Page 71 of Restoration
I’m so proud of him. He’s never worked so hard at anything in his entire life.
“So do you think it’s hopeless? Is there nothing but brick walls?” I comb my fingers through his hair and then stroke his cheek. He shaved this morning, but he already has a little stubble.
“No, it’s not hopeless. I just have to plow through the walls.” He sighs and opens his eyes to smile at me. “I’m not used to making such an effort.”
“I know you aren’t. But hopefully it will be worth it.”
“It will be.” He closes his eyes again, smiling as I rub his head and neck. “You’re going to be late for your class.”
“No, I won’t. I’ve got plenty of time.” It’s an evening class that starts at six, and it’s only a bit after five.
“Are you nervous?”
“A little. I don’t know why. It’s just a class.”
“But it’s something new. It’s okay to be nervous. But you’re going to do great.”
“I hope so.”
“I’ve never known you to be anything but great at every single thing you’ve done.”
I can’t help smiling at the sweet comment. “Thank you for saying that, but I’m not sure it’s true.”
“Yes, it is. From arranging my schedule to organizing my closet to breaking open coconuts to having sex with me to flying a kite. You do all of it better than anyone I’ve ever known. You’re going to do great in this degree too. And when you’re done, you’re going to be great at whatever job you decide you want. And if you still want to start up a nonprofit, you know I’ll be happy to fund it.”
So I’m kind of sappy as I eventually leave to drive to the university campus for my class, but I figure it’s all right to be sappy sometimes.
***
THE CLASS IS FINE.It’s not all that interesting, and it doesn’t even go the whole time, getting out around seven thirty. But I’m excited about the books and projects on the syllabus, and I’m excited about my future.
All of my future. In my career and with Edmund.
The house is quiet when I get home. No one is around—not even Alicia—and I eventually send Edmund a text.I’m home. Where are you?
I’m out back.
Relieved he didn’t actually disappear on me, I put down my stuff and walk through the house and then out to the large back patio that leads down to the pool.
Edmund is lighting a candle on a table set up near some potted plants. He’s wearing brown trousers and a green untucked shirt, and he looks handsome and relaxed and warm and smiling.
“Hey! Are we eating out here?”
“Yeah. I thought maybe we could.” He steps aside so I can see the table. It’s simply set with white china, crystal stemware, and tropical flowers.
“It’s beautiful! What a nice idea! And I love the tropical theme. It reminds me of the island.”
“It’s supposed to.”
“Should I change into something nicer?”
“No. You’re perfect as you are.” He comes over to kiss me, then takes my hand and leads me to my seat at the table.
On my plate is half a coconut shell, facing downward. It makes me giggle.
“You shouldn’t laugh at my romantic efforts,” he says in a teasingly aggrieved voice.
“I would never laugh at your efforts. I love your efforts. And it still feels like a dream come true that you want to make efforts forme.”