Page 38 of Note to Self
The interior of my house is done, and I’m ready to move in. It has only been two and a half weeks from start to finish, and that’s because I wanted it painted before any furniture was brought in. The only downside is that Trent hasn’t committed to moving in with me.
I don’t know why he’d rather be in the tiny cottage than have the space he can have here. I’ve even designated a room for him to work in. A voice in the back of my head is saying that could be the problem. I’m pushing too hard. He’s even told me he needs some space to grow into this new version of himself.
Drew walks in, a frown on his face. “What’s going on? Why isn’t Trent moving in here? He’s just told me that he wants to stay in the cottage for a little while longer.”
I shrug, spreading my arms in a ‘how the fuck do I know’ gesture. “He needs time by himself. He’s lived alone for years, but this is a new him. I want him here, and I don’t know why he’s being so stubborn. Everything here, the house, the nursery, is new to me too. I turned my life around to move here and start again.”
“Have you told him this? That this could be something you learn how to navigate your new lives together,” Drew says, making perfect sense.
“How long did it take you to give in to Merrick?” I know the answer to this, and he knows I know.
“Fuck off. That was totally different.” He grins. “Come on, finish up, and we can go get a beer.”
I look around the room again, still thrilled with the fact that is all mine. “Okay, but you buy the first one.”
We walk into the pub. Merrick is already there. Next to him sits my boyfriend with Willow on his knee. “Dew!” Willow shouts and jumps off Trent. He winces and rearranges his junk.
I saunter over to him. “Do you want me to kiss it better?” I kiss his cheek, which turns a very cute pink.
He grins. “Hello to you too. Maybe later.”
“I’ll hold you to it. Did you get everything sorted?” I sit down next to him, taking his hand in mine.
“Yep, it’s nerve-racking as hell, but Merrick seems to think it will be a success.” He smiles, but it has a nervous edge to it. He’s not as convinced as his friend.
Merrick joins in. “Merlin, we’ve already got sold stickers ready to go on some of them, and that’s unseen. It’s going to be huge, colossal, life-changing.”
“Shit, that’s all I need to know. One life-changing event at a time, please. I’m still trying to work out this one,” Trent says with a shake of his head.
Drew comes back to us with a tray of drinks while Willow carries a bag of crisps as if it’s the holy grail. “Look what my got, Papa.”
Drew and Merrick help Willow with her crisps, no longer paying us much attention. Trent is still looking troubled.
“You don’t have to do this, you know. Babe, it’s your artwork. If now isn’t the right time, then postpone it. Like you said, one change at a time.”
“Nah, I’m not doing that. I’ve finally finished the last of the pictures. Thank you for giving me these couple of weeks todo it.” He kisses my hand. “I owe you big time, especially as I’ve been rubbish at helping you at your house. I promise you have my undivided attention from now on. At least until the show.” He leans forward and presses a kiss to my mouth.
This man is more like the Trent I know, the easy, laid-back guy, before all the deadlines and commitments took over. “I like the sound of that,” I say. “Shall we go?”
He laughs. “When we finish our drinks.” He picks up what looks like a gin and tonic and sips.
I swallow half of my pint, but he only grins and shakes his head. As much as I want to drag him out and back to my place, I wait.
I’ll give him his due. It doesn’t take him too long to finish. Perhaps running my hand up and down the inseam of his jeans has something to do with it. At least my hand was hidden by the table, keeping it out of sight for Willow. When we get outside, the wind coming off the sea is chillier than I expected. I should have brought my jacket, but so far the days have been warm enough not to warrant one.
We walk briskly down the street. It’s going to take about ten minutes to get to my new home, but only five to my rental. I really want Trent in my new bed, but he looks cold too. “We can go to my old house if you want. It’ll be quicker.”
He frowns. “Um, I thought we’d go to your new place. I can put up with the cold for an extra five minutes. I want to see it again. Especially now everything is in it. I’m truly sorry I haven’t been any help.”
“Hey, it’s okay. You asked for room to get your head together, and I’m giving it to you.” I squeeze his hand, and we walk quietly for the rest of the journey. When we reach the nursery, I unlock the heavy chain on the gate and let it swing silently open. As we step through, the exterior lights switch on, lighting up my dream home.
“Oh, Merlin, it’s gorgeous. It looks like it was made to be among the trees. It’s perfect.”
The genuine thrill in Trent’s voice has me smiling hard enough to split my face.
“Wait until you see inside.” Not that I’m interested in showing him my bedroom, and when he’s ready, it will be ours.
As soon as we’re through the wide front door, I drag him to the stairs. “You can have the official tour in the morning. It’s been too long since we’ve been naked together. I want to be inside you.”
