Page 119 of The Close-Up
I focus on Simon. His easy posture and relaxed smile send a tingle through me. We’ve talked about this a million times. We’d do it today if we could. Suddenly all that uncertainty evaporates, leaving behind the best kind of butterflies.
I glance up at the door every few seconds. Simon is due home any minute. My phone buzzes and I check it.
Harper: Holy shit you’re actually doing it? Like, tonight?
Me: Yup. Wish me luck!
Harper texts a million crying and heart emojis.
Harper: Call me later with all the details! I want to hear everything!
Me: Will do. And I want to hear how the remodel is going too. How are you liking Half Moon Bay?
Harper: It’s amazing here. But the remodel is... JFC I honestly don’t even know where to start.
Me: Issues with the contractor or something?
Harper: Sort of. Actually, not really.
Harper: I’ll tell you about it later, but for now, sending all the good vibes your way!
Simon’s keys jingle in the door.
“Whoa,” he says as he walks into our apartment. His eyes land on the kitchen counter, where there are a dozen plates of cookies and muffins.
He turns to look at me standing in the tiny kitchen. I’m shrouded in an apron, dusted in flour.
“Thought you might want a snack before your flight tomorrow,” I say.
He swipes a cookie and devours it in two bites. He grins at me while chewing, then swallows. “How did you know I was craving these?”
He drops his bag on the floor, then walks over to kiss my cheek. When he finishes swallowing, he pulls me into him, then plants a long kiss on me.
“Mmm,” I hum, sliding my arms around his neck. “You taste like peanut butter.”
“Blame the cookies.”
I giggle, then swallow back my nerves. “Are you all packed up?”
“Not even close.”
I give him a playful smack on the shoulder.
One thing I’ve learned about Simon after a year of living with and dating him is that he’s a last-minute packer, no matter the destination. Whether we’re planning a road trip or an international flight, he always waits until a few hours before leaving to get everything together.
“Come on.” He squeezes my waist and I squeal. “You know I’m incredible at packing.”
I kiss his smiling mouth. “I just don’t want you to forget anything or be in a rush.”
Simon’s taking his mom, sister, and grandma to Alaska. It’s a trip they’ve been looking forward to for months, ever since he surprised them on Mother’s Day.
“Thanks for keeping me accountable. I’m just sad you’re not coming with us. They are too.”
“I wish I could go,” I say softly. “I just can’t right now with how crazy stuff is at work. I’ve got one series wrapping up this week and another one kicking off right after. But I promise we’ll do a trip together once work calms down.”
I turn toward the carefully arranged stack of muffins I plated while waiting for Simon to come home from work. “You should have a muffin. They’re banana chocolate chip. Your favorite.”
I try to keep my voice as casual and calm as possible. I pull away from him and he walks the two steps to the muffins. I move to wipe down the already clean kitchen sink, but I need a distraction. If I’m not doing something, I’ll just stand and stare at him, and he’ll know something’s up. I want this to be the surprise of his life.
