AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We haven’t had any time,” I replied. It was also something I wanted to do in person. “I can’t picture her not being happy with that. I mean her son is in the military after all. And she isn’t going to be sitting home bored. She still works. Hell, from what she told me, sometimes she does sixty hours a week. I’ll most likely be bored waiting around for her,” I said honestly.
“Not if you get married. Then she’ll fill that time off with chores,” he joked.
If he was trying to discourage me, it wasn’t working. “I never mentioned marriage, but I’m not afraid of helping her whenever she needs me.”
“Oh, new love.” He smiled and added, “And that kind of talk is what is getting me in trouble at home. Dottie remembers when I used to think and talk like you are right now. She wants it back. I’m not getting any younger.”
“We’re the same age, Carson.”
“You didn’t have four children,” he reminded me.
“Not that blessed.” Until recently I never would’ve considered a family anything more than an added responsibility, one that would’ve prevented me from living the life I had chosen. Was it age or Trisha? Maybe a combination of both, but what I want in life isn’t the same thing as a younger me.
What’s the point of having everything if you don’t have someone to share it with?
“It sounds like your life is changing a lot. I have just one question.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“This is all…so fast. Not like you at all. I just want to make sure it is what you want, and not what you think she wants,” he said.
“This is all me.” I’ve never been a follower. I have done everything the way I wanted. Was that going to change if Trisha and I kept heading in the direction I’m hoping for? Of course. It would mean that we need to discuss things first. That’s the same thing every couple dealt with. Maybe I should’ve talked to her first before booking all these events.
“Then I am wishing you all the best. Let me know if you need my help with anything. It seems like you have it all under control, but I’m always only a phone call away,” Carson said.
“Same here.” I paid our tab and headed to the bar to meet up with Penny.
The good thing about stopping at the bar before noon is the lack of customers. She smiled and asked, “Isn’t it too early for a beer?”
“Definitely. I’m sure you heard from Trisha. She’s coming home tomorrow,” I said.
Penny nodded. “She sent me a text. Are you going to pick her up from the airport?”
“She didn’t ask me to.”
Penny rolled her eyes. “Never mind. She already asked me. So you’re off the hook this time. But you will go and see her, tell her how you feel, right?”
“Not tomorrow. I want her to have time to settle in and get rest.”
“Have you forgotten everything we discussed? She is dying to see you. If you don’t want to surprise her, then send a text message letting her know you’re going to stop in. Trust me, she’ll be thrilled,” Penny said.
And if she’s not, then what?
“I’ll message her and ask if she wants to have dinner.” That left it open so she can make the decision and not feel cornered or pressured.
“I guess that will have to do,” she replied. “But I’m warning you, Mikal. If Trisha doesn’t call me with wonderful news that you are crazy in love with her, then you better find another bar to start drinking at,” she warned.
I chuckled. “Since I’m not drinking now, I’m not worried.”
Penny crossed her arms. “You should be. You’ll never find another woman like Trisha.”
At least we agree on that.
I headed back to my car and sent her a text.
I KNOW YOU MIGHT BE TIRED FROM YOUR FLIGHT TOMORROW. WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO TAKE YOU TO DINNER SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO COOK?
I was hoping that she’d still be awake at this time.
I’D LIKE THAT. HOW ABOUT EIGHT O’CLOCK?
For some reason I thought her flight was arriving much earlier in the day. Maybe she was going to get a little rest first. It didn’t matter. I was seeing her the next day.
I wish I’d offered to bring dinner to her because I’m not going to be in the mood for sharing her with anyone.
I could picture Penny rolling her eyes at me for the poor planning. I’m new at this. And if Trisha feels the way I believe she does, then she’s not going to care where we are when I tell her I love her, she’s just going to be glad to hear it.
