Page 61 of Keeping London (Flawed Heart)

Although I will say that, hands down, our Skype sex on Christmas was the best gift I’ve ever received. Oh! That just gave me an idea…

Question 31: What’s the best present you’ve ever gotten? I just told you mine. ;-)

I have to sign off and finish writing a few articles.

I love you, babe. I hope you’re safe and happy. Talk to you soon.

Love,

London

I’m relieved after reading London’s email. The tone of it is much more upbeat than it has been for the past few days. I’m so glad that I got to see her face on Skype yesterday. I think that’s all she needed, too. On the days following New Year’s, her emails weren’t the same. I don’t know how to explain it, but there was just something off about them. They were shorter than usual and lacking London’s flair. Even though her words were positive enough, they felt sad, if that makes any sense. This long-distance relationship is no joke. I don’t envy the guys who have had to leave girlfriends and wives for multiple tours.

I’ve just started typing my reply to London when Cooper walks in, freshly showered, and plops down on my bed.

“Seriously?” I twist in the chair to face him.

“Whatever. You’re the one who interrupted my beauty sleep.”

“So, what? Since we have some extra time now, you’ve come to annoy me?” I quirk up an eyebrow.

“Basically. Annoy you, talk to you? Same difference lately.” He shrugs, eyeing me with mock annoyance.

I give him the one-second finger before I turn back to the laptop and quickly finish my email to London.

To: London Wright

From: Loïc Berkeley

Subject: Question 32

The answer to your question is so simple…it’s you. You are the greatest gift in my life.

Question 32: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you want to live? Before, I would have said Michigan. I love the four seasons and all the outside activities available to do in each season. But, now, I would say wherever you are because I’m a lovesick sap, and I miss you like crazy.

Miss you, baby.

I love you.

Love,

Loïc

I have an unanswered email from Sarah as well, but I decide to write her another time. I close the laptop and turn the chair so that it faces the bed.

“Sorry, man. I’ve just been so freaking edgy lately,” I say in response to his comment about him annoying me.

“I get it. No need to apologize.”

If anyone gets it, it’s Cooper. He’s put up with my shit more than anyone. He’s seen me much moodier. I mean, this is the guy who had a weeklong one-sided conversation with me when we first met in basic training.Who talks to someone for an entire week, just to be ignored?I know, if the roles were reversed, I would have moved on after he’d ignored my first question…let alone a week of questions.

“How do you do it?” I ask seriously.

“What?”

“Leave Maggie, stay sane…you know, all of it.”

“It is what it is, man. There’s no sense in driving yourself crazy over it, you know?”

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