Page 130 of The Future Play

“Why didn’t you tell me when I got back from the trip?”

I stare at him for a moment, not sure exactly what the answer is. Am I holding back from him because I’m angry and want to punish him or because I was afraid he wouldn’t listen again and I wouldn’t be able to take it? Or because I’m trying to keep everything happy and calm for him?

Option D. All of the above.

“I don’t… know. Does it matter? You know now, right? I assume since your mom is a therapist, you aren’t one of those dumbass guys who thinks therapy is stupid and would never want his partner to go.”

“Call those people what they are—abusers who don’t want to be caught. No, I’m not upset you’re going. If you’re struggling in any way, I want you to take care of yourself.” He comes around the counter to me and wraps his arms around me. “And if I’m being an asshole, I want to know so I can deal with it.”

Like he dealt with not showing up for me at the event?

I feel like such a bitch when I think things like that, but those thoughts pop in from time to time. Unresolved anger? Probably. Something else to work on in therapy.

But I don’t want to feel that way, so I hug him back.

“This summer has been crazy.”

“It has. Which is why it’s extra important to celebrate our anniversary on Monday. No game or practice that day. All I have to do is work out in the morning, then I’m yours for the day. We can explore the neighborhood if you want. Or I can use my newfound status to get a reservation somewhere fancy.”

I can’t help but scowl at that. I love that we have a whole day together, but I don’t want fancy. I want real.

Pushing out of his arms, I look up into those stunning blue orbs that captivate every time.

“Not to be completely lame, but could we stay in? We’ve barely had any time together that isn’t rushed or crunched. I want to enjoy us.”

“Yeah. Of course. I’ll find a great sushi place toorder takeout from. I’m happy to spend all day locked in this apartment with you.” Though we both grimace as we look around the room. “I promise we’ll find somewhere better eventually. Until then?—”

“We’ll make the most of it,” I say gently. He’s trying.

While intention isn’t everything, it matters, and I appreciate his intentions are to be together and enjoy each other because despite all the chaos of the last month-and-a-half, that’s what our anniversary should be. A celebration of us and how far we’ve come.

Jamie

I’m determinedto make today the best anniversary possible. It’s only our second one, and last year was relaxed with a fun dinner at our favorite sushi place back home after a day spent at a nearby lake. Then we had a night full of talking and sex. Classic anniversary vibes.

But after how I let her down a couple of weeks ago and the disconnect between us because of the crazy schedules we’ve had, I want this to be extra special.

I was surprised when she said she wanted to stay in. Normally, she’s all about going out and exploring. The introvert in me doesn’t mind, and neither does my horny side that doesn’t just want to keep her in the apartment, but in bed all day.

I hoped my workout would get some of the pent-up energy out of me, but it didn’t. It’s been too long since we’ve had anything but quickies, and I want to spend hours worshipping her.

That starts with non-sexual things, like breakfast in bed.

The one great thing about this neighborhood—though I’m sure it’s true of almost any neighborhood in the city—is there’s a little café and deli nearby that makes incredible breakfast sandwiches.

I got Amanda’s favorite one. A western Florentine egg white omelet on an onion bagel. With a side of hash browns. Because hash browns.

I swear Amanda sits up the second I walk through the bedroom door.

“What do I smell?”

“Your super fancy anniversary breakfast.”

“Don’t you meanours?”

“Well, sort of. I’m having an egg white omelet with a side of hash browns. Not quite as fancy as your bagel sandwich.”

“Gimme.”

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