Page 89 of Let Me

I smile at the thought and daydream about what Judah might be doing right now.Perhaps he’s taking a morning break, sipping on coffee or conversing with his coworkers.I can’t wait to get off work so I can jump right on top of him.

Riley: anyway, get back to work before you get fired.I’ll harass you later

Autumn: bye, girl

Riley: bye

I return to work, answering the phone and adding activities to the senior citizen calendar when my mother calls.

I answer, “Hey, Ma.”

“Hey, Autumn.How was your trip?I know it was glorious.”

“It was, Ma.I have never felt so connected to someone.I mean we were already connected.It’s just that having him alone without any distractions was top tier.I think we need to do trips more often, you know.And it doesn’t have to be overseas.It can be in a mountain cabin or somewhere by a lake.”

“You’re right.I remember when me and your Dad used to travel like that.Now, we sit around the house and try to predict the outcome of movies.”

I chuckle.“There are plenty of places you can travel without having to jump on a plane and go halfway around the world.Have you ever been to Lake Junaluska?”

“Where’s that?”

“It’s close.Look it up, Ma.I have someone at the desk, so I have to go.I’ll call you back later.”

“Okay, dear.Bye.”

Chapter 36

I leave the conference room in the middle of a meeting because I’m feeling a little claustrophobic.It’s the day after going on a lovemaking marathon with Autumn, and perhaps I need to replenish my body with nutrients.It’s been so long since my body has felt those sensations, and perhaps it needs time to readjust.I draw in a long breath, pulling air into my lungs and pushing it out audibly.This deep breathing technique always helps me relax.

“Ay, you good, man?”Bryant asks.

“Yeah.I’m good.I just—just needed some fresh air.”

“I know things can get a little intense in those meetings, but they hate it when you walk out.”

“It wasn’t the meeting.”

“Oh.Um…do you need some water or something?”

“Nah, man.I’m good, but thanks.I’ll be back in there in a moment.”

I take a seat on a bench and rest my elbows on my knees.It’s been a long time since I felt like this.Like I’m too tired to think or focus.I don’t want to continue working – don’t think that I can.I get in my car and head home.I see my father standing in his yard when I pull up in mine.I get out and walk over.He’s trimming the grass around the sidewalk.He could easily hire someone to do this maintenance for him, but he prefers to do it himself.He takes pride in being able to take care of his home and run a successful business at the same time.He does it all.

“Hey, Dad.”

He rolls his wrist to look at his watch.“Hey.You’re home early ain’t ya?”

“I am.I left early today.I wasn’t really feeling it.”

“Everything okay?”he asks, pulling his goggles from his eyes and resting them on top of his head.

“Yes.Everything is fine.I think I’m more exhausted than anything else.”

“Coming back from your honeymoon will do that.Probably got a little jetlag, too.”

“Yeah, maybe that’s it,” I say, but deep down, I know it’s something more than that.I can feel something’s off with my body and I know I’ll have to see a doctor soon.

“Do you think it’s something more?”he asks.

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