Page 30 of Whimsical Ink
“Wait.” She wraps a hand around my wrist. “I have something for you.”
Shocked pleasure courses through me, and I collapse on the bed. She got something for me? But how?
“When did you do that? You know you didn’t have to with everything I?—”
“I did. I wanted to. And don’t get excited. It’s not great, considering I was whisked away before I could go home, and I’m without a car here, so I couldn’t go shopping.” She opens her bedside table drawer and pulls out a piece of paper. Paper from the sketchpad I gave her yesterday. She hands it to me but before she releases it says, “It’s truly nothing, but I figured something out with what I had.”
I take the paper from her and turn it over. My lips spread, and I grin at her. “You drew the house.”
The house is the focus, the tired blue paint and Dad’s plants surrounding it he’s always adding to. The beach peeks behind the house and a tiny cricket set is in the distance.
“You love it here.” She runs the pendant across her lips and drops it when I look at her. Her lips are tight and she’s biting her cheek. Nervous energy emanates off her. “You could keep it in your office and when you’re stressed, or Oliver’s being annoying, you could look at it and relax.” She coughs. “Or remember I’m the champion.”
“How could I forget you’re the champion?” My grin won’t quit, so instead of kissing her, I drag her into a hug and squeeze her tight and rock her back and forth until she laughs. “Thank you.”
I pull away reluctantly and set the drawing on the bedside table carefully. “Now, let’s get ready and eat our weight in food.”
When we’re both ready, we head downstairs and help make breakfast with everyone else. Open doors let in the breeze as sun pours into the room and Christmas music plays, singing about winter and snow while we sit outside in shorts and linen and drink champagne, trying to avoid the burning sun while the barbecue’s on.
We exchange presents and Maddy blushes multiple times and fiddles with her necklace even though she put her ring back on, and we eat Mum’s roast and the pudding I made with Maddy.
I forget it’s pretend, that I need to talk to Maddy and actually ask her to be with me.
But when we walk upstairs tiredly and get ready for bed together, I wrap her in my arms and hope spreads through my chest, relaxing me until I fall asleep.
It nearly tops yesterday.
8
MADDY
December 26th:Boxing Day.
My hand reaches for the warmth beside me but doesn’t find a body. I crack my eyes open to find an empty room and rumpled sheets. Instead of going back to sleep, I sit up and rub my eyes until I see stars.
He’s woken up before me each day and brought me coffee in bed. The least I can do is help him make it today.
I get ready, grab my phone, and head downstairs to find him.
If today’s as good as the last few days, I’ll owe him for forcing me here. I’ve caught up on sleep, eaten good food, relaxed for the first time in ages, and kissed Daniel.
Done more with him than I thought possible.
I know it’s not real. Know it will change when we go home, but for now, I’m enjoying his kisses, enjoying when he wraps his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close.
Trying to stop the hope welling inside my chest has been fruitless.
When we’re back to our real lives and everything settles, then I’ll bring up the possibility of dating with him. Will ask ifhe would consider continuing the new side of our relationship, where he touches me and I don’t have to feel guilty about touching him back or putting my tongue in his mouth. Where I can say I love him without worrying and can watch his eyes soften and his lips spread into a grin.
The door to the kitchen is closed, which is unusual. Maybe they close it at night? I pause outside when I hear murmurs.
Emma’s hissed whisper comes through the door. “You need to tell her.”
“I will. But not yet.”
My body tenses when I realise Daniel is the one who responded.
“You’re lying to her. It’s not fair to her. You’re taking advantage.”