Page 104 of Falcon

I can’t even respond because I’m too busy laughing.She immediately put me at ease, without even knowing I needed it, by being her.

“That better be a laugh in the affirmative,” she continues on.

“He’s not here, Rose. Relax. He had to start prepping for the fight later,” I tell her.

“So then what are you doing?”

“I’m in his hotel room, wrapped up in the softest sheets I’ve ever touched in my life.” I pull them up to my nose and inhale. “God, they even smell good.”

“You sound like you’re enjoying yourself then.”

“I am, but I feel like shit about it,” I admit to her. “I’m liking this too much. Liking HIM too much.”

“There’s no such thing, babe. As long as you’re in control and clear about what you want, there is no such thing.”

“He left a note this morning and told me to order breakfast, use the pool, basically do any and everything I want and just charge it to the room. Rose, I can’t do that. I just ordered breakfast and I’m having buyer’s remorse.” I sit up once again and slide my hand through my messy hair. I don’t tell her about his name though. Part of me wants to keep that to myself, keep it special.

“He wants to take care of you since he can’t be there with you right now. I don’t see the problem in this. A hot-ass man wants to fuck you senseless then feed you gourmet food in a five-star hotel? I’ll take him if you don’t want him.”

“I do want him. I guess I’m just scared of being too attached.”

“Stop thinking so much. Just take this thing a day at a time. You’re not committing to being with him forever by agreeing to travel with him for the next few weeks, right? So just take it slow. Live in the moment. You both can discuss it when the time is right.”

She’s right. I’m overthinking all of this. It’s a nasty habit I have and I should tamp it down. I shouldn’t taint this time with him by worrying about what may or may not be.

“You’re right.”

“Can you say that again, slower this time, so I can record it? I’d like to have it on record for later use.” She giggles.

“Shut up. You know you’re right all the time. I’m just a stubborn ass who needs to be reminded of things from time to time.”

A knock on the door pulls my attention.

“Hey, Rose, my breakfast is here. I should go let them in. Thank you for being here for me. It means the world. Really.”

“I’ll always be here, Faith. Day or night. Now, go eat up, and for the love of God, have fun. Promise?” I can see her now, hands on her hips, giving me that listen to me, dammit stare she’s so good at.

“Yes, Rose. I promise.” I roll my eyes and smile. “I’ll text you later.”

“Good. Talk later.”

“Bye.”

I hang up my cell and toss it on the bed before rushing to the door to let room service in.

It’s a much older woman with the most adorable cat eye shaped glasses and fifties styled silver hair.

“Room service,” she says cheerily.

“Hi, yes.” I open the door wide. “You can just roll the cart in and leave it right here by the table.”

“Yes ma’am.” She pushes it in by me and brushes her hands down her uniform when she’s done. “You’re here with Mr. Masen?”

“Uh, well, I am yes.” I clear my throat. “I’m here to see the fight tonight.”

“He’s a good one, that boy. He stays here every time he’s in the city. So polite and kind. Not like some of the others in his profession, that’s for sure.”

I can’t stop my smile. “He’s pretty wonderful.” I can only smile like a fool before my manners catch up. “Oh! Here. Let me grab you some cash.”

---