Page 93 of Wants and Needs
Monday morning findsus in the same position we’ve been in most of the weekend, cuddling in my bed.
It didn’t surprise Carter when I managed to fall asleep three minutes after we finished our cinnamon rolls and he ordered me to rest my head on his shoulder and wrapped his whole body around me.
It surprised me, of course.
But it faded quickly after I woke up.
As promised, he didn’t complain once about being holed up in my bedroom with me all weekend, and he kept telling me it was a surprise when I asked about this cool date idea he had.
I don’t know if he built the suspense in hopes that it would make me want to go more, and I honestly don’t think he’s that manipulative—I think he really just wants to surprise me—but by yesterday afternoon I was ready to face the world.
I called my parents and talked to them a bit, then agreed to come over for breakfast today and to bring Carter—I did check with him, and he seemed surprised to be invited but agreed.
He asked if I felt like going out to get more sweets since we ran out yesterday morning, and though I was mildly resistant to the idea, I pushed myself, and I don’t regret it now that we’re standing in the elevator on our way up to my parents’ place.
“Yay, you brought Carter,” London cheers when we walk into the kitchen. She rushes over and hugs both of us at the same time.
Thankfully Carter moves the box away and saves it from being crushed by my sister.
Mom and Dad ask a few questions about the status with ESoothe and what will happen now before we sit down to eat, and when my brothers come in, they offer their support with pats on my shoulder, and Larson even hugs me briefly.
It’s nice.
Then it’s like any other family breakfast we’ve ever had. Carter fits in seamlessly, and tells them he’s taking me away for two days, and though I hope he’ll let a detail slip out, he tells them it’s a surprise and that we’re leaving right after this.
By the time breakfast is over, I’m desperate for a clue, and so I beg.
“Please give me one clue.” We’re walking down the blocktoward the Hudson and I have no idea where we’re going, but I have the duffel bag he packed for me in my hand.
“Okay, we’re driving one hour away, maybe more depending on traffic, and we’re going to stay overnight.”
I’d kinda guessed the overnight thing, but now I have to think about what’s one hour away that he thinks will be cool for me?
22CARTER
Liam’s delightwhen we walk into the little house I rented on Rhode Island for two nights is more rewarding than I ever thought it would be.
“Everything looks so comfortable.” He looks and sounds more excited than I’ve seen him since before Tristan called with the bad news, so I think I’ve succeeded.
“Wait until you hear the next part,” I tease. He spins around fast, no frown in sight and his eyes alight with anticipation. “Tomorrow at noon we’re going to a little theatre nearby where they’re showing the originalStar Warstrilogy back to back to back.”
“That’s six hours and twenty-eight minutes,” he says with awe clear in his voice.
“I know.” I might sound smug, but I don’t mind, and Liam clearly doesn’t either. “We can do whatever you want today andtomorrow evening. The theatre is only ten minutes away from here, and I’ve already reserved our seats.”
“That is awesome,” he whispers.
“I’m glad you think so.” I smile at him and walk closer until I can cup his cheek and kiss him. “You want to make something to eat or go out? There are some good restaurants nearby, but I asked for the kitchen to be stocked for us.”
“Let’s cook something quick, and then I want to lie down on that couch,” he declares.
“Whatever you want, darling.” I kiss him again and then lead him to the kitchen with a hand on the small of his back.
We decide on grilling burgers since the weather is so nice and there’s a lot more wind here to keep the heat at bay, and when everything is ready to be cooked, I ask something that’s been on my mind since he told me about it.
“Is it all right if I ask a question about your childhood?”
“Sure,” he answers, and sounds as carefree as his expression suggests, so I go ahead and ask.
