Page 52 of Safer Alone
Elliot surprises me with this statement.
“I didn’t expect that. They seemed a little curt with me.” I am thinking of our earlier conversation in the living area.
He laughs a little before speaking again.
“They are pretty protective of me, however they can both see how happy I am.” He reaches out for my hand. “Dad is happy you will be sharing Christmas with us.”
Huh? They asked why I wasn’t spending it with my own family. Should I tell him I feel skeptical about this? Maybe uncomfortable, even. Looking at him next to me, he looks so very happy.
I keep quiet until I have rehearsed my next statement in my head a couple times. Finally satisfied I can get it all out I reply.
“They are right, you know. We live so far apart. I know we are going to try, but they do have a point. You do know that. Don’t you Elliot?” I squeeze his hand in reassurance.
“I know we live apart, but I truly believe we will make this, us, work. It’s such early days. Let’s just enjoy getting to know each other. Down the road we can decide if one of us needs to move. Let’s take it one day at a time, babe” He speaks with conviction. It makes me take note. He has obviously given this some thought.
Hold on. Did he just say “if one of us needs to move”? I’m not moving back to New York. No way, José. That isn’t going to happen. I left this town behind for a reason. But could this man make me abandon these thoughts. Make me want to move back to this city that holds so many horrible memories?
We travel the remainder of our car ride in silence. Our hands intertwined, his thumb rubbing against my forehand. It is rhythmic, and it helps me think. And there is a lot to think about. I will be getting some time to myself tomorrow. From the moment I step onto the plane and start the journey home, and then in only two weeks’ time I would see him again. He was going to make the journey for me to attend my Christmas party. After which I will be returning with him, to his home for a week.
I hardly know this man and I am going to stay at his house for an entire week. I know it’s nothing really, considering I am staying here presently. This trip is two nights, whereas the next will be seven nights. So much could happen in a week. Take this weekend for example. Less than forty-eight hours have passed and so much has happened.
I hear the tell-tale signs that we are once again approaching Elliot’s home: the tires moving slowly over the crushed rocks and gravel until finally coming to a complete stop.
“We’re home, baby” Elliot says as he exits the vehicle.
Once out of earshot, I breathe “We’re back at your very expensive home.”
Thankful that he doesn’t hear me. I step out of the car and turn toward the guest house. Price drives the car away from us toward the garage. Elliot grabs my hand, stopping me from taking even one step.
“Are you heading to bed?”
Even though I know I’m going to sleep straight away I nod. He wants to spend more time with me.
“Are you tired, Elliot?”
He shakes his head side to side slowly, emphasizing his nonverbal response. He stares at me for a moment before responding.
“Are you?”
I’m not surprised that he asks this question. After all, I am the one who has left it open. Hoping he would.
“Not overly, but it will be nice to lie down.”
Understanding my meaning he pauses for a moment, looking as though he is building up the courage to say something. C’mon Elliot. Spit it out. Ask to come with me. Please?
~ Chapter Twenty-Seven ~
“May I accompany you? We can talk for a while. At least until you’re ready to go to sleep?”
As soon as he has finished his question, he swallows and it’s audible. He is nervous, waiting for my reply. Does he want me to turn him away? Does he really want me to ask him back?
I feel my breath catch in my throat. This is what I had wanted him to ask, and yet, I don’t know what to say for a moment. So many thoughts are running through my mind. I pause and think. Do I let him? I’ll put the ball back in his court. Put it back on him. I’ll state a fact and he can take it as he wants to.
“It’s your guest house”
I turn and walk towards the guest house again. Listening intently behind me for any signs of his decision. My ears prick up to detect even the smallest of sounds. His footsteps on the crushed gravel underneath. Pleased to hear him following me.
I unlock the door with the key he had given me yesterday and let us both in. Immediately thankful for the lamp that I had left switched on earlier. As I am able to wander to the couch without knocking anything over.
