Page 73 of Semi Sweet
“Do you have time for coffee?” Sean’s mother asked.
He glanced over at the clock on the kitchen stove. It was getting close to seven and he had a three and a half hour ride ahead of him. “I have time for exactly one cup. No dessert.”
Far too soon, he was standing in their entrance way, hands in his pockets as he said his goodbyes.
“Please Sean, for all that is good, call me. I’d settle for weekly if it can’t be every day,” his mother reminded him.
“I’ll be better about calling, Mama,” he promised.
“I’ll be able to snitch on him if he isn’t,” I added.
Sean embraced his father first.
“Safe travels Sean-kun.” his father said softly.
When he got to his mother, he hugged her tightly before he held onto her shoulders and said, “Arigatogozaimashita. Anata ga shiru ijo no mono no tame ni.”
It was meant to be a private moment, but I knew enough Japanese to understand what he was saying.
Thank you. For more than you will ever know.
I said my own goodbyes before I went out to the driveway and over to the Saab. We would have to figure out what I’d do about a car once he returned to Aspen, but until then, it was mine to use.
“Can I call you once I get there?” he asked.
“I’d be upset if you didn’t.”
“I hope tomorrow is everything you want it to be and more,” he said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
“I’d say the same for you, but you're going back to Cash Value Market.” When silence fell between us, I knew it was probably time for him to leave and I pulled him into a hug. “Please come back.”
“I promise,” he replied, holding me tightly. “Maybe now is the perfect time to work on one of your books. Plenty of quiet time.”
I looked up at him, another thing I never thought I would hear a significant other say to me. “I like how you think.”
We kissed goodbye far longer than we needed to, with promises of all the things we would do once he returned. Before I knew it, Sean was telling me he had to get home to sleep and I was watching the rental car drive away. I was standing in the Mizunos driveway alone. Well, not exactly. Bear was patiently waiting for me in the Saab.
I tentatively drove to the apartment, not as comfortable with Aspen at night, but eventually I found my way and parked the car on the street just as I’d seen Sean do when we’d come previously. A television in Dan’s living room glowed as I headed towards the gate. I was thankful to have someone around in this new place, even though it sounded like I might be hearing him more than I would be seeing him.
When I let Bear and myself in, the animal trotted over to his bed and got comfortable. I slid the door shut, locking it and putting a wooden dowel in so that the door couldn’t be moved. When I turned back towards the dog, he looked like he was aware someone was missing.
“Sean’s not going to be with us for a while,” I said sadly. “It’s just you and me for now.”
Bear put his head down like he wasn’t thrilled about that development. I agreed completely. Just as I was thinking I should probably take a shower and prepare for work in the morning, I noticed something on one of the bookshelves that hadn’t been there before. As I got closer, I realized it was a cupcake–chocolate cake with mint chip frosting, with a note tucked underneath it. I felt my heart wanting to burst at the sight of it. I wouldn’t have been here if he hadn’t sent me that first cupcake all those months ago. I had no idea where I’d be now.
Out of habit, I took a photo. I didn’t know if I would post it on the off chance it would give away where I was, but I wanted to remember it. It was like remembering Sean’s face or his laugh. This was a part of him. As I took a bite of the cupcake, I opened the note.
One more
For old times’ sake.
Maybe I’ll see you in my dreams
And I’ll think of you when I’m awake.
Thanks for letting me in,
Taking me along for the ride.
