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I look around and wonder if anyone else is as confused as I am.
He chuckles at our expressions and continues. “My birthday was two days ago and I was kinda dreading turning the big 3-0. So instead of having a party with friends, I decided I wanted to be somewhere where I was completely anonymous. So, I definitely managed to do that! My day was wonderful, thanks to you all, even though you didn’t know what was going on. I’m feeling better about my life and I’m looking forward to celebrating with my partner and friends when I get home.”
Everyone begins clapping and yelling out happy birthdays. Wow. What a crazy idea to spend such a big birthday with a bunch of strangers. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to do that but good for him.
I glance at Spencer and catch him looking at me. He winks and I feel my cheeks redden. I begin to think again about his hands all over my body and I have to shift on my cushion.
A few more people share their thoughts before Arthur dismisses us for lunch. We all head in for our final meal, chattering away after so much time not speaking.
I get behind Spencer in line and notice how broad his shoulders are. I have an irresistible urge to reach out and touch him but I hold back.
He realizes I’m behind him in line and turns around to ask me when I’m leaving for the city.
“Shortly after lunch, I guess,” I say. I was hoping we might stay a bit and talk, but I don’t want to say anything in case that’s not what he’s hoping for. Chances are he needs to get back to work.
“How about you?” I ask, spooning some rice and lentils onto my plate.
“I forgot to text my driver so it might be awhile.”
“Ahh, one of the few downsides to having a driver.” I tease. I should have known that he didn’t drive up here himself. He probably worked in the back of the car the whole time.
”Would you like a ride back to the city? I have my car here. It’s nothing fancy like you’re used to but it should get us back without breaking down.” I hold my breath wondering what his response will be.
He smiles and the corners of his eyes crinkle. “Would love that. You don’t mind?”
“Not at all. I’d like the company.” I feel my pulse speeding up as I try to stay composed.
“Perfect. It’s a plan. My driver will be thrilled not to have to come up here, I’m sure.”
We’re an hour into the drive home and it feels so good to be able to talk freely again. We’ve talked non-stop the whole way, moving seamlessly from one topic to another.
“I could seriously eat Thai every night of the week,” I say.
“Oh, yeah, it’s so good. But I’d have to sprinkle some sushi nights in as well.”
“Oh my God, yes. I love that new place over on 3rd. Sushi Blues. Have you tried it yet?”
“No, but a friend told me it’s awesome,” he says, checking his phone to see what time it is. “I’m starving with all this talk about food – rice and veggies only go so far, ya know? What do you say we stop by and grab some takeout on the way in?”
I blush lightly, thinking about being out with him in public, with all eyes on us. “Um, yeah, that sounds great.”
He looks over at me, grinning, and then reaches over and lightly places his hand on my leg.
I feel a shiver go down my spine. I look out the side window briefly to hide my huge smile.
“So, what are you going to miss the most about the retreat?” I ask.
“Definitely not the morning chores. I prefer to hire someone for that. I can’t remember the last time I cleaned a toilet before this week.”
“Well, I clean my own toilet every week. You kinda get used to it,” I tease, grabbing his hand that is still on my thigh and giving it a squeeze.
“How ‘bout you? I know you’re going to miss that twin-size bed, right?”
“100%not. I’m surprised I didn’t fall out of that damn thing. No grown adult should have to ever go back to sleeping in a twin.”
“When my brother and I were little we both had twins and for a while, we shared a bedroom. We used to jump from bed to bed like monkeys.” He points out the window at the sign indicating we are only 30 minutes from home before continuing. “But then one night I was a tad short on my jump and ended up crashing into the nightstand.”
He points to the faint scar on his right cheek. “Ten stitches.”
