I don’t have the energy to discuss Zach, Aiden’s issues, or any other problem that might arise while I dodge his questions. So what if I found a temporary happiness? I might’ve lost the love of my life, but it’s okay to have someone playful who likes to steal kisses and holds me at night while I fall asleep. It’s going to last for a few moments, but they might be the best moments I’ve had in a long time.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Monday, February 14th
Zach: Happy Valentine’s Day. How was Matilda’s day?
Autumn: It was good. She brought a lot of candy and cookies. I feel like every holiday at school is just an excuse to load the children with sugar. How was yours?
Zach: It was busy. Mondays are always busy.
Zach: As I was selling mugs to those who forgot to buy presents for their significant others, it occurred to me that you owe me some designs.
Autumn: I do?
Zach: Yes. And now, I’m wondering if you can also design seasonal products like fall mugs, summer cups, Valentine’s Day paraphernalia…
Autumn: Sounds like an ambitious project. Why?
Zach: I want to sell knick-knacks for every occasion, so my customers don’t look like idiots who drop by to get straws because they forgot to buy a present.
Autumn: I can’t stop laughing about the straws. Please tell me that didn’t happen.
Zach: It did. A guy just said, “Sell me whatever you have. I’ll even take a bendy straw.”
Autumn: That’s pretty funny. I can do it, but I’m expensive.
Zach: I can meet your hourly rate.
Autumn: Let me play with some ideas. Send me your email address.
Zach: When can I see you?
Autumn: If you can be as quiet as last night…tonight.
Zach: At what time do you want me there?
Autumn: Ten?
Zach: See you then.
Tuesday, February 15th
Autumn: At what time did you leave?
Zach: Early enough that no one realized I was there.
Autumn: Thank you for the wine and the chocolates.
Zach: Thank you for inviting me to hang out with you.
Autumn: Are you busy tonight?
Zach: For you, never.
Autumn: Let’s meet at ten.
Zach: It’s a date.
Wednesday, February 16th
Zach: I received your ideas. Can we discuss them in person?
Autumn: Are you trying to invite yourself to my place, Mr. St. James?
Zach: I wish. I have to fly to Portland. The house search is a no-go. We’re having problems with the new branch, and I won’t be home until Friday.
Autumn:: sad face emoji:
Zach: I’m going to miss you too.
Autumn: I never said I was going to miss you.
Zach: You don’t have to, I know.
Autumn: I’ll see you on Saturday then.
Zach: Are you cutting me off?
Zach: You can’t just ignore me for hours.
Zach: Well, you can, but don’t do it, please.
Autumn: Did you send a massage therapist to my place?
Zach: Yes, I totally forgot. Did you enjoy your two-hour massage?
Autumn: That was amazing. You’re the best.
Zach: So, you enjoyed it?
Autumn: Yes. It’s almost noon, and I’m so relaxed I could take a nap. Where are you?
Zach: I’m on the plane.
Autumn: We could have sexplane. I think you deserve it.
Zach: I’m not sure what that is, but since I’m not alone, it’ll be a little hard. No pun intended.
Autumn: Why didn’t you drive to Portland?
Zach: Because it’s Portland, Maine.
Autumn: That’s a long flight. Text me when you get there.
Zach: We could FaceTime later tonight.
Autumn: We could.
Zach: By the way, pencil me in for Saturday. We have a full day.
Autumn: I’m busy?
Zach: Matilda told me you have the weekend off. Ergo, we can spend it together.
Autumn: Matilda released too much information about my schedule. Just so you know, I have a kid.
Zach: I know. Most of Saturday’s and Sunday’s activities are planned with her in mind. As long as I can have you at night.
Autumn: I told you I don’t want her to get the wrong idea.
Zach: She won’t, I promise.
Autumn: I trust you.
Zach: That means a lot to me.
Autumn: Hey, I’m going to run a couple of errands. Text me when you land.
Zach: : smiley face emoji:
Zach: I just wanted to let you know that I landed. Text you later.
Autumn: Hey, don’t call me tonight.
Zach: What happened?
Autumn: The school called me around two to inform me that my kid is sick. I think she has a bug. It’s going to be a long night.
Zach: Do you need me there?
Autumn: As I said, it’s just a bug, but I appreciate the offer.
Zach: Call me if you need anything, okay?
Autumn: You are amazing!
Zach: I know, but why are we talking about the obvious?
Autumn: You sent her balloons and a stuffy.
Zach: Did she like them?
Autumn: She loves them.
Zach: How’s she feeling?
Autumn: Still sick, but you brightened up her day.
Zach: I’m glad. What do you think she’ll enjoy more? The San Diego Zoo or The Turtle Sanctuary?
Zach: Hello!
Zach: Everything okay?
Zach: Babe?
Autumn: Sorry, she threw up again. Cleaning was an epic event. :insert eye-roll emoji: I’m taking her to urgent care since she has a fever.
Zach: Let me see if I can get a flight back home.
Autumn: You don’t have to. I swear it’s okay.
Autumn: Thank you for sending Teddy and a doctor to check on us, but as I said, it’s a bug.
Zach: She told me.
Autumn: She asked if we were dating. I told her no. Though my child said that she’d like to find a dad like you.
Zach: She can do better than me.
Autumn: If you’re fishing for compliments, I don’t have any for you.
Zach: How are you doing?
Autumn: I’m okay. I just hope this doesn’t make me sick. I have classes, work, and a lot of orders to fulfill.
Zach: So, tonight is a definite no, huh? What if we FaceTime just so I can say good night to her?
Autumn: Maybe another day. I might invite you to stay on Saturday.
Zach: Saturday sounds promising.
Thursday, February 17th
Autumn: Thank you for the coffee and the pastries.
Zach: How’s Matilda today?
Autumn: She’s doing a lot better. I’m keeping her home. Mom’s coming to watch her while I go to school. She’s staying with us tonight.
Zach: I’m glad you told me.
Autumn: Why?
Zach: I was planning on dropping by. I guess that’s a no.
Autumn: I thought you said you’d be here tomorrow.
Zach: I’m getting things done faster so I can get home tonight.
Zach: By the way, I showed my partner your designs, and he likes them. We have a few changes and requests.
Autumn: Send them over. I’ll work on them and invoice you. I could use the money.
Zach: Thank you for the picture of Matilda and her new friend.
Autumn: His name is Zach the Zebra.
Zach: I’m glad I sent a zebra. He’s handsome. She looks happy.