LOGINAubreyI wake early to make some breakfast for us to have in bed. I also want to think about what Everett asked me. Are we ready for that? Ready to live together? I worry it is too soon and that it will become too much for him and me. It is a huge step, one that would make sense. It would mean I don’t need to keep looking for somewhere, and everyone can stop worrying about my safety because there is no chance he will find me here. It would also mean I would be around Everett more, which is one thing I don’t mind. Either way, the choice needs to be mine without anyone else’s input. Hugo and Erica, I am unsure how they will react if I say yes. I love them, but it isn’t really any of their business. There is a lot to think about.I prepare the pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon, placing them on a tray that already holds fresh coffee and two mugs. If he wants his protein drink, he can prepare it himself. He's likely still asleep, dealing with jet lag, and adjusting to this time zone. It
Everett Aubrey and I have barely left bed since she arrived and found me here. We are making up for lost time. I am so happy to be back home with her because I was missing her in a way that was hurting. Her head is on my chest and her hand on my bare stomach, two things that are comforting to me. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here. I am eager to continue our relationship without any need to hide. “Any luck with finding a new place?” I ask, caressing the small of her back. Aubrey groans at my question. I will take that as a no. “No, not yet. Everything is so expensive, and I don’t want Hugo paying out so much money for me for a place to stay. Anything cheaper, he doesn’t think is secure enough. I am due to pitch a tent in their back door or something.” She snickers. “There is another option,” I say nervously. Aubrey rolls onto her stomach, resting her chin on my chest and glances up at me. “There is? What? Sleep in my car?” I shake my head. I am not sure how she is goi
AubreyI pull up outside of Everett’s place, where I have been staying for the last couple of nights. He’ll be home late tomorrow. I’m looking forward to seeing him; he knows I am here. To get ready, I want to make sure the place is clean and the fridge is stocked for his return. I’m happy I won’t have to sleep alone tomorrow. Hugo and I talked, and things are okay, but I came here because I’m still a bit mad at him and didn’t want to overstay my welcome. I need to find an apartment soon. Everywhere I’ve seen hasn’t felt right, or Hugo thought it wasn’t secure enough. We have more viewings next week. That’s stressing me out, but right now, that doesn’t matter. The important thing is that Everett will be home. We can reconnect. He’d better not leave for so long again, or I’ll insist on going with him. I don’t mean to be needy—but I can’t
EverettI wake with a pounding headache, groaning as sunlight slips through the curtains. Last night is a blur—I only remember ordering a drink at the bar. Somehow, I ended up back in my London apartment. Thank God—at least I didn’t do something stupid like cheat on Aubrey. I hope that’s not who I am, no matter how drunk I get. I can’t recall coming home. How did I get here? I search for my cell but can’t find it. Hopefully, I didn’t lose it in my drunken state. I shouldn’t have drunk so much, but it’s how I cope.I get out of bed to search for my cell. Each step makes my head throb, nausea rising. The taste of scotch lingers, churning my stomach. I need my cell—Aubrey has probably tried to reach me, and she'll worry if she can’t. I stroll into the living room and stop on my tracks when I see Hugo sitting on the sofa.“Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be on your way home by now?”Hugo sighs and looks up at me. “I changed it to later today.”"Why? I thought you’d be desperate to g
AubreySomeone shakes me awake in my sleep, causing me to groan.“Aubrey, please wake up?” I hear Erica ask, and at the sound of her voice, I shoot awake.“Erica, what is wrong? Are you okay? Are the kids and dogs okay?” I ask in a panic.It is the middle of the night. Erica wouldn’t wake me up for no reason.“Yes, they are all fine. Hugo just called, they are both fine too, sort of. Their conversation didn’t go well. Hugo said some things he shouldn’t have, and upset Everett, who left. That was a couple of hours ago, and he can’t get hold of him. You should call Everett and make sure he is okay. He will answer your call,” she sighs.What the hell did Hugo say to him to make him leave and ignore him? I check my cell and notice a text from a couple of hours ago from Everett t
EverettHugo and I are back at the apartment after a long day of work. We ordered in because we were in no mood to go out or cook, which works because it allows me to talk with him. Things have been hectic since his arrival, so he really hasn’t brought up Aubrey. We have pizza and beers, watching a football match on the TV.“Hugo, we need to talk,” I say, getting straight to the point.He mutes the TV and turns to me. “Yes, we do. I want the truth about you and Aubrey.”There is no point in prolonging it. “Aubrey and I are together. We have been for months.”His brows furrow and his face turns red. “I fucking knew it. What the hell were you thinking? I told you to stay away from her. She is vulnerable, Everett. She doesn’t need another man lying and hurting her. Can you not listen for once in your damn life? If you had any decency, you would end things before she ends up falling, because we both know you don’t do commitment or long-term relationships. You could have any woman you want
EverettI am meeting Hugo for lunch today to discuss our new business opportunity. I have made up my mind. I will go, but only for a few weeks, no longer. I refuse to leave Aubrey for so long. If Hugo doesn’t accept my suggestions, he can find someone else to go because it won’t be me.I arrived a
AubreyI am nervous as I drive up the long driveway that leads to Everett’s place. I have barely spoken to him. Once, while he was on his way home, but that has been it. I don’t know how tonight will go, how the conversation will go. I have no idea what mood he is in. He will still be stressed out.
AubreyEverett leaves tomorrow for London for an entire month. I am dreading it. It is only a month, which is better than a year, I guess, but it doesn’t mean it is going to be easy. I am going to miss him. I am trying to keep it together. I don’t want to get upset around him and make it harder. Th
Aubrey"Are you sure you don't want me just to take you to the office?" Everett asks. We have parked a couple of blocks away."No, it isn't a good idea in case someone sees us. It would make too many questions arise.""True." He sighs.I reach over, kissing him softly. He kisses back, resting his h







