Page 81 of Diverge

She sits up, and I follow.

“What’s really holding you back?”

Her lip quivers before she speaks, and it breaks my heart. It makes me want to take away all her pain, her hurt. “Do you think it’s selfish to want two great loves in one lifetime?” She places her hand on my face, and I lean into it. “When I imagine our future, I see a great love, just like I had with Finn.” Tears begin to fill her eyes. “I can’t help but feel selfish for wanting a life with you.”

“Come here.” I pull her into my embrace as her tears fall onto my chest. “Everyone deserves a happy ending...” I caress her hair, kissing her gently on her head. “It baffles me that you somehow think it’s selfish that you want one for yourself. Do you think people who leave this life wish that the people they left behind continue to suffer alone with their grieving?”

She doesn’t say anything. Instead she takes a deep breath.

“We’re all human, and we all need love. It’s normal to feel selfish for wanting another great love, especially after the passing of someone who meant so much to you, but you shouldn’t deny yourself of it.”

She wipes her tears from my chest and smiles up at me through her reddened eyes. “Wow, such big words from a tradesman.” We both chuckle. “How did you get so wise?”

I give her a small peck on the cheek. “Life experience, baby... life experience.”

****

The morning light cracksthrough the small window in Billie’s bedroom, illuminating everything in its path. I look over to Billie, sprawled out on the bed with the sheet barely covering her and smile to myself. The way she sleeps has not changed a bit, still very much chaotic. Slipping out of the bed, careful to not wake her, I make my way to the small kitchen. I look through her fridge to find... nothing. There’s nothing in her fridge at all. Well, I guess I’m going to have to make a quick trip to the café. I pick my clothes up off the floor and dress myself, stealing another glance at Billie. I grab my keys and walk out the door.

When I return, I place the two coffees and two bagels on the counter and walk into her room. I gently stroke her cheek with my knuckles, and she begins to open her eyes.

“Morning, baby.” I kiss her on the forehead as she groggily stretches and reaches out to hold my hand.

“Morning.” She smiles.

“Coffee and bagels are waiting in the kitchen,” I say as her eyes widen. Jumping out of bed, she throws on the first thing her hands land on which happens to be a band T-shirt,surprise surprise, then she bolts into the kitchen. I watch her as she takes the first sip of her coffee, her eyes closed, she smells it first then brings her lips to the cup.

Pausing, she turns as if feeling my eyes on her. “Can you not be creepy and just stare at me from the doorway?” She focuses her attention back on the coffee and takes a sip as I chuckle and walk over to her, grabbing a bagel off the counter.

“I’m not being creepy... I’m just admiring you.” I smirk because I know it makes her feel self-conscious.

“You can admire me, but don’t do it when I’m eating... it’s weird.” She tries to hide the smile behind her cup, but I see it clear as day.

I shrug. “You’ll get used to it.”

She unwraps her bagel and takes a bite, her eyes rolling back. “You know what I love about America?” she says, covering her mouth. “The cream cheese.”

I laugh at her confession. “There is so much more to America than their cream cheese.”

“No, you don’t get it... it tastes superior to Aussie-made cream cheese,” she explains, and I just nod my head. “Don’t mock me.” Her eyebrows furrow as she takes another bite.

“You’re so passionate about food... maybe you should give up this self-employed life and become a food critic,” I jest, trying my best to put on a serious face. She rolls her eyes and takes another sip of her coffee. Watching her do the most mundane tasks is like watching my favourite movie on repeat. We both finish our bagels and continue to sip our coffee. “Do you have much on this week?” I ask.

“I have a few meetings with Francesca, but otherwise I’m free.” She smirks. “What did you have in mind?”

I wink at her. “I have a few things up my sleeve,” I say with a cockiness to my voice.

As soon as we’re both dressed, we leave the apartment, jump in the car, and I take her to the first destination. I’ll admit, most of these things I have planned are quite touristy, but given she hasn’t been here long, I want her to have someone to experience them with, and mostly, I just want to be in her company. The day rolls on as we visit the Painted Ladies, ride a cable car, and visit some of the places whereThe Princess Diarieswas filmed. Nowthatone was not on my list, but Billie insisted... so I couldn’t say no.

“How does a heavy metal-loving woman also loveThe Princess Diaries?” I exaggerate my confused expression, and she smiles.

“Hey, just because I like heavy metal doesn’t mean I don’t have a heart. Have you listened to the lyrics of some of those songs? Honestly, they probably have a deeper meaning than some of the music you listen to.” She raises her eyebrows.

I pretend to be hurt. “Are you judging my taste in music, baby?”

“Not at all, I’m just saying... it wouldn’t kill you toactuallylisten to the lyrics.” She focuses her attention back onto the road as we drive to our last destination. “So, where to now?”

“I think I’ll keep it as a surprise.” We listen to the radio as she types away on her phone. Pulling into the free parking space on the street, I walk around to her side and help her out of the truck. We walk a couple of blocks before we stand outside Cioppino’s.

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