Hath Not a Jew pt. 3
Part 2
[Time Lapse]
It was a hot summer day.
“Let’s go get some ice cream,” Paul suggested, jumping up in excitement.
“Okay,” I said, laughing, not sure why he was so excited.
We wound up on a beach, ice cream dripping from our cones.
“This is my favorite beach,” Paul said.
“I can see why.”
The view was breathtaking.
“I like it even better because I can share it with you.”
I looked over, and Paul was smiling his perfect smile. I leaned over and kissed it.
“Eat your ice cream before it melts,” Paul said.
“Do you remember our second date?” I asked.
“Hot dogs and ice cream. And trying not to lose myself in your eyes.”
“You’re allowed to do that now.”
“No. I need to eat my ice cream first, otherwise I’ll never finish it.”
“Well, I meant more in the relationship.”
“Either way,” Paul said with a shrug. “Did you know I almost didn’t come up to you that day?”
“The day we met?”
“Yeah. I had watched from afar for a bit, debating if I wanted to take my chances of talking with that cute boy.”
“I’m glad you decided to.”
“Me too.”
I finished off my cone and turned to Paul who had finished his. I watched him for a moment as he looked out at the water, and then I kissed him.
“Ugh, your lips are all sticky!”
“So?” I asked, raising an eyebrow in a challenge.
“Nothing,” he said with a grin, before pulling me into a kiss.
Paul leaned back into the sand as we continued to kiss. The feel of his stubble against my shaven face brought a comfort that I had been missing.
“I love you so much,” he said, running a hand along my cheek.
“I love you too.”
“I miss him,” I told Jessica as we walked around campus drinking frozen coffees. “I miss him so much.”
“I know it’s not the same, but I miss him too. He misses you too, I’m sure.”
“He does.”
I turned and stared in disbelief for a moment. “Paul?”
“I couldn’t stand being away from you, so I reorganized my finals so I could get here before your final were done.”
“Paul,” I said, before I broke down crying, and handed Jessica my drink so I could hug Paul.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he whispered, and I knew he was crying too.
Paul’s hand tightened around the back of my head as his fingers entwined with my hair. I hugged him as hard as I could.
“I love you,” I said.
“I love you too.”
I pulled away and kissed him. I closed my eyes and allowed our lips to do the making up.
“So what are you crazy kids up to?” Paul asked after hugging Jessica.
“Just going on a walk,” Jess said. “Care to join?”
I took his hand in my mine before he could respond.
“I don’t think I have a choice,” Paul said.
“So how did your finals go?” I asked as we began walking.
“I think I did okay. I wouldn’t allow myself to think about you until I was on the plane. Then you were all I could think of.”
“How many finals did you have today Jess?”
“Just one.”
Paul stopped and quickly kissed my lips, then began walking again.
“And how many tomorrow?” he asked.
“Two.”
I couldn’t help but smile. I had missed him so much, and it felt so good, so right, to be here with him. And of course, his random kisses had always made me smile.
[Time Lapse]
The chapel was decorated in different types of flowers and was full of our family and friends. A preacher stood at the front.
“We are gathered here today to unite these two men in matrimony. They stand before you today, wanting you all to bear witness as they become united as one. If anyone has any objections as to why these should not marry, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
I grinned at Paul, and noticed he seemed nervous. I turned, following his gaze, and saw his father. I turned back.
“He loves you, he wants you happy,” I whispered, squeezing his hands.
“The rings?”
Paul’s young cousin, Shawn, came to stand by us.
“Repeat after me: I, Thomas James Parkers, take thee Paul, to be my lawfully wedded husband.”
“I, Thomas James Parkers. . .” I repeated what the minister said.
“I, Paul Ethan Kearny, take thee Thomas. . .”
“To have and to hold from this day forward. . .”
“For better, for worse. . .”
“For richer, for poorer. . .”
“In sickness and in health. . .”
“To love and to cherish till death do us part. . .”
“I now pronounce you married.”
“I love you,” I said, before we shared our first kiss.
“I’d like to make a toast,” Jess said. “Tom, you’ve been my best friend since, pretty much forever. I love you as if you were my big brother, which is why I always hoped I could be here, witnessing you getting married. Paul is an amazing man and perfect for you. And, I’m glad you two were able to have a real wedding. Congratulations guys.”
“Paul, you’re taking my baby away,” my mother said.
Many people laughed.
“As a mother, you always want the best for your child. No matter how old they get they’ll always be your baby. No parent ever expects their child to say they’re gay. However, I have never once been ashamed of my son. He’s a passionate, strong, intelligent, talented young man. If I have to part with him, I’m glad he’s leaving me for Paul. Paul, you are the type of young man all mother’s want to see their children with. I am very proud I get to have you as a son-in-law.”
I heard Paul inhale. I followed his gaze and saw his dad standing. I squeezed his hand.
“While Carolyn was alive, I didn’t notice how much I was pushing Paul away. She would always tell me how he was. As she was dying, she said she wanted Paul and I to make up. I began at first for her. Then I realized I didn’t want to lose my son. Paul, I’m not ashamed of you. I think you’re a wonderful young man. You should be happy with who you are. I love you.”
I looked over at Paul who had begun crying. I pulled him close to me.
“I love you baby,” I whispered.
We went on a cruise for our honeymoon. I found Paul looking over the evening ocean, his hands gripping the railing. I stood behind him, wrapped my arms around him, and rested my chin against his shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
Paul sighed.
“I’m sorry. We’re on our honeymoon and I’ve already started being distant. Wow, I’m a horrible husband.”
“Don’t you start with that kind of talk. Just tell me what’s wrong.”
“This feels wrong.”
“What? Us?”
I couldn’t help but to begin panicking.
“No. I’m sorry that came out wrong.”
Paul grabbed my arms where they crossed his chest. I planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Don’t worry, I don’t regret us in the least. I meant my mom not being at our wedding. I always thought she would be there. It’s not fair.”
“I know sweetheart.”
I nuzzled his neck, hoping some how my affection for him could alleviate a bit of his pain.
“Why couldn’t it have been my dad?”
“Paul!”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just a bit bitter right now. I’m sorry, I really do want to be enjoying myself.”
“First of all, I understand you were closer to your mom. But honey, you and your dad have come a long way. He will accept you, I promise.”
Paul turned, so I dropped my arms to his waist.
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you too,” I said, before kissing him. “Okay, now I think I know what will make you feel better.”
“What’s that?”
“Follow me,” I said, grinning.
I put a DVD in the player. I sat on the bed, and held my arms out for Paul. He sat down beside me and I wrapped my arms around him. I pushed “play” on the remote.
“Glitter!” Paul exclaimed as the movie began.
He cuddled closer to me.
By the end of the movie, Paul was in tears.
“I love that movie,” he said.
“I know.”
“It’s the perfect cure for any ailment. You’re right.”
“About?”
“It’s better to have had a close relationship with your mom and have her die too soon, than to have a relationship like Billie did.”
“Here’s a secret: I just played it because it’s your favorite.”
Paul laughed.
“I’m glad it worked. I love you so much.”
“I love you too. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
[Time Lapse]
“Come to bed baby,” Paul urged around a quarter to two in the morning.
“Soon. I just want to finish this up,” I said without looking up from my laptop as I finished typing my sentence.
“Then I’ll stay up with you,” Paul said, sitting next to me on the couch.
“You don’t have to. You can go to bed.”
“I’d prefer sleeping with you.”
I smiled. We watched as a commercial for Army Wives played, illustrating a marriage falling apart.
“Honey, promise me we’ll never get to that,” I said.
“I promise,” Paul said, kissing the top of my head. “I once promised to break my skull if I ever broke your heart. I still mean to keep that promise. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I said as I kissed him.
“So what are we watching?”
“An old episode of Medium that I taped off the TV last year.”
“You and your weird shows,” Paul said.
“It’s good. ”
“What are you working on?”
“Something for work.”
I hit the period and saved the document. As the computer shut down, I closed the lid.
“Done,” I said.
Paul picked up my hand, and interlocked our fingers. I couldn’t help but smile as my finger brushed his wedding ring. I laughed as Paul jumped due to the action on the screen.
“I am waking you up if I have a nightmare,” Paul said.
“I’ll take responsibility,” I said, with a smirk.
I felt a little bad for laughing at him, so I kissed his cheek. After nuzzling his cheekbone, I leaned against the arm of the couch. I held out my arms so he could lay on top me, resting his head under my chin. I wrapped my arms around him.
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from all of Allison’s ghosts,” I whispered.
“You’d better. It’s in the guide to how to be a husband.”
I didn’t recall falling asleep, but I must have because I woke up. I reached over and turned off the television then the light. I was too comfortable to move to bed. Besides, I had Paul in my arms and that was the only thing I needed to sleep peacefully.
[Time Lapse]
“Here you go. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Paul handed me a small, red gift bag. I pulled out a chocolate bar. Wrapped around it was a piece of notebook paper. I carefully untaped it.
My love, I have known you for almost three years. We have been through so much. If I have forgotten, I want to thank you now for being so awesome about my mom’s death. I know you’ll brush it off as no big deal, but it means so much to me that you let me crash with you, that you came to the funeral with me, that you met my father. You are simply adorable. I am totally stunned by you; you completely amaze me every day. I admire you more than you will ever know. You are confident with who you are, and because of that very few things can get to you. You are almost a superhuman. They say you never know how strong someone is until you see them at their weakest moment. But with you, I know how strong you are, because I know how weak you could be. What I mean is, I know how an average person, including myself, would act, and I see the difference.
“Honey, you’re not average,” I said, looking up from the note.
“Keep reading,” Paul said, but I could tell he was pleased I felt that way.
Our relationship has not been easy, and I doubt it ever will be. But to have a relationship with you, that’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done. Whenever I’m unsure about something, knowing I have your support makes it easier to deal with it. You make everything worth it. You make life worth it. You are the order in an otherwise disorganized world. You make me happier than you’ll ever know. I love you so much. Happy Valentine’s Day love. Hugs, kisses, and all my love, Paul.
I could feel myself starting to tear up as we hugged.
“I love you so much,” I whispered.
We pulled part to kiss.
“Hey you, stop crying, or I’ll start,” Paul said, before returning to kissing me.
“Here’s my valentine for you.” I first handed him a card which I had made by photocopying a rose between two sheets of acetate.
“Dear Paul,” he read aloud. “I met you at the right time, and I’ll be forever thankful for that. If I had met you while I was dating Kevin, or right after we broke up, I would not be able to appreciate this gem before me. I love you always, Tom.”
“Here’s part two.” I handed him a bouquet of roses. Each was a different color and had a note tied to it. “Each note is a memory I have with you. Even as the flowers die, you’ll always have the memories.”
“We,” Paul corrected, pulling me into a long kiss.
[Time Lapse]
I stretched my arms above my head, then ran my hands over my face. I didn’t want to have to open my eyes and look back at the computer screen. A phone rang, and it took me a second to realize it was my cell.
“Hello?” I answered, stifling a yawn.
“Hey honey, how’s it going?”
“Paul! It’s so good to hear your voice.”
“Long day?”
“Mmm-hmm. But I get to come home as soon as I finish this project.”
“Big hold up?”
“There’s some calculations that aren’t adding up and I can’t figure out why.”
“I wish I could help you out and tell you the solution.”
“I wish you could too.” I paused to yawn. “Sorry. I miss you.”
“I love you even though you’re a workaholic, you know that, right?”
“Yes. I promise, I’m coming home soon.”
“I should let you get back to work. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I hung up my phone and sighed.
“Alright, what’s the answer?” I asked the screen.
I went over the data once more, and realized the answer. I recomputed everything with the new information. Then I forwarded the data to my boss, and saved myself a copy. Turning off the computer, I gathered my belongings and shut the door of my office and locked it.
“I’m home!” I called as I walked into our house.
I was greeted by Sebastian and Brikemity.
“Hey babies,” I said petting them. “Hi. Did you miss me?”
“Yes.”
I looked up and saw Paul standing above us smiling. I stood up and hugged him.
“I’m just going to fall asleep here,” I said, my head resting on his shoulder.
“Not yet. I have big news for you.”
“Tell me over dinner. That’ll help wake me up.”
Paul served the Tuna Noodle Casserole and peas.
“So what’s this big news? You seem excited.”
“I didn’t want to get your hopes up, but I’ve been talking with the bank and some other people, and I’m all set to open my own restaurant.”
“Oh my gosh! Paul that’s great! I wish you had told me sooner, but that’s great!”
“I know, I wanted to tell you, but I also wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a dream. You knew that part already.”
I got up and kissed him.
“Okay, now I have an offer for you. You’re in no rush to do anything with it yet. Just think about it. I’d love if you could handle all the business stuff with the restaurant.”
“Of course! Honey, I’d do anything for you.”
“Really? I feel bad asking since you already have a job.”
“I’ll tell you what. In the beginning I’ll do part time work for you; I’ll find a way to juggle it all. When you’ve got a steady business going, I’ll quit my current job and switch over to work for you.”
“Thank you. I love you so much.”
“I love you more,” I said, kissing him.
[Time Lapse]
It was a hot summer day.
“Let’s go get some ice cream,” Paul suggested, jumping up in excitement.
“Okay,” I said, laughing, not sure why he was so excited.
We wound up on a beach, ice cream dripping from our cones.
“This is my favorite beach,” Paul said.
“I can see why.”
The view was breathtaking.
“I like it even better because I can share it with you.”
I looked over, and Paul was smiling his perfect smile. I leaned over and kissed it.
“Eat your ice cream before it melts,” Paul said.
“Do you remember our second date?” I asked.
“Hot dogs and ice cream. And trying not to lose myself in your eyes.”
“You’re allowed to do that now.”
“No. I need to eat my ice cream first, otherwise I’ll never finish it.”
“Well, I meant more in the relationship.”
“Either way,” Paul said with a shrug. “Did you know I almost didn’t come up to you that day?”
“The day we met?”
“Yeah. I had watched from afar for a bit, debating if I wanted to take my chances of talking with that cute boy.”
“I’m glad you decided to.”
“Me too.”
I finished off my cone and turned to Paul who had finished his. I watched him for a moment as he looked out at the water, and then I kissed him.
“Ugh, your lips are all sticky!”
“So?” I asked, raising an eyebrow in a challenge.
“Nothing,” he said with a grin, before pulling me into a kiss.
Paul leaned back into the sand as we continued to kiss. The feel of his stubble against my shaven face brought a comfort that I had been missing.
“I love you so much,” he said, running a hand along my cheek.
“I love you too.”
“I miss him,” I told Jessica as we walked around campus drinking frozen coffees. “I miss him so much.”
“I know it’s not the same, but I miss him too. He misses you too, I’m sure.”
“He does.”
I turned and stared in disbelief for a moment. “Paul?”
“I couldn’t stand being away from you, so I reorganized my finals so I could get here before your final were done.”
“Paul,” I said, before I broke down crying, and handed Jessica my drink so I could hug Paul.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he whispered, and I knew he was crying too.
Paul’s hand tightened around the back of my head as his fingers entwined with my hair. I hugged him as hard as I could.
“I love you,” I said.
“I love you too.”
I pulled away and kissed him. I closed my eyes and allowed our lips to do the making up.
“So what are you crazy kids up to?” Paul asked after hugging Jessica.
“Just going on a walk,” Jess said. “Care to join?”
I took his hand in my mine before he could respond.
“I don’t think I have a choice,” Paul said.
“So how did your finals go?” I asked as we began walking.
“I think I did okay. I wouldn’t allow myself to think about you until I was on the plane. Then you were all I could think of.”
“How many finals did you have today Jess?”
“Just one.”
Paul stopped and quickly kissed my lips, then began walking again.
“And how many tomorrow?” he asked.
“Two.”
I couldn’t help but smile. I had missed him so much, and it felt so good, so right, to be here with him. And of course, his random kisses had always made me smile.
[Time Lapse]
The chapel was decorated in different types of flowers and was full of our family and friends. A preacher stood at the front.
“We are gathered here today to unite these two men in matrimony. They stand before you today, wanting you all to bear witness as they become united as one. If anyone has any objections as to why these should not marry, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
I grinned at Paul, and noticed he seemed nervous. I turned, following his gaze, and saw his father. I turned back.
“He loves you, he wants you happy,” I whispered, squeezing his hands.
“The rings?”
Paul’s young cousin, Shawn, came to stand by us.
“Repeat after me: I, Thomas James Parkers, take thee Paul, to be my lawfully wedded husband.”
“I, Thomas James Parkers. . .” I repeated what the minister said.
“I, Paul Ethan Kearny, take thee Thomas. . .”
“To have and to hold from this day forward. . .”
“For better, for worse. . .”
“For richer, for poorer. . .”
“In sickness and in health. . .”
“To love and to cherish till death do us part. . .”
“I now pronounce you married.”
“I love you,” I said, before we shared our first kiss.
“I’d like to make a toast,” Jess said. “Tom, you’ve been my best friend since, pretty much forever. I love you as if you were my big brother, which is why I always hoped I could be here, witnessing you getting married. Paul is an amazing man and perfect for you. And, I’m glad you two were able to have a real wedding. Congratulations guys.”
“Paul, you’re taking my baby away,” my mother said.
Many people laughed.
“As a mother, you always want the best for your child. No matter how old they get they’ll always be your baby. No parent ever expects their child to say they’re gay. However, I have never once been ashamed of my son. He’s a passionate, strong, intelligent, talented young man. If I have to part with him, I’m glad he’s leaving me for Paul. Paul, you are the type of young man all mother’s want to see their children with. I am very proud I get to have you as a son-in-law.”
I heard Paul inhale. I followed his gaze and saw his dad standing. I squeezed his hand.
“While Carolyn was alive, I didn’t notice how much I was pushing Paul away. She would always tell me how he was. As she was dying, she said she wanted Paul and I to make up. I began at first for her. Then I realized I didn’t want to lose my son. Paul, I’m not ashamed of you. I think you’re a wonderful young man. You should be happy with who you are. I love you.”
I looked over at Paul who had begun crying. I pulled him close to me.
“I love you baby,” I whispered.
We went on a cruise for our honeymoon. I found Paul looking over the evening ocean, his hands gripping the railing. I stood behind him, wrapped my arms around him, and rested my chin against his shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
Paul sighed.
“I’m sorry. We’re on our honeymoon and I’ve already started being distant. Wow, I’m a horrible husband.”
“Don’t you start with that kind of talk. Just tell me what’s wrong.”
“This feels wrong.”
“What? Us?”
I couldn’t help but to begin panicking.
“No. I’m sorry that came out wrong.”
Paul grabbed my arms where they crossed his chest. I planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Don’t worry, I don’t regret us in the least. I meant my mom not being at our wedding. I always thought she would be there. It’s not fair.”
“I know sweetheart.”
I nuzzled his neck, hoping some how my affection for him could alleviate a bit of his pain.
“Why couldn’t it have been my dad?”
“Paul!”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just a bit bitter right now. I’m sorry, I really do want to be enjoying myself.”
“First of all, I understand you were closer to your mom. But honey, you and your dad have come a long way. He will accept you, I promise.”
Paul turned, so I dropped my arms to his waist.
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you too,” I said, before kissing him. “Okay, now I think I know what will make you feel better.”
“What’s that?”
“Follow me,” I said, grinning.
I put a DVD in the player. I sat on the bed, and held my arms out for Paul. He sat down beside me and I wrapped my arms around him. I pushed “play” on the remote.
“Glitter!” Paul exclaimed as the movie began.
He cuddled closer to me.
By the end of the movie, Paul was in tears.
“I love that movie,” he said.
“I know.”
“It’s the perfect cure for any ailment. You’re right.”
“About?”
“It’s better to have had a close relationship with your mom and have her die too soon, than to have a relationship like Billie did.”
“Here’s a secret: I just played it because it’s your favorite.”
Paul laughed.
“I’m glad it worked. I love you so much.”
“I love you too. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
[Time Lapse]
“Come to bed baby,” Paul urged around a quarter to two in the morning.
“Soon. I just want to finish this up,” I said without looking up from my laptop as I finished typing my sentence.
“Then I’ll stay up with you,” Paul said, sitting next to me on the couch.
“You don’t have to. You can go to bed.”
“I’d prefer sleeping with you.”
I smiled. We watched as a commercial for Army Wives played, illustrating a marriage falling apart.
“Honey, promise me we’ll never get to that,” I said.
“I promise,” Paul said, kissing the top of my head. “I once promised to break my skull if I ever broke your heart. I still mean to keep that promise. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I said as I kissed him.
“So what are we watching?”
“An old episode of Medium that I taped off the TV last year.”
“You and your weird shows,” Paul said.
“It’s good. ”
“What are you working on?”
“Something for work.”
I hit the period and saved the document. As the computer shut down, I closed the lid.
“Done,” I said.
Paul picked up my hand, and interlocked our fingers. I couldn’t help but smile as my finger brushed his wedding ring. I laughed as Paul jumped due to the action on the screen.
“I am waking you up if I have a nightmare,” Paul said.
“I’ll take responsibility,” I said, with a smirk.
I felt a little bad for laughing at him, so I kissed his cheek. After nuzzling his cheekbone, I leaned against the arm of the couch. I held out my arms so he could lay on top me, resting his head under my chin. I wrapped my arms around him.
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from all of Allison’s ghosts,” I whispered.
“You’d better. It’s in the guide to how to be a husband.”
I didn’t recall falling asleep, but I must have because I woke up. I reached over and turned off the television then the light. I was too comfortable to move to bed. Besides, I had Paul in my arms and that was the only thing I needed to sleep peacefully.
[Time Lapse]
“Here you go. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Paul handed me a small, red gift bag. I pulled out a chocolate bar. Wrapped around it was a piece of notebook paper. I carefully untaped it.
My love, I have known you for almost three years. We have been through so much. If I have forgotten, I want to thank you now for being so awesome about my mom’s death. I know you’ll brush it off as no big deal, but it means so much to me that you let me crash with you, that you came to the funeral with me, that you met my father. You are simply adorable. I am totally stunned by you; you completely amaze me every day. I admire you more than you will ever know. You are confident with who you are, and because of that very few things can get to you. You are almost a superhuman. They say you never know how strong someone is until you see them at their weakest moment. But with you, I know how strong you are, because I know how weak you could be. What I mean is, I know how an average person, including myself, would act, and I see the difference.
“Honey, you’re not average,” I said, looking up from the note.
“Keep reading,” Paul said, but I could tell he was pleased I felt that way.
Our relationship has not been easy, and I doubt it ever will be. But to have a relationship with you, that’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done. Whenever I’m unsure about something, knowing I have your support makes it easier to deal with it. You make everything worth it. You make life worth it. You are the order in an otherwise disorganized world. You make me happier than you’ll ever know. I love you so much. Happy Valentine’s Day love. Hugs, kisses, and all my love, Paul.
I could feel myself starting to tear up as we hugged.
“I love you so much,” I whispered.
We pulled part to kiss.
“Hey you, stop crying, or I’ll start,” Paul said, before returning to kissing me.
“Here’s my valentine for you.” I first handed him a card which I had made by photocopying a rose between two sheets of acetate.
“Dear Paul,” he read aloud. “I met you at the right time, and I’ll be forever thankful for that. If I had met you while I was dating Kevin, or right after we broke up, I would not be able to appreciate this gem before me. I love you always, Tom.”
“Here’s part two.” I handed him a bouquet of roses. Each was a different color and had a note tied to it. “Each note is a memory I have with you. Even as the flowers die, you’ll always have the memories.”
“We,” Paul corrected, pulling me into a long kiss.
[Time Lapse]
I stretched my arms above my head, then ran my hands over my face. I didn’t want to have to open my eyes and look back at the computer screen. A phone rang, and it took me a second to realize it was my cell.
“Hello?” I answered, stifling a yawn.
“Hey honey, how’s it going?”
“Paul! It’s so good to hear your voice.”
“Long day?”
“Mmm-hmm. But I get to come home as soon as I finish this project.”
“Big hold up?”
“There’s some calculations that aren’t adding up and I can’t figure out why.”
“I wish I could help you out and tell you the solution.”
“I wish you could too.” I paused to yawn. “Sorry. I miss you.”
“I love you even though you’re a workaholic, you know that, right?”
“Yes. I promise, I’m coming home soon.”
“I should let you get back to work. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I hung up my phone and sighed.
“Alright, what’s the answer?” I asked the screen.
I went over the data once more, and realized the answer. I recomputed everything with the new information. Then I forwarded the data to my boss, and saved myself a copy. Turning off the computer, I gathered my belongings and shut the door of my office and locked it.
“I’m home!” I called as I walked into our house.
I was greeted by Sebastian and Brikemity.
“Hey babies,” I said petting them. “Hi. Did you miss me?”
“Yes.”
I looked up and saw Paul standing above us smiling. I stood up and hugged him.
“I’m just going to fall asleep here,” I said, my head resting on his shoulder.
“Not yet. I have big news for you.”
“Tell me over dinner. That’ll help wake me up.”
Paul served the Tuna Noodle Casserole and peas.
“So what’s this big news? You seem excited.”
“I didn’t want to get your hopes up, but I’ve been talking with the bank and some other people, and I’m all set to open my own restaurant.”
“Oh my gosh! Paul that’s great! I wish you had told me sooner, but that’s great!”
“I know, I wanted to tell you, but I also wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a dream. You knew that part already.”
I got up and kissed him.
“Okay, now I have an offer for you. You’re in no rush to do anything with it yet. Just think about it. I’d love if you could handle all the business stuff with the restaurant.”
“Of course! Honey, I’d do anything for you.”
“Really? I feel bad asking since you already have a job.”
“I’ll tell you what. In the beginning I’ll do part time work for you; I’ll find a way to juggle it all. When you’ve got a steady business going, I’ll quit my current job and switch over to work for you.”
“Thank you. I love you so much.”
“I love you more,” I said, kissing him.