His hand stills. “Cate, I thought we weren’t going to talk about the past.”
“I know, but…” I’m not sure how to put it. “I need to understand.”
He lets out a deep breath. “I know where everything went wrong. I know my part in it. When you left, it took me by surprise that you’d left the city for good. No one would tell me where you’d moved to and you changed your phone number. I admit I was pissed for a short time. I thought what we had deserved more than you leaving that way. But I get it. I know why you did it. Why you felt like you had to do it.”
I listen to the sounds of his heartbeats a few seconds before I spoke. “I never meant to hurt you like that.”
He was silent. “Let’s just move on. Nothing is solved by dwelling on a past we can’t change. You’re here. I’m here. We’re here together. In this together.”
“We are and I’m so incredibly happy.”
He kisses my forehead. “There is nothing in this world more important to me than to see you happy.”
The smell of coffee wakes me in the morning as the bedroom door opens.
“Morning, I brought you a cup.”
I squeal because it’s not Andy speaking. I grip the covers around me. Mitch laughs.
“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before, cupcake, and I don’t poach. You’re Drew’s and I respect that.”
He sets the coffee down. “I’m making breakfast if you’re interested.”
And he leaves the room as quickly as he came in. Only he doesn’t close the door. My clothes are at the other end of the room. I’m left wondering what twilight light zone I’ve entered. Men are crazy. Instead of getting out of bed, I sit up and grab the coffee. On the bedside table, a note sits on top of some clothes.
Cate,
I had early rounds and didn’t want to wake you. You look so beautiful when you sleep, when you’re awake, and wherever and whatever you’re doing. I’ve left you a tee-shirt and boxers. Mitch has no boundaries when it comes to personal space. I won’t be long.
I’ll be back before lunch. Stay.
Andy
I smile and quickly get dressed under the covers before heading to the bathroom to take care of my morning routine. I glance and only see the one toothbrush. As much spit swapping as Andy and I’ve done, it doesn’t take much for me to talk myself into using his toothbrush. Fresh breath wins out and I head to the kitchen to deal with Andy’s friend alone.
MY ROLE AS AN INTERN is in full swing and living with Drew is working out better than I’d expected. He is as easy going every day as he was on the weekends we were together. There are never any surprises, which I love about him.
My boss, Mr. Hendershot, is great. He takes me under his wing and spoon feeds me the kind of information interns rarely get. I’ve landed a gem of a job. Besides the occasional audit engagement for clients who have fiscal years, I’m working on writing their policy manual in the accounting department, which gives me the opportunity to use my dual major. Mr. Hendershot is filled with all sorts of knowledge that he doles out to me like M&M’s and I joyfully gobble them up. Midway through the summer, he asks what my intentions are as far as geographical locations after graduation.
“My fiancé and I will be moving back to Charleston. He is going to pursue a fellowship in oncology there.”
“Well, that’s a shame, Cate, because I would love to have you on board with us. But I can certainly promise you a great recommendation. You know, wherever you land, you’re going to shine.”
That night I rush in from work, eager to share my news with Drew. He loves hearing about my work, and he’s always very supportive of everything I do. But he’s not there and I spy a note from him on the counter.
Just a reminder, babe, I have hockey practice tonight.
Won’t be late.
This guy looooves you!
A giant grin spreads across my face. He always leaves me the cutest notes. I hug it to my chest on the way to the bedroom to change. When I get back to the kitchen I open up the fridge and decide to make Greek chicken for dinner. Drew loves it and he will be famished when he gets home.
I get everything assembled and pop the pan in the oven. Then I make a tossed salad. While it does its thing, I decide to drink a beer and read a bit. A little over an hour later, the apartment smells heavenly and my stomach rumbles in response.
When I open the oven door, the chicken looks scrumptious. So much so that my mouth waters. Checking the time, I see that Drew should be home in about thirty minutes. I turn the oven off, cover the pan loosely with foil, and decide to wait on him. Not much long after that my phone buzzes. Checking the caller ID, I see it’s Drew.
“Hey honey.”
“Cate,” he wheezes.
“What’s wrong?”
“I got checked in the ribs and I think they’re fractured. I’m on the way to get an X-ray.”
“Shit. Want me to come and get you?”
“No. I’m good to drive.”
“You sure? You sound bad.”
“Just hurts to breathe. I’ll be home soon.”
“Be careful.”