair and makeup, on me.”
I opt to mess with his head by not answering right away. I gather all my meeting notes and laptop in my hands before I crack a smile. “Salon treatment? Wow. Full court press. I think I can find something to wear on short notice.”
Aaron sighs and runs his hand through his hair. “You really know how to make a guy sweat.”
“It’s my job. Tough negotiations. I would have said yes, even with having to do my own hair. It’s been too long since I’ve done the red-carpet thing. If you think I won’t embarrass you too much, what time will you pick me up?”
“We can be fashionably late. How does seven sound? The venue is literally ten minutes from your apartment.”
“Sounds great. You owe me one though.”
“I’ll add it to the list.” He winks before turning back into the hallway.
Chapter fourteen
Ava
I leave my office at three to head to the salon. I feel like a movie star myself when they finish. Luckily, no matter what, I won’t be lost for formal wear to match either. I tell them exactly what I want with my hair and makeup. I have something special to recreate. I walk in the door at home just before Sylvia does. When I hear her, I stop sliding my hangers left to right to stand inside my bedroom doorway.
“Holy shit, girl,” she exclaims. “I thought Mr. Wonderful left this morning.”
