Page 26 of Menotte avec toi

Instead of scarfing so I could hurry back to my work, I took my time savoring each bite and sipped the apple juice I’d poured us to go with our meal instead of guzzling it down at the end, right before I rushed to rinse everything and put it in the dishwasher. It was just so easy to take my time when I was with her. Maybe it was because she took her time too, or maybe it was how much I enjoyed being in the moment with her without feeling like I needed to do something extra to hold her attention.

The way she watched me in between bites and smiled when I caught her watching me settled me in the same way havingher hands on my body did. In those moments I could just relax, breathe, and know that I was cherished for just being me.

It really was the most amazing feeling in the world.

Chapter Eleven

Harper

I wasn’t a mommy by any means and hats off to those in the lifestyle. But taking care of Sonnet has become a high priority for me. I’m getting a grasp on an artist’s mind, and I don’t wish to hush her muse in any way, just maybe get it on a better schedule if at all possible. And if that meant showing up three times a day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, then I’d do it. Though feeding each other as we had last night led to one of the best desserts I’d ever had.

Maybe the answer lies in spending more time together while monitoring her schedule. Bring my laptop over, and make sure she has solid meals and plenty of sleep. While in theory it appeared to be the answer, in the end, would taking that control away push Sonnet to later resent me?

It was a fine line for sure.

“Nap time, Kitten.”

Back into her comfy bed we went. Sonnet’s rapid-fire yawns and half-lidded eyes as we settled in assured me I’d made the correct decision. Conversations needed to be had, above and beyond those I was used to negotiating but defining all the questions in my head was a high priority.

Wide awake, my mind wandered while she slept. Should I set up a studio space for her at my place? Maybe if she did some work here and some there, splitting her time a little more, that would help? Or make it worse because she’d likely never take a break then.

So many questions, so few answers, though one thing was for certain—I wasn’t going back to sleep. As I slid out of bed, I moved the pillow into place and watched as Sonnet curled into it as I tiptoed away. I wanted to do something nice for her, but what could that be? Cup of coffee in hand, I formulated a plan and got to work. As soon as I opened the fridge, it came to me.

One very large rushed grocery delivery order later, I had made a list of meals to prep and freeze as soon as it arrived. Lack of sleep combined with lack of eating was a recipe for disaster. It was the least I could do until we figured out the boundaries. While I waited for the delivery, I took inventory of her supplies—paint and material brands and sizes, canvas sizes, easel, and drop cloths, and made a list in my phone to research when I got home.

Fuck, it just dawned on me…I’m new relationship nesting. I’m moving a brand-new relationship into the living-together phase without actually…living together.

A studio in both our homes.

Remote work for myself.

Buying groceries.

Meal prep.

For the love of all things holy, my brain was wayyyy ahead of us.

How do I rein it in when suddenly these were all the things I wanted?

But what if Sonnet didn’t?

With Sarah McLachlan playing in the background from the playlist on my phone, I got to work sorting the groceries, leaving out what I’d cook first. Chicken and rice were easy, and since a couple of the recipes called for chicken, I got it sorted and baking in the oven while I prepped the vegetables. Frozen meals heated in minutes, salads for grab and go, and assorted fruits diced and bowled. A summery pasta salad was in the mix too.

I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed cooking, given how rarely I did it anymore for just me. Funny how quickly the months of wondering what I’d do next were answered when Sonnet stepped into my life. Who knew what I’d been missing all along was the right person? Not a change in jobs but a change in life as a whole.

The reality of that left me feeling lighter, happier even as I danced around the kitchen. Mentally planning a life so far into the future, it shouldn’t have been as clear as it was to me. Envisioning Sonnet in her studio in our shared home, romantic meals, making love. The firelight of the burning logs in the fireplace adding to the ethereal glow my beautiful angel had.

Goddess, I was in love with Sonnet.

Once upon a time, I enjoyed traveling, taking cooking classes while visiting Italy. Would Sonnet love to travel? Indulge in local cuisine and learn about their cultures. I wanted to show her the world and share everything I loved with her. Vibrating with excitement, I did a silly dance as I pulled the chicken from the oven to add to our salads for lunch before I woke her. Only when I turned toward the island there she was, hand to mouth masking her giggles, sketchpad on the countertop.

“Naughty girl, are you laughing at your mistress?”

“Mmm,” she cocked her head. “Right now, I’d say I’m enjoying watching my girlfriend.”

“Touché,Kitten,” I kissed her, then bopped her nose. “Good nap?”

“Yes, though I’ve been up long enough to draw this.” She turned the pad toward me and there I was in all my glory. Likely gave the delivery guy a heart attack given my scantily clad attire. Good thing I wasn’t shy about nudity.

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