Her eyes glazed over and she swallowed slowly before looking away.
Grinning to myself, I kicked her foot on the coffee table. “We aren’t a movie, or one of your romantic book couples. We’re real people who have to deal with real shit day in and day out. Just because you find the love of your life doesn’t mean nothing else comes up. My daughter, Sophia, she’s important me, and I can’t even explain it, but I’m happy she’s alive no matter who her mother is. I love her…but I also love you and I don’t want to choose. I’m selfish like that. I want you both.”
“Eli—”
Reaching over to her, I took her glass and set it on the coffee table next to mine. Opening my arms for her, she hugged me, burying her face into my neck.
“Later you should rebook your flight to India. I don’t want to ever hold you back either. But when you go, remember you’re got a boyfriend waiting at home. We’ll email each other back and forth; who knows? I might even have enough time to visit, when Hannah is with Sophia. We are going to share custody and Hannah knows that is the extent of our relationship. We’re going to work Guinevere, and we aren’t going to hate each other; we’re going to miss each other to the point that nothing else matters.”
“Eli,” she whispered, sitting up between my thighs, her eyes searching mine as I brushed my thumb over her lips.
“I told your father that in ten years I’d still be with you. I meant it.”
When her lips were on mine, I felt my body finally relax. We weren’t running away from each other, but toward one another. Yes, there had been and would be bumps in the road, yes, we’d fight, and yes, I was sure starting a long distance relationship wasn’t going to be nearly as romantic or fulfilling as I’d hoped, but it was something…something that closed the space between us.
“Ahh…” She moaned into my mouth as one of my hands cupped her breast and her ass, thankful she had worn a skirt that day.
We weren’t ending…we had only just gotten started.
Epilogue
From: Guinevere Poe <[email protected]> Subject: I Have A Question For You…
Date: September 8 at 2:18 AM
To: Eli Davenport <[email protected]>
Dear Dr. Asshole,
Have you ever been sneezed on by an elephant? Well I have…twice…by the same elephant. His name is Anugtaha, which I have been told means one who has grace, and the keeper here joked he may be allergic to me. I have a feeling you are smiling at the irony in that. But do not be alarmed, Anugtaha and I will be the best of friends before I leave here, as you know I become more loveable the more time you spend with me. :) I hope you’re doing okay. I called, but the time difference and everything is still throwing me off. I won’t lie, I’m still nervous about being so far away from you. I’m not sure if I’m running or following my dreams. Yes, I’m having a good time, but all day as I was traveling around I would see things or want to go places and the very first person that came to mind was you. It’s so strange to me how just a few months ago I didn’t even know you existed and now I can’t function the same without seeing you.
I’m going to stop before I get too sappy.
Keep being kinda cool, The Con Artist
P.S. I love you…
From: Eli Davenport <[email protected]> Subject: I Have An Answer For You…
Date: September 9 at 3:48 PM
To: Guinevere Poe <[email protected]>
Dear Con Artist,
No, I have never been sneezed on by an elephant, but please relay this message to Anugtaha for me: don’t look into her eyes my friend, it’s how she gets you. One moment she’s a normal annoying human being, and the next you can’t think of anyone more beautiful. If she stares at you and smiles, well then you’re a goner and there is no hope, just accept it.
As for you Guinevere, I don’t care what the time difference is, the only reason why I would miss your call is because of work. The rest of the time I’m waiting to hear from you anyway. You are running, but that doesn’t matter because I’m standing at the end of the road waiting. Just enjoy everything in front of you right now. You may only get to see those things once. Yes, I miss you and yes if I could pick between you being there and you lying next to me, of course I’d pick next to me. I’m almost as jumpy as Taigi; every time the door opens our heads shoot up like we expect you to walk through the door.
I also won’t get too sappy.
Stay healthy, smile a lot, be safe,
Your boyfriend
P.S. No way I’m calling myself Dr. Asshole. :p P.P.S. I love you more than the sun loves the sky.
From: Guinevere Poe <[email protected]> Subject: I’m Not Sure If You Are A Devil Or A Saint Date: October 12th at 3:00 AM
To: Eli Davenport <[email protected]>