Page 127 of Lars

The next morning, I woke at 5 AM – a habit drilled into me from years in the military. After a round of calisthenics to start the day, I showered and went to a nearby café for a quick bite. Then I checked flights out of Amsterdam and called Rachel. I knew she would already be up.

“Good morning, international man of mystery,” she said cheerily.

“Good morning, equally mysterious woman,” I said with a smile. “Could you pick me up at Heathrow at 5 PM?”

“I should be able to manage that. You connecting through Amsterdam?”

“Actually, coming from there. I flew in yesterday to see Gunnar.”

“Reeaaaaally,” she said with fake suspicion. “Anything you want to get off your chest?”

“Nope. I was good – no sex workers or pot brownies.”

“Well, you still have time,” she teased.

“No, thank you. I’ll have lunch with Gunnar before I go, then see you at 5. I’ll text you the flight info.”

“And you won’t need to fly back!” she said, almost giddy with happiness.

“No,” I said with a smile. “This time, I’m coming to stay.”

70

Ireturned to Gunnar’s around noon, and we went out for lunch.

He didn’t mention Alistair again, and I certainly didn’t revisit the subject. We just talked about the old times. Then I hugged him and left to catch my plane.

When Rachel met me at the airport, we kissed.

“Welcome home,” she said with a big smile.

Welcome home.

It had a nice ring to it.

I noticed that she drove past the parking garage, though.

“No sex in the back seat of the car anymore?” I asked.

She smiled. “I figured you’re here to stay, so we can do it anytime we want. Plus, you were just here a week ago.”

I didn’t know why, but her answer made me a little sad. Like we’d lost some of the spark that had made things so passionate.

Then things got slightly strained when I realized we were heading for the hotel I’d always stayed at.

“I didn’t make a reservation,” I said.

“I’m sure they’ve got room.”

Her answer irked me, though I played it off with a joke. “When I get my own place, you’re not invited over, either.”

She gave me a sharp look. “Nothing has changed about my job just because you moved here.”

That just irritated me more. “I realize that, but – ”

“Look,” she sighed, “I don’t want to fight – especially not on your first night. I just want to pop some champagne, have amazing sex, and go to sleep knowing you don’t ever have to leave again.”

“…same here,” I said grudgingly.

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