Page 76 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

76 | FRANCESCA PE NN

“Would you believe me if I told you I missed you?” She blushes and looks
down at her toes.
“Yes. I missed you, too. It’s to be expected. We have been inseparable since we

officially met.”
I smile and nod. “True.”
Our surroundings start to sink in; I survey the room. Sanya rests in the middle
of the big bed, drowning in a sea of light blue covers. White, billowing curtains
airily cover the balcony entrance. The beach cottage theme makes me feel as if we
are alone in our own little slice of paradise. The renovated bathroom provides all
of the modern amenities; a big shower and a huge jetted tub.

Our room. The phrase resonates inside me again. This is the most intimate
setting we’ve shared. It is ripe with possibility. I start to undress.
“Have you decided?”
“Hmm?” Her eyes are affixed to my hands as they work on unbuttoning my
shirt.
“Have you decided what I am to you?”
I toss the shirt on a nearby chair and start to unbutton my pants. I can do this

in the bathroom, but she has already seen me practically naked, and I want to see
how she’ll handle it. We are sharing a space for the next three nights. I need to know
her comfort level.
I stand there in my boxer briefs and undershirt with my hands on my hips as I
wait for her answer. Her distracted eyes return to my face, confusion etched in her
features.
“Who did you tell them I am?” I clarify. I see how my words caused confusion.

“Oh!” She looks somewhat relieved. “I didn’t tell them shit. I said Henry will
be here. I was thinking…”
I take off my undershirt, and she loses her train of thought; her grip tightens
on the pillow. I stifle a smile. It is good to know she likes my body.
“You were thinking…” I prompt.
“Right! I was thinking that they are not worth me creating anything. I don’t
owe them any explanations. We don’t have to be a cliché. You are Henry, we live
together, and there is no one else I’d rather spend this weekend with. That’s all they
get.”