Page 55 of Heat Clinic

A lot better

The first day back to normal is always the worst

I’ll be fine tomorrow

Good to hear. When do you go back to work?

Tomorrow. I work until five thirty.

We can stay until Wednesday, but then we have to return home.

Wednesday. But that’s so soon. It’s hardly any time at all. Rationally, I know they have lives to return to. Their home is in New York. They have careers, friends, and family. Marcus was only here on a business trip. Of course they have to go home. But I didn’t realize it would be so soon. I’ve never been in a long-distance relationship before, and the idea of being so far apart so early makes my chest pinch.

We’d both love it if you came out to stay with us. See the city and spend time together. Both of you. As soon as you can.

I have to return to work. At least long enough to turn in my paperwork to take some FMLA for pack bonding. Twelve weeks should give us plenty of time to decide if this is working.

How soon is soon?

I can put in the paperwork tomorrow to take some time off from work

Start packing.

I send him a heart emoji. Pink, not red. Because I’m not sure if we’re at red heart emoji level yet, but fuck… I think we’ll get there, and I’m happy and nervous and horny as hell about it.

But what about my plants?

I can’t ask Lindsay to water them for potentially three months straight. And what if she kills them by overwatering them? I’m already worried that my monstera is getting root rot.

I have plants. I’m not sure what to do about them.

I’ve never been gone for a long time before.

Bring them.

I hope you have a truck.

I don’t, but I can hire one or we can hire you a house sitter. Up to you, sweetheart.

I don’t really like the idea of moving them recklessly. Moves are stressful and my fittonia is a huge overly dramatic baby that plays dead if you so much as look at her wrong. And a house sitter will keep my place from getting broken into while I’m gone, and keep spiders from moving in.

House sitter, please.

Give me your address. I’ll handle it.

My belly flutters.I send Marcus my information, then switch texts to Sam to share the news.

I’m going with them to NYC on Wednesday. Say you’re coming too.

Sam

Yessssss

Wanna help me pack?

I’m on my way

It only takes him twenty minutes to get to my place. I open the door wide and tuck my hair behind my ear. He leans down and presses a kiss to my lips and pushes around me.

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