Page 49 of The Sitcom Star
The card said “better together” on the front, with an illustration of a smiling slice of pie and a smiling scoop of ice cream, and oh God, she better not get tears on it.
She opened it up.
I think pie and ice cream go together better than fried chicken and ice cream, though those sandwiches were fun to have with you.
I’m not great with words, but that’s not why I didn’t say anything until now.I was scared, and I thought I didn’t have enough to offer you, even though you’ve never made me feel that way.But I’ve moved past that, and if you’re interested, I want to be with you.I want to figure out how to make it work, how to be the best partner I can be.
Because that’s what you deserve.The very best.
Her eyes wet, she squeezed the card to her chest and smiled.
A moment later, her phone rang.It was a video call from Adrian.
“Hey, Maddie.”He adjusted the position of his phone, and she could see that he was on a patio, with fried chicken and bubble tea, just like he’d bought for her.
“One sec.”She took her phone, food, and drink to the kitchen island, where she opened up the box of popcorn chicken and pierced the lid of the bubble tea.For now, this was the closest they could get to eating together.“Okay, I’m ready.Thank you for the box.”
“Did you see the card?”
“Yes.”
“What do you think?”He asked it casually, popping a piece of chicken in his mouth afterward, but she could see the anxiety in his expression, and oh, the sight of him made her heart squeeze.
“I…I want to be with you, too.”
A beautiful grin spread across his face.“I’m so sorry I didn’t say something earlier.And now, I’m here and you’re there…and I can’t touch you.”
God, she was desperate to pull him close and kiss him.There was something about physical touch that could be so reassuring.
But this was still pretty good.
“I wondered if my life was too much for you,” she said.“I don’t exactly have a regular job—”
“Maddie, I want to be together, however we can make it happen.I promise.And I never want to hold you back from your goals.I promise you that, too.”He paused.“Do you need anything else now?Groceries?”
“No, no, I’m good.”
“You’re still not feeling sick?”
She shook her head as a wave of tenderness spread through her.She imagined him taking care of her in the years to come, making sure she had the downtime she needed.
And she would take care of him as well.
Life was in the quiet moments—like eating fried chicken while on the phone—in addition to the splashy ones.She wanted to have both, and she wanted him next to her for both.
He’d said that he didn’t want to hold her back; she was confident he wouldn’t.
No, with him she could soar, and he would be the steady presence next to her.Even when things weren’t going well, he’d still believe in her.
She kissed her hand and held it toward her phone.“I want to wait a few more days.I don’t want to get anyone sick.”
“I understand.Just say the word, and I’ll be there.”He gestured to his fried chicken.“You should eat some before it gets cold.Remember, I’m the expert.I’ve got a whole Instagram account to prove it.”
She laughed, looking forward to all of the meals they’d share together.
And, of course, to when she’d finally get to kiss him again.
The day Maddie texted Adrian to request his physical presence, he came over right after work.She immediately hauled him inside, and after taking off his mask, he pulled her close and kissed her.It was like they were locked in a battle for who could kiss and touch the other most.
