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I’m moving to the beach.
Callan
No, you’re not.
Olivia
You’re not the boss of me.
Callan
I’d fucking like to be.
Olivia
You say the sweetest things to me, Callan Black.
I’m sweltering my way through July.New York is having record temps and I’m alternating between begging Callan to take me to the beach as often as he can (everyone should get a boyfriend with a helicopter); driving him wild by walking around his condo naked as often as I can (I highly recommend this to every woman out there; men say yes to so many things while under the influence of naked asses); and wishing more brides chose indoor weddings.Callan and I have attended four weddings this month and I’ve vowed never to have an outdoor summer wedding.
I also spend the month alternating between wanting to fire my contractor (he keeps ghosting me for days at a time because of his divorce nightmare that’s apparently interfering with his ability to work…buddy, we’ve all got problems and the rest of us keep showing up to work); having dinner at Callan’s parents’ home (Hayden was right: their mom is ecstatic that Callan and I are together, and she has begun hosting way more Black family dinners); praying that the current stock market rally continues because I’m seeing my stocks slowly go back up in price; and texting back and forth with Harper trying to get her to settle on wedding plans.
I can’t decide which is more stressful this month: the heat wave, dealing with my contractor, or dealing with Harper.By the time the Black family weekend away arrives at the end of the month, I’m a hot mess.
“Oh my god!”I cry on the morning of the Friday that we’re leaving for the Catskills.“I didn’t bring my hat!”
Callan reaches for my hands to stop me from madly pulling my packed suitcase apart.“Babe.Stop.We can get your hat on the way out this afternoon.”
I know he’s just trying to help, and I know he’s right, but my entire body is filled with some kind of weird turbulent energy this morning that I can’t get a handle on.This causes me to snap, “We’re already going to be pushed for time.I don’t want to have to stop on our way out.And stop telling me to stop.It annoys me.And don’t call me babe.I don’t like it.”
He arches a brow and gives me a look that saysI see it’s going to be one of those days.Then, he says, “There’s no rule that says we have to arrive at a specific time.We’re getting your hat.”
This only irritates me more.“Stop trying to boss me, Callan.I’m really not a fan.”
“Don’t I know it.”He draws a long breath.“I’ll buy you a new hat.You can wear it or not.”With that, he walks out of the bedroom, leaving me to stew over all my feelings about what he just said.
I’ve been staying at Callan’s for the last five weeks since my contractor started work at my condo.I’ve loved this time with him and I know he has too.However, over the last few days, I’ve been in a mood.I don’t know why, but I’m feeling prickly about everything and have been difficult.
Callan has remained calm throughout every little outburst while I’ve started wondering why I’m so lucky to have a guy who is so calm when he has every right to argue back.
I know I’m being difficult and yet I can’t stop myself.I’m glad for a weekend away; I’m hoping to find time to think about the cause.The last thing I want is to fight with Callan over dumb things.
I finish packing and meet Callan in his kitchen for breakfast.We move past my outburst and discuss the logistics of getting away this afternoon.We both have a busy work schedule this morning.Our goal is to leave just after lunch, which is really pushing it for me.I don’t mention that, though.I am the one after all who just argued with him over having to leave at a certain time.
He drives me to work like he has for most of this month.This started because I told him I didn’t want to walk in the heat.After the last few days of my moods, I’m pretty sure he’d drive me next door just so he didn’t have to listen to me complain about the weather.
By the time we arrive at my work, I feel awful about snapping at him earlier.After he stops the car for me to get out, I place my hand on his thigh and lean across to kiss him.Letting my mouth linger near his, I say, “I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult this week.”
He curves his hand around the nape of my neck and pulls me back for another kiss.“I’ve made a mental note to move us to the Arctic before next summer.”
I smile as I search his eyes.All I see there is affection.No irritation.“You know I’d just switch my whining to how cold I am, right?”
“This does present a whole other problem.You should create me a spreadsheet of all the possible locations around the world with weather that’s acceptable to you.”
“You know you should never ask for a spreadsheet unless you really want one.”
“Oh, I want one, Ace.I want to watch you put your glasses on and get all nerdy creating it.”
I grip his shirt and steal one last kiss.“Don’t buy me a hat.We’ll stop by my condo and collect mine.”
