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THREE
Oliver
I’m excitedto be heading home. Normally, I like traveling for my job, but ever since my new flatmate emailed me, I’ve been less and less excited about leaving to meet a new client.
I was supposed to leave for my next assignment the day after she arrived, but it was bumped up. I went home to pack my bags and checked in on her, but she was sound asleep, and I didn’t want to wake her. It killed me not to welcome her, so I left her a note explaining that my plans had changed and I would be home in a few days.
She texted me when I was about to board the plane, saying she was sorry she missed me. From there, we’ve started to chat more. I’ve turned into that annoying guy who’s always glued to his phone, checking for a new message from his girl.
Only Avery isn’t my girl.
I don’t know why I feel such a strong pull toward her. Maybe it was her words in her first emails. Maybe I’m lonely after spending so much time alone, traveling from place to place. There’s something about her that calls to me.
My dad always told me that the men in our family fall fast and hard. I never believed him. I always thought he was telling me a tale of trying to make my mom smile. I grew up hearing how they fell in love.
He’d called to make a reservation at a hotel close to the coast, and she answered. The story goes that he heard her voice, and he knew. He went on the trip, met her, and they were married by the end of the week.
Their love story always seemed so far-fetched. Who falls in love with someone after hearing their voice once? Now though, with Avery, I get it. I haven’t even heard her voice yet, and I’m already addicted to her.
I wonder how Avery would take it if I told her she’s all I can think about, that I believe we’re meant to be. Would she move out the same day? I can’t risk it, and I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. I know she’s vulnerable living here in a place she’s still trying to get familiar with.
I’ll have to make her realize we’re perfect for each other and should be more than flatmates.
I’ve been texting with Avery pretty much every day, making sure she’s settled in and likes the city. Her classes start in a couple of days, so she’s been going to campus to get a feel for the layout and learn where all her courses are being held.
I’ve been sending her dinner every night from my favorite spots around the city, and I love getting her texts thanking me and telling me what she thinks of each restaurant. We’ve been ranking them over the last week, and I like arguing with her over the dishes.
She’s told me about some of her favorite places on campus and how much she loves the little park across the street from our place. My gut always tightens when she talks about discovering a new location. I want to be the one to show her everything. I want to watch her face when she sees a new secret spot or piece of architecture. I want to hear what she thinks about the city and her classes.
I shake my head. I barely know this girl, and I’m already in way too deep.
There’s something about her. She’s so sweet, and she’s clearly a romantic. I suppose you’d have to be to love books the way she does. I wonder what she thinks about the books on my bookshelves in the flat. I don’t know what she looks like, but I can picture her curled up in my overstuffed chair by the window, reading. I want to see her do it while I cook us dinner.
My phone goes off, pulling me from my daydreams, and I pick it up, grinning when I see Avery has messaged me. She must have gotten the food.
Avery:Fish and chips? I feel like this should have been the very first meal. Seems more welcome to England than the Indian food you sent.
Oliver: I didn’t want to be too cliché.
Avery: Well, you succeeded.
Oliver: What did you think of the fish and chips?
Avery: It was better than I thought it would be. I liked the vinegar on the fries.
Oliver: We call them chips over here, love.
Avery: Right, chips.
I laughat the eye roll emoji she adds to that message.
Oliver:What are you doing tonight?
Avery: I got all my books for classes today, so I’m going over my syllabuses and making sure I have everything I need. Then I’m going to bed. I’m still trying to get over the jet lag and time change.
Oliver: Okay, get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.
