Page 8 of Love in Design

She mumbles something about love, daddy, so I know she loves me too. I know I did one thing right out of everything I’ve done in my past. She looks so much like Catherine. I swallow hard as the anniversary of her death is coming up. I usually take Victoria away for the week, but I think this town is what we both need. I tiptoe out of her room, closing her bedroom door.

I flop onto my bed, staring at the ceiling, pulling my cell phone out of my jeans pocket. It died about an hour ago, and I forgot to bring my charger down to the shop. I quickly add that to the never-ending to-do list, charging my phone while I shower to check my schedule for tomorrow. My mind is everywhere tonight, and it’s because of Laura. When she isn’t around me, it’s like I’m missing something— like my cell phone or an arm. When she is around, everything feels regular and complete. Walking out of the bathroom with a towel around my waist, dripping wet, I shake my head at the excess water. I sit down on my bed and realize I have a ton of notifications. Sitting in my bed with the towel still wrapped around me, I grab my phone.

Ryan: Hey, sales are looking good. How are appointments? Any prospective artists?

Laura: Hey, it’s Laura.

Shit, she messaged me about three hours ago. How did I not hear this going off? It’s almost two a.m., but I send her a reply.

Me: Hey, it's Nate. Sorry for the late reply. The phone died and was busy after you left.

I figure I’ll call Ryan later today to let him know everything going on. We have our weekly meeting soon anyway. The shower relaxed my body, and I’m struggling to keep my eyes open. The last thought for the night as I stare at my phone is Laura.

Will she like tomorrow’s delivery?

Chapter Ten

LAURA

“Laura, there’s a delivery for you.” Lily is standing in my doorway with a bunch of balloons. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Who is sending me these gifts?” I ask her. Lily shrugs.

“I think it’s exciting that you have an admirer. Do you think it’s Nate?”

“No. He’s made it known to me that he wants me.”

“Read the card,” Lily urges me. Her excitement is contagious.

I chose balloons today because they take me to a place of innocence and freedom when I think of them. It’s how I feel when I think about you. I can be me. Xoxo S.V.

I hold the card to my heart, wanting to cry. “It’s Nate.” I smile.

“What makes you think that? I don’t even think he knows about the Secret Valentine, does he?” Lily makes me question.

“Well, who could it be? I’ve lived here all my life and never once got a secret valentine, but he moves in, and suddenly, I’m getting them. Ugh. It will drive me crazy until the dance.” Lily laughs as she leaves the room.

My day flies by, and before I know it, it’s time to go home. I feel like my life is going to work and home. I need to change it up. As I walk into my house, I sigh, dropping my bags on the couch in the mudroom. Laughter echoes from my living room.

“Hello?” I yell as I walk into my house. Amy turns to look at me.

“I got to go, honey.” We both scream as we embrace.

“What are you doing here?”

“Did you think that I was going to call you back after you tell me about this gorgeous hunk you’re pining over?” We sit down on the floor in front of the fire that I built and open a bottle of wine. I tell her about the gifts so far, the office orgasm, and the talk in the tattoo studio. “I need to meet this man. Why do you want to avoid things with him? Is it because he’s a dad?”

“What would it look like if I hooked up with a dad at my school?” I take the last gulp of wine from my glass and pour more red wine.

“It would like you to let yourself fall in love. Be open to the possibility of having a family.” Amy makes sense, but I need more convincing. “Let's go check out the town. I love this time of year.”

“You just want to go to the tattoo studio.”

“Maybe,” Amy teases, which makes me laugh. “I’m here for a while if it’s okay with you.”

“Are you serious? Of course, it’s okay with me. Is something going on?”

“That is a conversation for another time. Let’s go to town.” My best friend always knows what to say to make me feel better about things. I point out the different changes, and she’s feeling some nostalgia.

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