Oh, sweetheart. Good for you.
Julie
You’re not upset?
Mom
Upset? I’m relieved! Your father and I have been worried sick about his behavior. It’s unacceptable. I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself. How are you and Nick?
She turns her head toward me, smiling. “My parents adore you.”
I snuggle into her neck, kissing the softness of her skin. “I adore them.”
Julie
We’re great!
Mom
I like him. Seems as if you two really hit it off.
Julie
Thanks, Mom!
Mom
I’m serious. I’ve never seen you so happy. Hope you’re having the best time.
Julie
I am. It’s been incredible.
Julie tilts her head and looks at me, aware that I can read everything. “Guess they don’t need any convincing.”
“Do you?” I ask.
“No,” she says, setting her phone down, then completely turning toward me until we’re face-to-face. “Whatever happens on Halloween, know that I will always cherish this time with you.”
“I will too. It’s been the best autumn of my life.” I kiss her, wanting her to know.
She smiles against my lips. “Want to watchDumb and Dumber? I could use some ridiculousness.”
“If you asked me to watch grass grow with you, I would.”
She twists around, pressing her ass against my cock. Our bodies mold together as she reaches for the remote, then clicks on the movie. I wrap my arm around her, holding her, smelling her, appreciating how she fits in my arms, wanting this moment to last a lifetime.
The coffee shopglows in the darkness. It’s the only business still lit on the block as tourists roam the streets in Halloween costumes. Not being dressed up makes me an outlier. Music and laughter drift from the festival, which is packed for a Wednesday night. There is no parking as far as the eye can see.
Through the large walls of windows of Cozy Coffee, I see Blaire and Tracy behind the counter, finishing their closing duties.
I push through the front door, and the bell chimes, announcing my arrival.
Three hours ago, I walked Julie to Cozy Coffee so she could start counting her inventory. She told me she’d be finished around closing time. While she was doing that, I had a very long discussion with Asher. It was productive.
“Sorry, we’re closed,” Tracy says, and then she realizes it’s me. “Hey, Nick! Julie’s in the office. You can go back there, but can you lock the door for me first?”
“Hi. Sure,” I say, doing what she asked.
