Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
I roll to my side and kiss her temple. “How long have you been awake?”
“A few hours.” Her eyes close, the lack of sleep catching up with her just as I’m waking. Timing hasn’t always been our friend. I complain, but I love that she’s so passionate about what she does. And her talent blows me away on the regular.
The entry is now a gallery of her photos, and the hallway is lined with framed artwork. I hadn’t realized how bland this apartment was until her vivid personality filled it with color and made it a home. I’ve never been one for clutter, but I come to enjoy finding random items appear here or there, then they’re gone, replaced by another, or the surface is left bare.
Sosie can hardly keep her eyes open, so this erection will get attention tonight when she gets home from work. I take the wide fabric strap from around her neck and slip it off to set her camera on the nightstand. She moves into position, snuggling against me as if seeking warmth, her breathing deepening already a sign of her sweet slumber.
How did I get this life?
I hustled to get out of the neighborhood I grew up in. Right time, right place to meet the professor to get a shot at university, then spent years pouring my emotions, that had nowhere else to go, into the pages of a book releasing in a few months. But this . . . Her. I hold her closer wanting to feel her heat, her heartbeats, and hear the rhythm of her breathing. In a city of eight million people, how was I fortunate enough to find my soulmate?
That’s the only thing I couldn’t control or create my way into, but damn, did I luck out.
She shifts, and the sheet slips off her hip, revealing that freckle I’ll never get enough of. I thought about it more times than would be considered healthy. Maybe it’s because the only way to see it is when she’s naked. Win-win.
I reach for the camera and take a couple of photos of my favorite thing—Sosie and that freckle. I set it back down, wanting to sleep some more with her, but I need to get a run in before I start work. And since she tried running with me twice and told me she’s sticking to yoga, I’m on my own.
Despite the claims, the summer wool isn’t thick enough to wick the moisture from my sweating palms, so I shove my hands in my pockets instead. Not sure why I’m nervous. It’s my mom, not a stranger. This shouldn’t be a big deal. But we both know it is. So when I’m led to the table where she’s been seated, I catch a glimpse of her fidgeting with the napkin right before she sees me.
I move to her side of the table. “Hi, Mom,” I say, giving her a quick hug, easygoing but not over the top. We’re not there yet. But I hold out hope.
“Keats, you look so handsome.”
“Thanks.” I sit across from her and drag my napkin into my lap. “You look nice. I like that hairstyle on you.”
“Oh, this.” Her eyes dart to the table as she maintains a softer smile. We don’t really look much alike, except in the obvious traits like hair and skin tone. We’re similar in other ways like stocking pasta and turning off unnecessary lights. But that’s more from lifestyle than anything else. After taking a sip of water, she says, “I just celebrated one year at the distribution center. I got a nice bonus and raise.”
I knew she was working steadily for the first time in a long time. But I also see it in the clarity of her eyes. She looks healthy and not too thin like she used to be.
The server stops by to take drink orders, but she orders an iced tea, so I do the same. As soon as we’re alone, she says, “I don’t drink anymore.”
“Oh. Was that your choice?”
“It was something I decided was needed. So I gave it up, and within two weeks, Miller did the same.” There’s a wistfulness to her gaze when she looks around the restaurant. “It wasn’t doing me any favors but it’s also been easier with a partner who supports you.” It is. I know firsthand. I couldn’t ask for someone to believe in me more than Sosie does. She laughs like she’s remembering an inside joke. I never cared much for him, but I didn’t give myself a chance to get to know him either. I probably should if he’s giving up drinking to be with my mom. “We even started walking after dinner and bought some hand weights we use at the apartment.”
“I can see the change. It sounds weird, but there’s more light to you, brighter eyes and a glow. I’m proud of you.”