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“It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours and I already miss Lola and Waffles. How am I going to go three months without seeing them?” I ask with a hint of vulnerability.
“Trust me.” He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. “You’re going to have an incredible time in Paris and you’ll be so busy you won’t have time to miss us. Plus, we’re going to video chat every day and before you know it, you’ll be back home where you belong.”
I love the sound of calling Aspen Grove my home.
“Before I forget, I packed you this yesterday.” He holds up a unicorn lunch bag.
I burst out laughing as I take it from him. “I’m flying first class, remember? I’m sure they’ll have plenty of snacks.”
Dylan wanted me to take the Stafford Holdings jet to Paris, but I declined. He said the next best thing was flying first class and wouldn’t back down until I agreed.
“Do they have Cheez-Its and Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts?” He smirks.
I point at the bag. “Please tell me that’s what you put in here.”
“You’ll have to wait and find out,” he says playfully. “God, I’m going to miss you so damn much.”
He leans forward, molding his mouth to mine, his tongue passing my lips. He grasps my jaw in his hand, deepening our kiss. Time seems to stand still as we stay wrapped in our private bubble, not caring about passersby or our surroundings. We’re just two people head over heels in love, finding it hard to say goodbye, even if it’s a temporary separation.
When he finally pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine. “I love you, sunshine.”
“I love you.”
“You better go or you’re going to miss your flight.” He motions toward the security checkpoint.
I throw my arms around his neck for one last hug, choking back tears when I have to step away. Glancing back, I laugh when I find him blowing me kisses.
God, I love him so much it hurts.
As I’m waiting in line for security, I take out the unicorn bag to see what’s inside and find a yellow sticky note on top.
Morning, sunshine,
I love you & am so proud of you. I can’t wait until you’re back in my arms.
-Dylan
Tears trickle down my cheeks. I can only hope that I’ve made the right decision and that even though it won’t be easy, Dylan and I will grow closer because of this experience.
34
DYLAN
IT’S ONLY BEEN A WEEK since Marlow left, and I miss her so much.
Saying goodbye to her at the airport was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I cried on the way home, unable to control my emotions—however, I’ll never admit that to anyone.
In the days leading up to Marlow’s departure, her face lit up whenever she spoke about the residency program and how excited she was about this opportunity. Seeing her enthusiasm makes all the difficulties that come with it worth it.
For the most part, Lola and Waffles are holding up better than I expected. Granted, it’s only been a week, and Lola asks me every day when Marlow’s coming back, and Waffles whines at the front door, confused why she hasn’t come to take him home to their pink house.
The first night, I attempted to get Waffles to sleep in his dog bed in the living room, but after hours of his whining, I eventually caved. Now he sleeps with Lola. I have to admit, they’re damn cute when they’re snuggled up together in Lola’s bed.
The most challenging part of our situation is navigating the six-hour time difference and finding windows in our busy schedules to connect.
I check my watch to see that it’s 5:15 a.m., which means 11:15 a.m. in Paris. Marlow should be on a break right now, according to the schedule she sent me. I try calling her twice, but she doesn’t answer. A few minutes later, she sends me a text.
Marlow: I’m sorry I missed your call. I had to go back to my apartment in between classes to grab some paint supplies, and now I’m running late.
