Page 116 of Unmasking Love
“How long did you and Johnny date before getting engaged?” I ask because it’s only been a few months with Aiden and they’re already thinking we’re going to get married. I want to know the average timeline.
“It took him for-ev-er!” Caroline rolls her eyes. “We started dating over the summer and he didn’t propose until Valentine’s Day last year!”
“So just under two years from meeting to marriage?” I ask because I haven’t had a relationship last longer than four months so I didn’t know if six or thirty-six was quick.
“Yes. The hockey season slows everything down. They’re gone half the time and so focused. Then things pick up in the off season and slow down again in September. That’s part of why I kept my teaching job. I was off the summers too so we got to be together.”
Danielle and Caroline continue chatting about the wedding while I drift off. Aiden and I got together at Halloween. It’s now February 1st which is the start of our fourth month together.
I hadn’t thought about the timeline until just now. I can’t believe I moved in with him after only two months together.
But then again, I can. I went home with him after our first kiss. Which was before our first date. I was running on instinct.
Have I not been relying on my intuition in relationships in the past?
Is that what feels so different with Aiden?
Like I’ve summoned him my phone buzzes with a text.
Hey Harp, we landed. Quick skate but then we have the afternoon off. I’ve got plans so don’t make any.
I smile at my phone and reply “OK.” When I look up, Danielle and Caroline are looking at me.
“So besides dating Aiden and selling homes we don’t know much about you Harper,” Caroline says. “What do you do for fun?”
“Sell homes mostly,” I reply dryly and then slowly let a smile spread. They both huff out a laugh and then I continue. “I really love to bake. In fact my oven is named after Jared Padalacki.”
“From Gilmore Girls?” Caroline says surprised.
“No, from Supernatural.” I tell them.
“Oooh, that’s so much better. Dean is such a dweeb.” Danielle says. “But Sam Winchester was hot.”
“I agree. I’d watch Supernatural every week, religiously.” I tell them.
“So good.” Danielle nods.
“I never saw it,” Caroline says and we both gasp at her. “Oh, c’mon I’m not a scary movie or dystopian fantasy type of girl. I’m a sunshine and rainbows and princesses and pink girl and I’m just fine with that.”
“We love that you bring the bright to our dark.” Danielle says with a pat on her knee. “Do you read?”
“Yeah, a few books a year. I love the Fifth Flame series.”
“Me too!” Danielle agrees and we spend the next length of the drive talking about our theories for the fourth book in the series since we both devoured the third one as soon as it was released.
When traffic slows Ivanna wakes up and Caroline moves back to the third row. I learn that they plan to spend the day at the beach with their guys. Danielle is also going to the beach but she promised to keep coach far away from where they plan to be so the players can relax.
I shrug when Caroline asks if we’ll be joining them.
I don’t know what Aiden has up his sleeve.
***
“Aiden! This was your idea!” I try not to laugh at my poor manfriend who is barfing off the side of a boat. Aiden booked a snorkeling trip for us this afternoon but the man had no idea he got severely sea sick.
“I know, I’m sorry.” He groans as he slides down to rest against the seat.
“Don’t be sorry babe, let’s just get back.” He nods to the captain of the boat and he takes off, going as fast as he can towards the dock we departed from.
