Page 66 of Come Home to Me

Sarah

Styrofoam takeout boxes sit empty and forgotten on the table while Jason and Frank talk about the future. They gesture wildly, eyes alive and vibrant as they jot down notes and ideas about what they want their new firm to look like. I’m reminded of all the photos I’ve seen of the beginning of giant companies like Google or Amazon—just a couple of guys in a basement or garage with nothing other than passion and good ideas.

Jason slides his notebook out of the way and leans forward. “The thing is, with McDougan & Kent firmly established here in Denver, I’m not sure we’re giving ourselves the best possible start by setting up to compete with them.”

I stand and gather the trash from the table. I agree with him. They need to pick up and move. It’s a realization I came to a couple days ago, but can’t wrap my head around because I don’t know where I fit into that equation.

Frank runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah. You’re right there. I’ve been thinking about that, too. New York City or California seem like solid options. Thoughts?”

My heart leaps at the thought of California, but I clamp down on the excitement. This isn’t my discussion. I mean, I have some mad receptionist skills, but other than that, there’s not much I bring to the table as far as sustainable architecture goes.

“What do you think, Sarah?” Jason leans back in his chair and folds his hands behind his head.

I drop the silverware in the sink and cram the takeout boxes into the trash and then lean against the counter. “I think you’re right.”

Jason studies me for a long moment and then a thought flashes across his face. “Nora told me about the building you drew. That night at Impossible Design? I had some thoughts about that.”

Frank draws his brows together. “You drew a building?”

“Yeah. It was a silly thing that would never meet code, according to Nora. Just something to pass the time.”

Jason laughs. “And also, according to Nora, it was really good. She said you had some serious skills. As an artist, not an architect, of course.”

“Of course. Although, I wouldn’t go so far as to say I have skills. I just doodle when I’m bored.”

“How is it that I don’t know my girlfriend has serious skills as an artist?” Frank looks appalled.

“That’s not something that just pops up in every day conversation, you know?”

Frank stands and makes his way to me, a funny look on his face. “I love that there is still so much I have to learn about you.” He sweeps me into his arms, his gaze locked on mine, and kisses me, his hands roaming my body as if he intends to learn the rest of my secrets this very minute.

Jason rolls his eyes and then clears his throat. “Anyway, as I was saying…” He waits for Frank to release my lips. “I thought maybe we could do our own take on Impossible Design. Sarah could draw a building, one that would never work in real life, and the challenge would be to make it work.” He goes on to explain all the ways he’d want the challenge to be different, all the ways it could be better. His enthusiasm is contagious and excitement builds in my belly at the thought of being part of what these two men are building.

Frank glares at Jason until the litany of ideas tapers off. Jason’s lips part. “Don’t tell me you haven’t asked her yet.”

“Gee. Let me see. I told you I was going to ask her after you left and last I checked, you’re still here…”

“Ask me what?”

Jason begins apologizing and I lean around to put my face directly in Frank’s field of vision. “Hey. Hi. Remember me?” I give him my best aren’t I cute face. “What are you going to ask me?”

Frank catches my gaze and smiles at me. He cups my face and runs a thumb along my cheek. “Imagine it’s just the two of us. Imagine candles and soft music.”

I nod, eager for him to get to the good part. “I’m imagining.”

“Okay, good. See, I want you to move in with me for real. I want to go to Ohio and get all of your stuff and mix it up with my stuff. I want to go to bed with you and wake up with you. I can’t think of a better way to learn all the things I still want to learn about you.”

The answer to his question is a no-brainer. For me, home isn’t a place. It’s a person. It’s him. Frank Wilde. The man who stopped to help me when no one else would. The man who gave me the strength to see everything I was missing, the courage to take responsibility for my own mistakes and force my family to take responsibility for theirs.

I grab Frank’s face and kiss him loudly on the lips. “Of course I’ll move in with you!”

Frank smiles and then leans in to kiss me, his body pressing against mine. After several wonderful minutes, Jason clears his throat again. “Just a reminder that I’m still here.”

Frank releases my lips. “Yeah…about that…” He runs his hand along my hips as he jerks his head toward the door. “I think it’s about time you got out of here.”

* * *

The next day, after some serious cajoling from me, Frank and Jason decide California is the best place to start their firm and I actually jump up and down in excitement. We spend the rest of the day researching the different cities and finally decide on San Diego. The climate is perfect. The ocean is close.

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