Page 33 of Unexpected Company
After my shower, I feel a thousand times better. My skin is no longer clammy, and though there’s still this slither of fatigue weighing on my body, I’m happy and excited for the day ahead.
By the time I find Garrett in the lounge, my cheeks are aching from how hard I’m smiling. The fire’s burning, logs crackling in the fireplace, and there’s a mug of steaming tea on the lounge table. Garrett has his back to me, his shoulders hunched as his fingers move over his typewriter keys.
Leaning against the doorframe, I take him in. He’s tall and broad, his hair cut to the nape of his neck. It’s a chestnut brown that I imagine hints at red in the sunlight.
Moving into the room on socked feet, I sidle past him and to the cabinet beneath the television. I’d spotted it when I first scoped out the place – filled with old DVDs and board games, like a treasure trove of forgotten entertainment.
Shifting into a seated position, my legs crossed, I pull out the piles of plastic casings and sift through them, weeding out any that are remotely festive.
By my estimation, we are three days away from Christmas and this cottage, while full of English charm, is lacking in that warm and fuzzy ambiance that I so love about the season. Before my unexpected company, I had planned to visit the local stores and pick up some decorations. I look at Garrett, wondering if it’s something we could do together – that’s if he wants me to stay. I bite the inside of my cheek, not sure how to bring it up other than blurting, “Don’t make me leave!” which would only make me seem needier than I already appear.
“You’re being ridiculous, Supernova,” I mumble under my breath, turning back to the DVDs in front of me. My choices are limited, and with no internet or streaming services, what I find here is all we have to select from. There’s a few popular kids’ movies, a romance, and then under a pile of British sitcoms, I find the jackpot.
“Found our film! Onlythebest Christmas film ever,” I declare, holding it in the air and waving it at Garrett. He spins in his chair, cocking his head to the side.
“That’s not a Christmas film,” he deadpans, his hands resting on the tops of his thighs. He has a smudge of ink on his cheek, and I spy a plate of uneaten biscuits on the desk next to him. He doesn’t share my enthusiasm for the sweet treat, clearly.
“Um, excuse me and fuck you very muchly,” I jump to my feet and saunter over to him, “but Gremlinsisa Christmas film.”
“Hmm, I guess next you’ll say Die Hard is, too.”
I part my lips in mock outrage, covering his mouth with the palm of my hand.
“Say no more. You’re ruining the whole perfect vibe you had going on.”
He laughs behind my hand and I gasp at the sudden sting of pain as he sinks his teeth into the soft flesh.
“You bit me!”
“You were being a brat.” Garrett nudges forward, bracketing me with his legs.
“I will watch whatever you want, sweet thing, but first, I’m going to take a quick walk into the village.”
All the excitement I felt at finding the perfect way to spend the day evaporates like smoke on the horizon. This must be the part when he says he’s going to find me some place else to stay, so he doesn’t have me distracting him from his all important novel.
“Oh.” I take a step back and Garrett’s hand shoots out, gripping my hip.
“We need milk and fresh food. There’s not much left in the fridge. Besides a bag of kale, which I have no idea what to do with.”
One side of my lips curve into a grin, but I’m still deflated.
“I won’t be long,” he assures me. “I’ll walk fast, shop quickly and get a cab back. Three hours tops.”
I purse my lips, keeping in the question on the tip of my tongue. The way he’s talking, it’s like hewantsme to stay, but he hasn’t said as much and I think I really need to know.
“Roman? Why are you suddenly so quiet?” he asks. “Make me a list of all the tea and biscuits your heart desires, and I’ll get them.”
His hand squeezes my hip, and I make eye contact.
“Do you still want me to go?”
Garrett’s eyes widen. “Is that what you want?”
My head is shaking before my brain has a chance to process any words.
“Good.” Garrett pulls me forward and I tumble onto his lap. “Because I don’t want you to go.”
“What about your work, and not having distractions?”
