Page 69 of Time To Live Again

Andy: Before I forget. Super Bowl party at my place. You’re coming!

What? Watch the Super Bowl at his place in San Francisco? I huff. Then realization dawns. Of course—he wants everyone to watch his commercial the first time with him. A week ago, I would’ve said no. Times are changing. An idea strikes, and I sit up on my bed. Maybe Leo can meet me there between his trips. I know he’s supposed to be in California at some point.

Me: Count me in.

Andy: Bring lover boy.

Me: Already thinking about it.

Even if Leo can’t go, I will anyway. I have to keep my high going somehow.

29

LEO

Iplace the heavy box on the coffee table, and Sully puts another one next to it. Then he pats me on the shoulder and turns to leave.

“Thanks for the support today,” I say, hoping I’m not slurring. We had a few too many martinis, and it doesn’t help how exhausted I am. “You and Tonya were a big help. It was a blast hanging out like old times.”

He turns and fixes his intense gaze on me. “I know it was hard for you to look at all that stuff, but it was hard for us too. We all have great memories of Corey. They shouldn’t be forgotten and placed in a box somewhere gathering dust.” He’s out the door before I can respond.

Ouch.As quiet as Sully is, when he does speak, it hits deep. And he’s absolutely right. Corey deserves to be remembered. It wasn’t my intention to forget him. It was too difficult to look at things we worked nonstop for. A constant reminder of what could’ve been. Where would we be now? Would I have met Olive?

Like Sully said, it was great looking through the boxes with him and Tonya. Somewhere along the way, I’d forgotten that they were close to him too. We laughed until we cried and cried until we laughed. I found the hard drive where I’d downloaded all our videos, blog entries, and pictures. Tonya ran to her office and brought back her computer. Then she made us fresh cosmopolitans to give us strength to view what was on there. We didn’t get through half of the stuff.

While watching videos of our travels, I got an idea of how I can show Olive who I used to be. It’ll also give her the chance to know Corey. I’m not scheduled to leave for another five days, so I’ll prepare what I need and take it with me. Sometimes technology really is your friend.

I drag myself upstairs and change into my sleep pants and T-shirt. My bed is calling, but I want to talk to Olive before I pass out. I’m dying to hear how things went with her mom. I huff as I realize I left my phone downstairs. I trot down and slide it off the table. The screen lights up with a message from Olive. She wants to talk too.

I make it back upstairs and sit on the bed with my back against the headboard. I press the video-call button, and she answers immediately. Her beautiful face fills the screen and my body buzzes with happiness and longing.

“Hey, beautiful,” I purr. “It’s good to see your face.”

A sweet smile curves her lips. “Hi, handsome,” she replies, moving around in what looks like the kitchen.

“Whatcha doing?”

“Making some chamomile tea. I’ll need something to help me sleep since you won’t be here to wrap around me like a koala bear.” She pouts, making me want to suck on her lower lip.

“I want to see your apartment. Give me a tour.” Her eyes narrow. “I’m serious.”

She spends the next few minutes explaining the spacious place to me as she goes room to room. It’s not what I expected. I thought it’d be cozier, but it seems cold in a way. Maybe it reflects her personality in the past. There are no bright colors or pictures on the walls. It’s like she didn’t care about her surroundings, except she’s home most of the time. Maybe I’m wrong—I guess it could be the lighting.

“And that’s it. Nothing special. I like your cottage better. I noticed how sad and boring my place is when I came back today. It’s bland and impersonal. Almost like a furnished temporary apartment.”

“Hmmm.”I was right. “Maybe you can brighten it up with something. Maybe pictures on the walls?” My mind fast-forwards to the future I want right now, and I imagine buying pictures together for the walls in our new home.

“It looks like you’re on your bed. I’ll do the same, and then we can pretend we’re in bed together. Let me grab my tea.”

“Sounds good to me.” I wait until she gets comfortable and props her phone up so she’s hands free. She has cute powder-blue pajamas on, and her hair is in a messy bun like mine.

“Okay. I’m ready, Freddie.” Her smile stretches across her face. “My very own Freddie Mercury. You can sing me to sleep.”

“I would if you wanted me to.”

Her face softens, and she looks fucking adorable. “Really? I’d love to hear your voice again. But only when you’re ready.”

“I need to practice a little first. How did it go with your mom?”

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