Page 33 of Learning to Love

"We need to put a notice down the grapevine we're looking for a flatmate for you. I'm sure there will be someone we know who's super nice and keen. And I'll also pay my share of six weeks' rent to cover any shortfall."

It's the end of an era, moving away from Tayla, from the house I'd called home for the last six years. This is where we’d watched endless K-Dramas, cried after we had our hearts broken for real, and found out that we got our first jobs after university. This also holds memories of meeting Sam, and I’m looking forward to a new beginning. With him.

Chapter 14

Ellie

In the few days up to New Year's Eve, Sam and I haven't been able to see each other. I worked every day. He was busy with meetings and TV and radio interviews.

By the time the thirty-first came around, I'd been chomping at the bit. I can't wait to move in with Sam and see him nearly every day.

We're spending New Year's at Paddy and Gracie's, and it feels like the perfect way to end the year that brought me Sam. Who knows what next year has in store. Tayla and I will catch a taxi there. Corey is also invited, though we're not sure he'll turn up. I still need to give him the presents I bought for him in O'Neill's Bay.

Tayla and I have really pushed the boat out with our outfits, even though we're among friends. I want to impress Sam because I haven't seen him for a few days. I'm wearing the shortest dress I've got. I wonder who Tayla's trying to impress with her sheer dress.

When we get to Paddy and Gracie's, I have a deja vu. Last time I was there, I met the love of my life. This time, Sam's already there waiting. He sweeps me off my feet, literally, kissing me until I'm dizzy.

Corey pokes his head around the corner. "Hey, get a room, you two. Come in, Tayla, let these losers at it." Tayla moves past us into the house, laughing, and more importantly, leaving us alone.

Sam kisses me again. "I missed you, sweet. Only two more days until you move in. God, I can’t wait."

"You'll be beside yourself when you see my three hundred skincare products in the bathroom, and no longer have a corner to put your stuff on."

He laughs. "I can't wait. Let's go in. Everyone's here already."

We pick up drinks on the way outside, and spend the next couple of hours chatting, cracking jokes, and dancing. I give Corey his presents, and he seems pleasantly surprised but jokes that he may forget them somewhere along the way.

Tayla and Corey seem to be spending an awfully long time together. His hand is on her shoulder, and he's whispering something in her ear, making her laugh.

"Look at that.” I point them out to Sam.

"At what?" He's oblivious.

"Corey and Tayla have the hots for each other."

Sam rolls his eyes. "Corey's not into relationships. Don't get your hopes up."

I put my arms around his neck. "Neither were you. Into relationships. Now look at us." He kisses me.

Paddy hands out champagne glasses to everyone, starting with Gracie. “Get your champagne, everyone. We’re starting the countdown.”

Fireworks explode from the Sky Tower, and Sam and I kiss like there's no tomorrow, oblivious to everyone and everything around us.

***

Sam

When Ellie said she'd cover all surfaces in the bathroom with creams andpotions, I thought she was joking. As I pack my bag for a few nights away training, I shake my head at the amount ofstuff.

The move went smoothly. Corinne, a friend of a friend of Tayla's, took Ellie's room, and we hired a van to get everything here. Some more artwork appeared on the walls, dog toys scattered around the floor, and many,manyclothes, shoes, and handbags hung in the closet.

Even though my life has been turned upside down, Ellie has been with me every night. I couldn't be happier.

"I'm off now. The guys are picking me up in a few minutes." I grab my duffel bag and kiss her squarely on the lips. Daisy dog whines and wags her tail. I give her some rubs and go out to the team van.

I'll be away for five nights this time, probably the longest I've been away from Ellie since we met. As I get into the van, I take one last look at my love standing in the doorway, all petite, her dark hair tousled, and I wish I could go back. I wish I couldstay. How many more goodbyes will we have to say?

Jake notices my silence. Out of all of the team, he knows best what it's like to leave a loved one over and over again. "I would like to tell you it gets easier, mate. But it doesn't. It is what it is." He pats me on the back. "At least you guys are living together now. When you come back, you see her straight away."

---