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Cold sheets greet me as I reach out for Alessandra. Opening my eyes, I close them just as quick when sunlight blinds me temporarily. Hand over my eyes, I slowly open them and separate my fingers until my eyes adjust to the light. Scooting up to a seated position, I stretch my limbs.
As I open my mouth to call out for her, I spot a slip of paper on her pillow. I swipe it up, bring it close, and narrow my eyes to read the note.
Care Bear,
You looked so peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you. I’m downstairs. When you’re ready for breakfast, text me then come down.
Your firecracker
My cheeks sting as I stare at the last two words.Your firecracker.“Damn right.”
Swinging my feet out from under the covers, I finger-comb my hair and reach for my glasses on the nightstand. I slide them on and plant my feet on the floor, stretching more when I stand. Grabbing the throw blanket on the foot of the bed, I wrap it around me as I pad to the entry for my duffel.
Back in the bedroom, I riffle through the duffel and pull out clothes for the day. Tossing the throw back on the bed and my glasses on my clothes, I head for the bathroom and crank the shower faucet. Steam barely has enough time to fill the bathroom before I cut off the water and towel off. I forgo shaving—after all, I am on vacation—and brush my teeth.
Dressed save for my shoes, I hang the towel in the bathroom, fold the throw blanket and lay it back at the foot of the bed, then move my duffel and dirties to the floor on my side of the bed, stashing her note in the bag.
My side of the bed.I don’t hate the sound of those words in my head.
I grab my phone from the charger and open the messaging app.
Braydon
Up and presentable. Putting on shoes, then I’ll be down.
The small gray bubble dances on the screen.
Alessandra
Can’t wait to sleep in tomorrow. I’ll get your order in then come to the back door.
My naughty side wants to toss out a perverse comment about back doors. For now, I keep it to myself.
Braydon
Be down in a minute.
I stow my phone in one back pocket, wallet in the other, and shove my keys in the front. As I sit on the entry bench and tie my shoes, my eyes drift around the space. Not that I haven’t seen Alessandra’s apartment. Admittedly, most of my time here, I missed seeing the place with the curtains drawn back, sunlight dancing across the hardwood and minimal furniture. In the evening, the apartment has a dark, industrial yet modern vibe. But in the daylight, I notice the softer hues. Cream and soft blue and gray. The occasional pale yellow, baby pink or lavender. Against the brick and sharp lines of black, it works.
After one last look, I rise from the bench and head out the door. At the foot of the stairs, Alessandra stands with one hand on her hip and my favorite smile on her lips. My feet hit the pavement and I wrap my arms around her middle, pressing my lips to hers.
“Morning, firecracker.”
Her smile widens. “Morning, Care Bear.”
Every time she calls me Care Bear, I want to ask which one. Is there a Nerdy Care Bear? If so, I’d say it is one-hundred-percent me. Knowing her, she would probably call me Funshine Bear or Bedtime Bear. There isn’t anything wrong with Funshine Bear. I just don’t see myself as being super chipper all the time. And as long as Bedtime Bear isfun, I’m cool. But I’ll save asking for another day.
“Hungry?” She holds the door open and gestures for me to enter.
I step inside and the place is so different from my last visit. Pans clang against the gas range. The whir of the oven serves as background noise. A slightly sweet smell floats in the air—hints of bread and berries and something I can’t quite place. Oddly, it smells like Alessandra and I inhale deeply. A tall black man stands between the range and a stainless steel table, shifting back and forth between cutting fruit and vegetables, cooking food on the range, and slicing a fresh loaf of bread.
“If I wasn’t a minute ago, I definitely am now.” I take in another lungful of air. “God, it smells incredible back here.” My eyes widen. “How the hell do you get anything done? I’d be eating all day.”
“Time and control, Care Bear.” She takes my hand and walks me closer to the man. “August, I’d like you to meet Braydon. My boyfriend.”
At this, his brows shoot to his hairline. His eyes dart between us as a knowing smile lights his face. He wipes a hand on his apron then offers it to me. “August. Nice to meet you, Braydon.” He shoots Alessandra a mischievous grin. “I haven’t heard nearly enough about you.”
“Oh, shush you.”
