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When I come back from New York, I’m going to get my girl back.
She’s mine and I’m not letting her go.
THIRTY-FOUR
WINTER
ONE WEEK LATER…
“Winter, hey.” My neighbor passes me as I slip through the front door of my apartment building.
“Morning, Tess,” I say, extra-large, six-shot, extra-hot, no whip, no foam, caramel latte in hand. I’m usually not the type. It’s not fall and I’m not a Kimberly, but I woke up with the extra weight of exhaustion today.
Then I checked my welcome mat for my daily reminder that Aleck exists and he’s broken my heart.
“Those deliveries at your door are filling up the hallway with the sweetest smells. My mouth waters all the way to work in the morning.”
I force a lazy laugh, pulling my sunglasses off my face. “Sorry—”
“No need to be sorry. Just share, girl.” She giggles, smelling all fresh and looking vibrant. I remember when life felt that optimistic. I used to giggle too. “Anyway, there’s another treat waiting for you, and it looks like it might be the most delicious one yet.” She winks, then she’s out the door.
Another gift.Wonderful.Every morning for the last week, I’ve woken up to a maple-flavored treat on my doorstep or a delivery with a note from Aleck. I’m impressed he was listening and remembered all those weeks ago, when we picked Sondra and Preston’s wedding cake together. I told him all the places me and my mom went for the best maple treats in town, and he remembered each one.
Monday I woke to maple-glazed donuts from Eddie’s bakery with a note that read,I miss eating ice cream with you at midnight.
Tuesday I found maple fudge from The Chocolaterie. It’s note read,I miss sleeping next to you. It was the only time in my life I felt safe in my dreams.
Wednesday he DoorDashed me a maple-spiced latte from Cavanagh’s Coffee House. That note read,I miss fighting with your stubborn ass. P.S. I miss your ass.
Yesterday he DoorDashed me maple-rum ice cream from Brawner’s Creamery with a note that read,I miss the way you would switch between Sister Winter, Baby Bulldog, and Aleck’s Winter based on your reaction to my antics. Aleck’s Winter was my favorite Winter.
And today, I woke to a box full of maple-on-maple cupcakes from Posh Pastries, a place I’ve never heard of before. They were insanely good. I ate three of them. Then I cried, called in sick from work, went back to sleep, woke, read the note that came with the cupcakes repeatedly, then cried again.
I miss your laugh, your smile, your lips, your scent… I miss you. I miss you from so deep in my bones, they ache. You’re my favorite season. I’m sorry.
And then I cried some more.
Closing my mailbox, I drop my mail and keys into my bag, then swing it over my shoulder. Sipping my coffee, I take a deep breath and climb the stairs to the first floor, wondering what treat awaits me this time. Maple sheet-cake from The Cake Goddess? I never told him that was my birthday cake every year growing up, but he has a way of finding things out. Where I live, for one.
Maple Leaf Cookies from Trader Joe’s? Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. Maybe maple-chocolate blondies from Krispies in Ventura? No, he wouldn’t dare travel to Ventura.
As I reach the top few steps, I stop, freezing in my spot. My limbs tingle with the need to turn and run, but all I can do is stare in disbelief.
Aleck.
Perfect posture, perfectly tousled hair, hands in his pockets, steely dark stare Aleck.
He was thetreatTess was referring to. He lifts his head and looks at me. Straightening his back, he pushes off my door and stands at his full height.
Tall, dark, formidable Aleck.
I lift my chin and climb the last two stairs, ambling toward my door without a care in the world. Which isanabsolute liebecause I’m dying inside. Every muscle, nerve, vein is screaming at the sudden sight of him.
Aleck is here. In front of me. At my home.
“Jesus.” I roll my eyes. “You disappeared for a month without even a whisper and now you keep resurfacing like a persistent case of the herp,” I scoff.
Aleck smiles softly, almost bashfully. A laugh puffs in his chest. “Baby Bulldog… It’s been a while. Good to see you again.”
