Page 52 of Unmasking Love
"Is that your professional advice?" I tease. I really don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for Wes. He has helped me through several breakups over the last few years and he knows exactly what to do to keep me from spiraling.
"I just want to see you happy." He says like a parent might. Like a parent should.
"Thanks Wes. You know I feel the same about you, right?"
"I do, and we'll get me there. But you're the one who is looking for a relationship all the time."
"Maybe that's my problem. I go looking for it. I should let it find me."
"Great idea, let it find you, tomorrow night, in a sexy kitten costume."
We laugh and I hang up. The game is over and usually that means I'll get a text from Aiden before he leaves the arena and then the second comes about 20 minutes later when he gets home.
The conversations have been a comforting routine and I find myself looking forward to his texts instead of getting home and wallowing because I can't distract myself with work anymore.
I roll onto my back and add "get costume" to my agenda for tomorrow. I've got a showing at 11am but the day is light besides that. My phone vibrates with a text so I leave my calendar app behind to check my messages.
Hey Harper, what are you up to?
Just finished watching the game. Big win!
Yep, the team did a nice job out there tonight.
You headed home soon?
Actually, it's Bryson’s birthday so we're headed out to a club.
The three dots appear and then disappear.
Twice.
I switch over to my email inbox while I wait for him to figure out what he wants to say. My phone buzzes so I navigate back to my texts but it's not from Aiden.
It's from Felix.
Hey Harper! Wanna come out to Aces tonight? It's Boder’s bday and we have a VIP section reserved.
For whatever reason I don’t want Felix to know I’m a homebody. Wes has figured it out. Aiden probably has too but he also seems a little more reserved and is probably more comfortable at home too. Which is another reason I want to get him settled in the perfect place. I’m finding myself just as picky as he is whenever a new listing pops up and haven’t found a home worth sharing. And while I am exceptionally comfortable on my sofa under my minky blanket, the idea of seeing Aiden warms me in a way this faux fur rectangle can’t compete with.
Sure, I'll meet you there.
Nope, I'm going to come and pick you up! Be ready in 20.
As I stand up and head towards my closet my phone buzzes in my hand.
AIDEN:
So you’re coming?
Plan to!
Cool, it’ll be fun.
***
Nineteen minutes later my doorbell rings. I had just enough time to refresh my hair and makeup and slip into an outfit. It’s the end of October but it’s a club so I paired a gold sequin skirt with black long-sleeved ribbed top. I zip up my knee high boots and slide my keys into my shoulder bag before walking down the stairs. I expect Felix to be standing at the door, but it's Aiden.
His head was dipped while he waited but as I pull open the door his eyes skate up my body, gaining heat with each inch north. My body tingles with excitement at seeing him in person.
