Page 130 of January

“Okay… I’m a little worried, yeah,” Melinda admitted. “It just kind of hit me when we dropped Jolie off: you’re staying here.”

“I am.”

“And we’re together.”

“Yes, we are.”

“And it’s been a whirlwind, but that’ll change now that things are settled between you and your mom, and we’re not worried about our end date because you’re not leaving.”

“So, does that mean we’ll have sex less since we’re not trying to have as much as possible before I go?”

“What? No,” Melinda said seriously.

“Okay. Well, as long as we’re clear about that.”

They drove the rest of the way in silence. Kyle pickedup their joined hands and kissed the back of Melinda’s palm when they arrived at Bridgette’s place to drop off the car. Melinda gave Bridgette the keys, and she and Kyle walked.

“This is all I need,” Kyle told her.

“What?” she asked.

“Walking around the city with you, having those nights in where we hold each other, read, and drink that coffee you mentioned before.”

“That’s all?”

“I’ve never had that.” Kyle shrugged a shoulder.

“Never?”

“My previous relationships were chaotic, at best. I don’t want to go out every night. I don’t need that. I need this; you and me, strolling around the city we both love, talking about our days and our plans.”

“And you won’t get bored with me?”

“I can’t see how,” Kyle replied.

They walked with no place in mind until they realized they’d ended up in Jackson Square just as the sun was setting. Melinda wasn’t sure if they should keep walking or head to her place. She was tired, but there was something about this night that held her attention and told her not to just go home and cuddle with Kyle.

“Well, hello.”

Melinda looked down at the woman who was busy setting up her table.

“Oh. Hi,” Kyle said to the fortune teller they’d met before.

“How are you two doing?” the woman asked.

“Great. You?” Kyle replied.

“Just setting up for the evening. How did it go with your mother?”

“How did you–” Melinda cut herself off, staring at the woman in disbelief.

The woman just winked at her.

“Good, I think,” Kyle said as if this woman was her best friend and had every reason to know about Kyle’s family issues.

“That’s good,” the woman said. “And the house?”

“The house? You know about that, too?” Kyle asked.

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