Page 58 of Aug
“I’ll nev– never leave you lonely.”
Overcome with emotions, I pushed his body flat on the bed and swallowed back my tears. I planted my hands on his chest and stabilized my core, preparing to ride August into September, October, November, and December.
EPILOGUE
I leanedover and planted a kiss on Tiana’s forehead. Leaving her for even a split second was becoming more difficult than I imagined. I’d spent the last four days tied up in her arms, tangled in her limbs. There was hardly anywhere else I wanted to be.
“Good morning.”
“Go back to sleep,” I encouraged.
Tiana had a big night ahead of her. It was opening night, and I needed her well-rested. Balle had warned me not to tire her out too much after their last rehearsal. I’d made a promise that I intended to keep. The cast was depending on her return to the stage inThe Many Gardens of the Sun.
“Mm kay.”
I rested my hand on her belly subconsciously. One day, her left hand wouldn’t be empty. And, her belly wouldn’t be flat. We had so much time between then and now, but I was counting down the days. Looking forward to the times.
“I’ll be back in a few hours to help you get ready.”
“Mm kay.”
“I love you.”
“Leave already, Aug.”
My hesitation was clear. I wanted to crawl back in bed with her. Lying under Tiana made everything alright in my world.
“I’m leaving.”
“Bye.”
“Bye, baby.”
I landed one more kiss on her cheek before leaving her to rest. I exited her place and headed for the elevator. My thoughts were all over the place, but I was managing. It was my first time out of the house alone since I’d returned to Tiana’s good graces. Quite honestly, it felt foreign.
I stepped onto the elevator and pressed the Lobby button. Once the doors reopened, I strolled through the lobby and to the black SUV parked illegally in front of the building.
The lights flickered as I unlocked the doors and started the engine with the fob. I slid into the driver’s seat, wishing that the passenger seat wasn’t empty.
Wishing Ti was beside me.
Wishing I wasn’t alone.
Wishing I could reach over and grab her hand.
Wishing I could hear her complain or laugh or sing along to whatever was playing.
“You’ve got it bad,” a familiar voice disrupted my thoughts.
My hand was on my gun before the first syllable registered. However, there was no need to be alarmed.
I nodded, confirming The Chemist’s suspicions.
“How bad?”
“As bad as it gets.”
“Sounds good to me.”
