Page 29 of Tell Me You Love Me Again

“I hear you, bruh, but I can’t just drop it on her now ill-prepared. I need to at least have some of the furniture in it. I’ve held out this long. I don’t want to half-ass it, you know?” I was stressing the fuck out, but I had to stick it out.

“I get it. Just remember that me and Shan will be here whenever you need us. Go home and prepare for your trip tomorrow with your wife. Maybe this is what y’all need. To reconnect without all the outside distractions and noise. Enjoy your trip and handle everything else when you get back. As a matter of fact. Let Quita know Shan will help her speed things along. That’ll save everyone some time and headaches.”

“I appreciate that, bruh. Tell Shan I got her, too.”

“That’s what we’re here for.” We slapped hands, and I finished up what I was doing while I chopped it up with my brother before I headed back home to face my wife.

After staying at the job for a little over two hours, I was finally back home. When I walked back inside the house, a savory aroma hit my nostrils, and my stomach immediately reacted. Trekking further inside, I saw that Chiara made smothered hamburger steaks with mushrooms and onions, along with homemade mashed potatoes and grilled Brussel sprouts. Leaving the kitchen, I headed upstairs to find her. Clearly, she was trying to clear out any negative vibes that were forming, and I appreciated it.

I went inside of our bedroom and found her moisturizing her body. She was fresh out of the shower and smelled like fresh coconut and pineapple. This was what I missed. She looked up at me and gave me a subtle smile. When I reached her, I pulled herup into my arms and hooked her chin between my thumb and index finger. “Look, if you ever feel like you’re unhappy, I need you to tell me, Chi. I need to know if I’m doing all of this in vain.” I bore into her eyes like I was trying to see into her soul…and I was.

“I’m not unhappy, Gabe. Honestly, I don’t know what I am, and I’m trying to figure it out. All I ask is that you work with me as I do so.” I nodded and kissed her lips.

“I can do that, Snook.” She simpered. “I see you got it smelling good down there. Let me go freshen up and I’ll come join you so we can get to dessert.” I gave her a devious smirk and her chocolate skin flushed. Delivering one last kiss to her forehead, I sauntered inside of the bathroom to freshen up so I could enjoy the rest of my night with my wife. I wasn’t about to let a few allegations and uncertainties ruin what I was trying to build with her. I just prayed that she didn’t either.

Chiara

When I woke up the next morning, Gabe was already up. Noticing his side of the bed was empty, I stretched and got up to handle my hygiene and get ready for our trip. The things that my father said were still plaguing me, but I was going to try hard to not let his words get to me. That was one of the things that the doctor made me aware of. She wanted me to regain my memory naturally and not forced. Gabe has been genuine in helping me regain my memory, whereas my father seems to only focus on his disdain for my husband. After I handled my hygiene, I went downstairs to see if Gabe was down there. When I reached the bottom, I saw him coming through the front door.

“Good morning,” he spoke as he entered our home.

“Good morning. You were out early,” I observed.

“Yeah. I went to drop something off to Gary.” Nodding at his response, I headed into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee.

“We have to be at the airport by one. That should give you enough time to pack if you haven’t already. Everything is readyto go. We just have to get there,” he informed. The tension between us was ridiculous and damn near intolerable. He went to walk off, but I halted his steps with my touch.

“Gabe, wait,” I pleaded. “As crazy as it sounds, I don’t want us walking around like strangers. I’m sorry about last night, but I had to know. Can we please focus on getting back to us?” I knew it sounded crazy because I didn’t remember this man being my husband, yet I didn’t want to lose him.

“You got it, Snook. We’re good. I get things are a little out of whack for you right now, but trust that I’m going to be by your side every step of the way.” The way he kissed me let me know his words were sincere, and for that I was grateful. Leaving me downstairs, I watched as Gabe swaggered upstairs to finish getting himself together. Basking in my thoughts, I came to the reality that this trip would be just what I needed…what we needed.

***

We were almost late catching our flight since Gabe wanted to shower together before we left, and that ended up being more of a sex session than a shower. Pressed for time, we barely made it on time. Now we were in our penthouse suite at The Fountain Bleu, and it was absolutely gorgeous in here. Not to mention the breathtaking view of the Atlantic.

“It’s beautiful, right?” Gabe came up behind me and wrapped his muscular arms around my waist, placing a kiss on my neck.

“It is, and it smells so clean,” I simpered.

“Hell yeah,” he chuckled. “You want to go walk the strip or head into the city?”

“I wouldn’t mind walking the strip before we go to dinner.” Nodding, he gave me a kiss to the temple before going backinside and closing the door behind him. While he was inside, I called my sister to let her know we landed.

“I figured you would’ve been laid up on the beach by now,” she said once our call was connected.

“I’m headed there. I wanted to call you before we did so you wouldn’t worry.”

“Girl, I know you’re in good hands. Besides, Gabe already texted me, letting me know y’all landed and were about to tear the city up.” I could hear the smile in her voice.

“He did, did he?”

“He did. He also told me what you said about your conversation with Daddy. Listen, Chi. Don’t let Daddy get in your head and try to manipulate you. Gabe is a good guy. He’s just misunderstood sometimes. Trust me, sis. That man loves you and would move Heaven and Hell for you.” I heard the conviction in her voice, but I wondered why? It sounded like she was trying to convince me that Gabe was a stand-up guy. I mean, so far, that’s what he’s shown me, but why is my sister going so hard for him?

“Why are you so convinced that he’s such a great guy?”

“Because I’ve never witnessed a man love you the way that Gabe does. He goes over and beyond to make the things that you want to happen. You’ve always received the princess treatment from Daddy so that could be his issue, but Gabe treats you like a Queen. Now, go enjoy your husband and call me tomorrow.” She said her goodbye and hung up before I could even respond. I didn’t know where her sudden conviction came from, but I was going to take it for what it was and give this vacation my full and undivided attention. I hope this gives Gabe and me the reconnection that we need.

***

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