“Here,” she’d said, handing him her spare key. “I have to go in early today. Lock up when you leave.”
The last time she’d encountered these dating milestones had been with Stuart, and she’d forgotten how awkward they could be. She’d been pleased when Ian hadn’t dropped the key like it was on fire or leaped from the couch to go with her so she could lock up as usual.
Instead, he’d closed his fingers around it, kissed her, and said, “Sure, Katie Brown Eyes. Have a good day.”
She’d smiled all the way to work.
If Ian got back late and decided to come to her place instead of his, he’d be able to let himself in. He’d kiss her awake and snuggle in behind her, explaining what he’d been doing in Washington.
But that’s not what happened. What happened was that Kate woke up Saturday morning alone.
By eleven she’d cleaned the apartment and done her laundry. At noon, when the walls started to close in, she decided to have lunch at Brasa Rotisserie, which was a fifteen-minute walk. The cold didn’t bother her and neither did the snow falling from the sky in giant flakes. But walking made her think of Ian, especially the way he always pulled off her glove and shoved it in his pocket so he could hold her hand.
When she reached Brasa Rotisserie, she ordered a curried chicken bowl and took her time eating it. Her phone chimed, but the sound hadn’t come from the special phone he’d given her. Carrying two phones was a bit of a hassle, but keeping them both meant she hadn’t needed to let everyone know she had a new number. After pulling out the correct phone, she glanced at the text display.
Paige: We’re heading to Kieran’s tonight for a few drinks. Bring your man!
Kate: Ian’s out of town, but I’ll meet you for a drink or two.
Paige: Great! 7:00?
Kate: Sure. See you then. : )
When she was done eating, she left the restaurant and walked for another half hour, her boots making crunching sounds in the snow. Eventually she made her way home. Because she hadn’t slept the greatest the night before, she attempted to take a nap on the couch. But sleep wouldn’t come, and she eventually gave up.
It felt odd not to be in contact with Ian after spending so much time with him. Even when they weren’t together, they kept up a steady conversation via text, and his messages never failed to brighten her day. Lately she’d sensed a deepening of his feelings, had noticed the adoring look on his face when he showed up at her door and the way his gaze lingered when she walked into the room. She pulled out her phone.
Kate: I know you’re busy so no need to write back. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and I miss you. xoxo
Meeting her friends was exactly the distraction Kate needed, and when she arrived at Kieran’s that night, she was glad she’d ventured out. The Irish pub was decorated for the holidays, and the Christmas lights, the music, and the gently falling snow visible from her seat near the window put Kate in a festive mood.
She returned home a little before ten. Shivering, she pulled on the flannel snowflake pajamas Ian had given her. She wrapped herself in a blanket and sat down in the comfy, oversized chair near the window, looking down at the empty street below as the snow continued to fall.