We take our mugs over to the living room sofa, sitting and chatting about nothing of importance. Eventually we make our way back to the kitchen, tackling the mountain of dirty dishes before I head up to BaBs to work on arrangements that need to be delivered the following day. I go back downstairs to join Jack for a dinner of leftovers, followed by a “movie” on the basement couch. When bedtime rolls around, we automatically head to my room, as if we’ve been dancing the same routine for years. It’s easy, and perfect, and I still can’t fully accept Jack wants to be in this, with me, for anything remotely termed “the long haul.” But my heart is full and happy, so I decide to ride the wave for as long as I can.

ME: Soooooooooooooooo

GEMMA: Oh my god. Finally.

ME: You don’t even know what I’m going to say.

GEMMA: We totally know what you’re going to say.

GEMMA: Harley, do we not know what she’s going to say?

HARLEY: How about we just let her say?

ME: Thank you, Harley.

ME: . . .

ME: I kissed Jack.

GEMMA: Okay, I’ll admit, that was slightly less graphic than I was expecting.

GEMMA: Did said kissing lead to the horizontal tango?

ME: Who says that?

ME: And no. It did not. We’re taking things slowly.

HARLEY: I think Gem just fell off her bed.

GEMMA: Yeah. I absolutely did. Did you just say you’re taking things slowly?

ME: Yup. And I’m dying, I want him so bad.

ME: But I think this is the right decision.

HARLEY: Wow. I’m proud of you, Sade. And happy for you, obvs. Jack is amazing!

ME: He is, isn’t he. *sigh*

GEMMA: Oh god. She’s been replaced by one of those relationship pod people. It’s all over now.

JACK: You working tonight?

ME: Yup. I got the early shift so hopefully I can manage to get some sleep before deliveries tomorrow.

JACK: What time do you think you’ll be home?

ME: Hopefully by ten.

JACK: Want me to grab dinner?

ME: Nah, I can just get something there when I take my break.

ME: Thanks though

JACK: In that case, how about dessert?

ME: How about you have a bath ready for me when I get home and we’ll talk.

JACK: You got it, sweet pea.

ME: Fuck.

JACK: What?

ME: I kinda like that one.

Fifteen