We have a busy morning, seeing clients and organizing listings, but I still don’t come down from cloud nine. I float around the place, practically humming even as I do all the boring filing and paperwork, wrapped up in the glow of Finn’s kisses, and everything waiting back at the house for me tonight.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.” Delilah pauses thoughtfully, on her way out for an appointment. “I told you, a no strings fling was exactly what you needed.”
I pause.
“It’s kind of perfect,” Delilah continues, touching up her lipstick. “I mean, he’ll be back on the road soon, right? So you won’t even have to deal with all the awkward after effects. You’ll just go your separate ways. See? Closure!” She blows me a kiss, and heads out the door. “We were just talking about you!” I hear her say, and I don’t even have time to process what she just said before Finn walks in, holding a cute bunch of wildflowers.
“Hey!” I exclaim, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“I figured you could use a lunch break.” Finn strolls over. “Also, it’s been way too long since I kissed you.”
He tilts my chin up to meet him, finding my lips in a long, slow kiss. I melt into him, loving how solid and real he feels against my body. When finally we come up for air, I sigh with satisfaction.
“And these are for you,” he presents me with the flowers.
“I could get used to this wooing thing,” I laugh, accepting the bouquet. The scent is sweet, like summertime. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Finn looks around. “So, this is the fast-paced world of real estate.”
I laugh, and reach for my bag. “Lucky for you, Marcie’s pretty relaxed about Fridays. I can take an hour, if that’s okay?”
“Perfect.” Finn gives me a wicked grin. “I can keep things short and sweet.”
He holds the door open for me on the way out. “Mickey’s okay?” he asks, naming a casual seafood and sandwich shack, on the outskirts of town.
“Sounds good to me.”
We drive over with the windows rolled down, our fingers intertwined beside the gearshift. I breathe in the salty sea air, and try to ignore the lingering memory of Delilah’s comments.
No strings…
I sneak a look at Finn. We haven’t said anything about what this is to us now. I’ve been too swept up in our passion and all the emotions of the past to even think about the future, but now the idea is in the back of my mind, I can’t shake it.
What happens now?
I try to ignore the voice of insecurity. It’s been one night, barely twelve hours since we hurtled headlong back into each other’s arms. There’s no rush to put on a label, or define what we are.
Except…
Finn was only planning on being back in town for a couple of months, and it’s been weeks already. His real life is still waiting out there, his fans eager for live shows and touring, TV spots and interviews. It doesn’t feel real to me because I’ve never seen it up close, but his kind of success doesn’t just arrive without hard work fueling every moment. I know that much. All the time he’s been back, he’s barely said a word about what’s in store for him in the months and years ahead, but I know that look he gets in his eyes when he talks about his music, and the rush of being up onstage. He loves this life, and everything he’s achieved.
He can’t stay on break here forever.
“Penny for them?” I feel a light tug, and realized I’m zoned out completely. Somehow, we’re already at Mickey’s, in line for the window service. I shake my head, self-conscious.
“Nothing.” I squeeze Finn’s hand, then turn to place my order for one of their famous crispy chicken sandwiches. We claim our food, then settle in at one of the picnic tables overlooking the ocean, armed with sodas in plastic cups and a basket of condiments.
“I know how to wine and dine a woman,” Finn jokes, through a mouthful of his sandwich. He’s got ketchup smeared on one corner of his mouth, and he devours his food like a wild beast.
I grin. “You’re all charm and so debonair.”
Finn takes another bite. “So how’s work?”
I shrug, picking at my fries. “Fine, I guess. Like I said, Delilah is the one getting most of the deals. I stay behind the scenes.”
“That’s not the Eva I remember.” Finn gives me a quizzical look. “What happened to your plans for drama school? You never really said.”
I shrug, and look away. “The city didn’t suit me.” That much, at least, is true. “But I was lucky to get this gig. The hours are great, and there’s commission, too. If I ever managed to close a deal.”
“But do you even like it?” Finn asks, pushing. “I mean, I’d understand if you were working the day job and going to auditions, or still pursuing acting, but this is different.”
“Acting wasn’t for me,” I insist. “And this isn’t so bad. I like the flexibility,” I say, trying to find a reason. “I get to babysit Kit a lot, and spend time over at the shelter.”
Finn’s mouth quirks into a grin at the mention. “How’s Edith? Still giving them hell?”
“Pretty much.” I pause, thinking about her money problems. “She’s getting older, though. I’m not sure how much longer she can keep the place together.”