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I loved my job, but I hoped to see Stephen’s work one day, both the designs displayed on his arms and the graphics he created. I wanted to see the leaves change and why it was such a big deal. I yearned to know the color of the ocean. Growing up, seeing greyscale never bothered me because I always figured Erik would be there when I was an adult. But after I left, I had moments of sadness about what I was missing in the world. I tried not to think about it, but it was getting harder lately.
My logical side intervened to get my thoughts back on track. It reminded me that Parker was only here briefly, and any notion of permanence would be ill-advised. I looked between Nathaniel and Gabby as he saved her hair from dipping into the gumbo. Her advice had worked out this weekend, so I shifted my perspective closer to hers. I wouldn’t worry about anything until I had to.
Just because it wasn’t permanent didn’t mean it couldn’t be fun.
Nathaniel bowed out shortly after dinner, claiming he had to be well-rested for tomorrow. With that statement came many innuendoes about his lack of sleep over the weekend, which left Gabby blushing and me nauseous. She kissed him goodbye and hid herself in her room.
“You can keep the rest of the food,” Parker said, helping me wash the dishes. “It should fill the same number of meals you would have with the other one. Sorry that they ran out before you could get it.”
“I’m not complaining about missing out on that one,” I said. “Yours may be a little bit better, but if you tell James or Adam, I will adamantly deny it.”
There was his deep laugh again. “I’m happy you liked it. Grandma’s recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.”
“Well, Grandma knows her stuff.”
“I should go. I have an early start tomorrow, and you have a big day to prepare for. I need to be at the airport to pick up some people first thing,” he turned to me when we got to the front door. “I’m sorry, by the way.”
“For what?”
“Kissing you. I’m not typically the kind to go around kissing women I just met…I guess I just got carried away in the moment.”
“Do you regret it?”
Here was my streak of boldness for the weekend surging again. I wasn’t sure where it had come from, but it would come to an embarrassing end if the answer was yes.
“What? No!” he shifted his weight and crossed his arms. A flash of fire stormed his eyes as he cocked his head. He snapped a rubber band on his wrist.
“Why are you doing that?” my eyes narrowed at the mark on his wrist.
“Sorry, it’s something I do when I get worked up, but I do not regret kissing you. I’m just not trying to add one more thing to your already full plate or if that’s even something you wanted. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you the last few days, so I don’t want one stupid, bonehead move to –”
I balled up his t-shirt, feeling the cotton wrinkling under my fingers, and pulled him down to meet my gaze. It effectively stopped his rambling. I seized the last bit of boldness I had in me.
“Parker, be quiet.”
I pressed his lips against mine, an involuntary smile spreading across my face. He relaxed his shoulders and straightened up, letting go of the empty bag. Parker pulled me into him until my chest pressed up against his.
“So, I guess that answers that,” he chuckled into my lips. “Umm…what happens now?”
“It depends. Do you still want to hang out with me?”
He nodded.
“We’re both adults,” I stated. “I pitch that we explore the city in our attempt to be better at life outside of work like we planned and just go with whatever happens. No strings, no commitments, just temporary fun. It’s like the start of a joke…two workaholics make a pact to work less and enjoy life more.”
“Well, then, I’m excited to discover what a life outside of work is like. Would you like to meet me for a drink tomorrow? You might need it after spending the day with your ex.”
“Absolutely. I’ll text you a time and place.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, lightly brushing his lips across mine. “Goodnight, princess.”
“See, now that felt like a compliment. Goodnight, Parker.”
I took one last glance at him before shutting the door. My hand lingered on the knob as I processed what I had just done. Gabby’s advice was batting a thousand right now.
My bedroom ceiling stared back at me as I lay in bed, not quite believing who I was this weekend. Erik, Richard, and Parker consumed my thoughts and feelings. Amelia plagued my worries. My fear of failure kept me awake longer than I intended to stay up.
Come the morning, I needed to pack everything I felt away. I would move everything aside and forget about the fantastic weekend I had. Every worry, every smile, every doubt. Feelings didn’t matter. I had to focus on the most important thing in my life.
