LOGINAubreyI laugh as Erica and I walk to the kitchen. “They are so afraid of you.”She smiles proudly. “Yes, they are. Someone needs to keep the two of them in line. Someone needs to tell them off because they are acting like children.”I nod in agreement. “Do you think they will agree?”“They will be fine.”Erica asks me to sit down while she prepares some coffee. I listen closely, trying to ensure they aren’t arguing. It’s quite silent. They either speak normally or are completely silent. I can’t tell which is worse—them being quiet or not arguing at all.“Aubrey, don’t worry about them. No one is leaving until they sort it out here.”I sigh and nod, focusing on her. Erica soon joins me at the table. “Do you want to go outside and drink it?”“Outside.”We go outside to sit on the porch swing, sipping our coffee. “How did this happen? Whose idea was it for you to move in?”“Everett asked me. I told him I needed some time to decide, and he was fine with it. Then, before we came in, I mad
EverettAubrey and I arrive at Hugo and Erica’s house, driving up the driveway to collect her belongings to bring back to mine. It feels odd to walk in together and not conceal our relationship. I’m unsure of how they will respond. I stop the car outside, turn off the engine, and prepare to get out. However, before I can, Aubrey reaches out for me, stopping me. I turn to her, puzzled. “Are you okay, angel?”“My answer is yes. I don’t need to think about it any longer.” She smiles.“Really? You mean it?” My voice clearly shows my excitement. Aubrey leans over and gently kisses me. “Yes, I truly mean it.”I expected her to take longer to decide, but I am glad it didn’t.“I can’t wait. Should we tell them while we’re here?” I ask.Aubrey sighs. “Yes, I believe we should. I don't know exactly how it will go, but they will need to come to terms with it.” “Yes, they will. Do they know we are coming?”Aubrey nods. “Yes, I texted Erica to let her know we are on our way.”“Okay.”Nervousnes
AubreyI 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
EverettHugo and I are on the way to pay a visit to Aubrey’s ex. Hugo found his address.“Everett, I know you are angry and a part of you wants to kill him, but I need you to keep yourself calm the best you can, okay? The last thing Aubrey or anyone ones is for you to lose it and end up arrested.”
AubreyI have been trying hard to sleep, but I can’t. Every time I close my eyes, memories flash in my head and not good ones. I have been doing so well recently, and then that bastard had to show up and open old wounds and bring my trauma to the surface. Something, I guess, I need to talk to my th
AubreyThe last couple of weeks have been strange to say the least. I honestly expected Everett to disappear from my life after I told him nothing would happen between us. I couldn't have been more wrong. He hasn't disappeared at all. Everett texts or calls me nearly every day. I have seen him in p
AubreyI open my eyes, and it takes me a moment to remember where I am. The space next to me, where Everett was when I fell asleep, is now empty. How long have I been asleep? Searching for my cell, I check the time. I’ve been asleep for two hours. I didn’t mean to sleep so long. It takes me a momen







